Famous writers respond to a debut author commenting on her failed book signing

Chelsea Banning is an author of a debut fantasy novel, Of Crowns and Legends, that follows King Arthur’s children during a time of war.

She is a librarian by day, and had been working on the novel for over 15 years.

She organized the first official book signing at an Ohio bookstore on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Almost 40 people responded they would come to the meeting. Only 2 appeared.

She tweeted about a low book signing turnout.

Only 2 people came to my author signing yesterday, so I was pretty bummed about it. Especially as 37 people responded "going" to the event. Kind of upset, honestly, and a little embarrassed.

— Chelsea Banning Author (@chelseabwrites) December 4, 2022

Imagine how surprised she was, when she read replies from well-known authors, including Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Jodie Picoult, and Stephen King.

They shared their experience with unsuccessful book signings.

💬 Join the club. I did a signing to which Nobody came, except a guy who wanted to buy some Scotch tape and thought I was the help. :) – Margaret Atwood

💬 Terry Pratchett and I did a signing in Manhattan for Good Omens that nobody came to at all. So you are two up on us. – Neil Gaiman

💬 At my first SALEM’S LOT signing, I had one customer. A fat kid who said, “Hey bud, do you know where there’s some Nazi books?” – Stephen King

💬 I have sat lonely at a signing table many times only to have someone approach…and ask me where the bathroom is. – Jodi Picoult

Full info: Famous writers open up about low turnout at their book signing events – NPR