Phase 3 · Preparing the Speaker and Program
Corporate Book Purchases and Book-Signing Logistics
If you want to give attendees the speaker's book, plan the order and any signing while arranging the engagement. Books are normally an additional expense. These are the useful planning numbers:
- Order at least two weeks before the event. That is the practical minimum; more lead time is preferable.
- Inventory can usually be checked the day you ask. Place the order promptly once availability is confirmed.
- Around 20 books can often be signed privately at the event. A larger quantity usually calls for a live signing.
Decide how to buy the books
The Mollie Plotkin Group can coordinate a corporate order through its Bulk Books partnership or the speaker's publisher. Bulk pricing can often be substantially lower than buying the same quantity from Amazon or through ordinary retail channels, but the price depends on the particular order. We can place the order and be reimbursed by your organization, or your team can order directly if it prefers.
Tell us the title and quantity you have in mind while the speaker's engagement is being arranged. The expected book order can be addressed in the agreement, and books should not be assumed to come with the keynote.
Confirm inventory and order promptly
Inventory can usually be checked the day you ask. Once it is confirmed, move ahead with the order as soon as possible. Waiting can leave too little time for shipping or put the quantity you need at risk of selling out. The available stock, price and any discount still need to be confirmed for your order.
Choose a signing that fits the number of books
If you have approximately 20 copies, the speaker can often arrive early and sign them privately. For a larger number, a live signing is generally more realistic than asking the speaker to sign every copy in advance. At a live signing, attendees bring or receive their books and approach the speaker one at a time.
For that setup, arrange a table, tablecloth and several reliable pens or markers. If there are many books, have the onsite team help move them to the signing area. Confirm that handoff with the speaker's onsite contact.
A signing also takes the speaker's time. Whether it changes the fee depends mainly on how long the speaker will need to stay and how many people may join the line. An audience-wide signing is more likely to affect the fee than signing a few copies for leadership. Raise the plan before the agreements are finalized so the speaker can consider it as part of the full appearance. Q&A, Photo Ops and Additional Appearance Requests covers other requests for the speaker's time.