Most authors think social media is the only way to sell books.

But building a following takes months or even years before seeing real sales. I discovered this after publishing my Halloween poetry book, The Haunted Wardrobe, filled with haunted stories in verse. That's why I decided to try something different - hosting my own book signing event.

Little did I know that creating the event would be the easy part.

Finding a venue doesn't have to cost a lot.

I discovered a local coffee shop that offered free event space as long as it remained open to regular customers. I set a no-brainer price of $15 that included a signed book, poetry reading, and free drink. Then I created events on LinkedIn and Facebook, inviting everyone in my city.

The hard part was waiting to see if anyone would show up.

The first hour felt like a complete failure.

Only one person arrived, creating an awkward atmosphere that tested my resolve. I stayed committed, remembering this was my choice and I would see it through. Then, just as I began reading, three more people rushed in from work.

Sometimes success looks different than we imagine.

Your first book signing might not go as planned.

I learned to schedule events later in the evening and avoid Fridays when people are tired from work. The turnout might be smaller than expected, and that's okay. Whether two people show up or twenty, it's all content you can share.

Because in the end, hosting a "failed" book signing is better than never hosting one at all.