Do I have to buy a book to talk to an author at a signing?

One of my readers just asked about book signing etiquette, and I think the answer is important enough that I want all of you to read it.

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BUY A BOOK WHEN YOU GO TO A MASS BOOK SIGNING OR AUTHOR EVENT.

Lots of people don't buy a book from every author at such events... or any books at all! It can cost a lot of money to attend, and the goal is to meet the authors and perhaps get a signature or a picture. Do they like it when you buy books? OF COURSE. They also like it when you've supported them by reading their ebooks or if you take the time to tell you that you've enjoyed their books.

Remember -- with the possible exception of Kylie Scott, authors are humans and also readers. WE don't buy every book we love in paperback, for fuck's sake. My house isn't big enough to hold them all, LOL. I would suggest that you bring a blank book or something to have each author sign, which makes a very nice souvenir of the event. It's that simple.

Oh, and one more thing -- if you see an author who doesn't have a line? Go say hello to them. Spend a couple minutes talking to them about their writing or the signing or what color the sky is, because it's awkward as hell to sit there and wait for nobody to talk to you and pretend as if you aren't dying a little inside.

Sitting alone at an author table sucks ass. It takes EVERYTHING we have to sit there and pretend that it's not scary as hell. It is scary, or it is for me. Be the person who says hi to everyone, authors and readers alike. Be the person who reaches out and makes another reader feel welcome. That is the best way to show good etiquette at a signing.

Pictured: Me, Kandace and the divine Hang Le at Love N. Vegas. Author events are about having fun - don't be afraid to roll with it!