Book Signing--What to Wear? - YouLookFab Forum

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Book Signing--What to Wear?

Sarah Baker

(website)

I have been invited to sign copis of my book at this year's San Francisco Silent Film Festival. I have agreed to go but am terrified to go through with it for several reasons:

--I have to leave my 3 year old daughter behind, as silent film festivals, book signings, and toddlers don't really mix;
--What if no one buys my book or just shows up to throw rotten tomatoes?;
--I have never been to SF and have no idea how to get around it by myself;
--I have no idea what to wear.

Any advice is welcome, from assuaging the guilt at leaving my daughter for a day or two to what to wear. I am scheduled to sign at 7:30 on a Friday night, if that helps.

Thanks in advance.

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Congratulations!

For the signing, I would probably go with business casual- taking into account that you will probably be sitting a lot, so something that won't wrinkle.

I'm sure that nobody is going to throw rotten tomatoes!

tarzy

Veteran

Sarah - congratulations! How super fantastic exciting! As a fellow writer, I dream of the day I have a book signing. Laura, from the forum, had a book signing a while back. Hopefully she will chime in with suggestions.

Personally, I think you should wear whatever makes you feel fantastic and comfortable. Are you artsy? Bohemian? Intellectual? Sexy? Romantic? You can not go wrong, whatever you wear. Have fun and be yourself. You've done the hard part by writing the book - now's the time to enjoy it!

No one will throw tomatoes! Anyone who shows up wants to be there, and will be interested in learning about you and your book. I"m so excited for you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I want to know more about you book first! Wooohoo! Fabulous.

Sarah Baker

(website)

Thanks for asking, Angie. Here's a link to my book on my website:
http://www.sarahbaker.org/luckystars.html

It's a biography of two silent film stars, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.

It's true I did a lot of hard work on the book but it's hard--very hard--for me to take my career seriously. I don't make a lot of money from it so I find it hard to justify leaving my daughter for any period of time to flog the book.

So yes, please keep the advice coming.

tarzy

Veteran

It's very hard for writers to make money from books, short of a best-seller on the NYT. I'm sure you know this. Please celebrate the fact that you've accomplished something amazing. You wrote a book. You got published. Not easy to do. Whether you make money at something isn't always the point. (I've been working on a book for the last two years and feel like giving up every single day. You didn't!)

If you ever come to Los Angeles I will attend your book signing and cheer!

Debbie

Veteran

I know it is hard to leave your daughter but look at it this way. What you accomplish is a legacy to her. You have done something not many people can acclaim to have done. You had a book published and now an organization that celebrates silent films has asked you to to do a signing.You should be very proud of your accomplishment and know if your daughter was older she would want you to go.
As as far as what to wear . I say be comfortable. You will be sitting a lot so nothing you have to fuss with.

Off my soapbox for today.

Rosie

Veteran

So exciting! I'm listening to a boring webinar right now but will respond more later. PLEASE let me know when the signing is and if I'm here I will DEFINITELY show up and we'll go to dinner!!

When it is will also impact your outfit.

Feel free to PM me with details so I can help you best.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Sarah- congratulations on such a great accomplishment.
I'd check the weather before you come but typically SF is not warm. Often overcast and cool. Bring things to layer.
As far as getting around in SF... are you renting a car or relying on public transit? Either way I'd go on line and do some research and plan my routes ahead of time. Google maps if you're renting a car and the public transport website if you're going that route.

this website might be of help to you...
http://www.sftravel.com/bus.html

Sarah Baker

(website)

Thanks everyone for your words of kindness and encouragement. Hanging around these forums is a huge ego boost, LOL!

Queenie--I had planned to find a hotel near the Castro Theatre and walk as I really don't want to drive around SF and fight for parking spaces.

Rosie--the signing is at 7:30pm on July 16th. You are so kind to offer to stop by and possibly do dinner! Thank you!

Rosie

Veteran

OK, I'm free that night - it will be fun! Maybe some other ladies will join.

Are you just in town for that one night? Staying in the Castro will be interesting, for sure, and a good SF experience. Maybe the organizers have some suggestions on places to stay nearby?

Sometimes mid-July can be nice and warm, other times foggy and cool. I would wear something comfortable yet expressive that you can layer. Like they say to do on a date, focus on a great upper half as you'll most likely be sitting at a table or something and that is what people will mostly see.

Queen Mum

Veteran

bummer- we will be in LA that week.. otherwise would love to come to your book signing.
sticking to walking is probably a good idea as parking can be a bear (and cost a fortune!) in SF

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What a marvellous achievement! Congratulations, Sarah!

Okay, back to the outfit. What do you feel good in right now?

Sarah Baker

(website)

Hey Angie, I feel most comfortable in a nice pair of jeans, high heeled sandals, a knit top and a jacket. But I am working on feeling more comfortable in skirts and dresses.

motherofms

I don't have any advice on what to wear. I think Angie and others will get you on track. I just wanted to say "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" What an accomplishment! Great job!

Steph

Veteran

Sarah, congrats on your book! I think that the outfit you described sounds perfect. But as tarzy said, you can really wear anything you want. I have seen people doing book signings in jeans, some in shorts, and some in suits! You're actually in a great situation because there are really no expectations and you can wear whatever makes you feel great!

AS for leaving your daughter, I'm not a mom, but I know my sister-in-law recently had to go on a trip for work for an entire week, leaving her three year old and one year old at home. It happens, and it's part of having a career. The three year old, although attached to her mother, was totally unphased by her mom being gone. My sister-in-law did leave her a little note with a riddle that led her to a hiding place, where there was a special gift for her. My niece got a note from my brother every morning and then found her gift. Maybe you could do something similar?

As for SF, I'm sure you'll get good recommendations from others who live in the city, but I have visited a few times and absolutely adore it. It's a great city and you should have a lot of fun. Definitely don't be nervous about traveling alone--it's a great way to explore and see the things you want to! I would suggest going to tripadvisor.com and clicking on their forums for San Francisco. If you post questions you have you will get fantastic answers from locals.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Congratulations on the book! Just a quick thought to reassure you about your DD. I don't think it's any bad thing to leave your DD for a few nights. She is old enough to understand that you might be away and also for it to be a bit of an adventure, especially if you allow her to have her own feelings about it (whether excitement, worry or sadness) and explain that you'll still be in touch with her (you could say exactly when you're going to ring to speak to her etc) and exactly when you'll be back.

If you do some internet research you'll be able to start to get a feel for SF. You need to know where you're arriving, how to get from where you're arriving to where you're staying and then how to get from where you're staying to where the signing is. There are people you can ask direct about that (the hotel? the people organising the signing? the Silent Film Festival?) and you just need to trust yourself that you'll do ok!

Have fun!

ETA our two are 6 and 4 and I've regularly left them (3 times a year for up to 2-3 nights max at a time) with grandparents while I've been away working (DH works long hours so we need help). They would prefer me to stay, but know that it's part of our life at the moment. It's hard leaving them and it sometimes feels as if I should give up this part of my life but in the end if I gave up this particular work that I do they wouldn't be any better off - just worse off because I'm not following something that's important to me, which gives another message entirely if you see what I mean.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It sounds like the smart casual formula is the way to go, Sarah. That's precisely what you should wear :0)

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Oh How exciting!!!
I am so happy for you.
I wanted to share my experience with book signings. Every year I attend the Edinburgh book festival. The attire of the literary crowd is a bit humdrum compared to the theatrical crowd at the rest of the festival. I always wish someone had given tips to the writers. I only suggest that you have something on that is stylish and flattering. That would be enough to make you look sensational! I hope I have not offended any writers but it has been a consistent observation.
What you describe sounds perfect and congratulations on a huge accomplishment!

Sarah Baker

(website)

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for your good wishes and advice regarding my daughter. I actually went to UCLA for a week to do research for the book a year or so ago, and she did fine. I was the one crying in the middle of LAX because I couldn't get home fast enough to be with her. So maybe the problem isn't her, it's me.

Also thank you for the advice about traveling alone and to the SF fabbers who offered to come or meet me. There is a vague possibility my husband can come but if he can't I will be totally on my own, and it helps to have all this advice.

As far as fashion goes, I also have the white DVF sundress I purchased from mrsanniep, was thinking about wearing that but thought it might be a little too casual and cool (theaters are always so cold). So if there are viable alternatives or ways to punch up my dressy casual ensemble, I am open to them.

Also thanks to everyone for the career encouragement. It means a lot. I cried for 2 days after getting my first royalty check--it felt so humiliating to get paid so little for all my hard work. So I am really taking what you say to heart.

Love to you all!!!

crwilson

Veteran

Congratulations Sarah! That is so wonderful. Book signings, in my experience, don't have a dress code, so I think that you can definitely wear jeans and a shirt that makes you feel great.

As for leaving your daughter, I hear you. I'm leaving my 3 year old dd overnight (without my husband or me) for the first time this weekend, and I'm dreading it. What I've done is tried to make it into a fun event - we bought her a special suitcase (Dora, alas) that she picked out, we've been talking about slumber parties, and I've prepared her for what's going to happen. I know that she'll still be upset when I actually leave, but I'm hoping that she can have fun too. She is excited about packing her suitcase and going to her first "slumber party," so I'm hoping that will all help. In any case, leaving children is part of a career sometimes, and sometimes it's just necessary for our own sanity. So enjoy yourself in a great city and don't feel guilty! Kids are resilient.

Steph

Veteran

Sarah, I just thought of something else. If you are going to have a publicist or the press or anyone taking photos at this event, you might want to choose a top color that you find particularly flattering. You'll probably be sitting down behind a table, so your upper half will be what everyone sees and what is most prominent in photos. I would pay special attention to that. Also, if you wear a skirt make sure it is easy to sit in, since the table you sit at might be open underneath, and you don't want to feel like you're flashing the crowd. Regardless, it sounds like the smart casual outfit you mentioned would work really well, and I also think something like a DVF dress would be more than acceptable!

Debora

Veteran

Sarah, I just wanted to add my congratulations and to tell you how very impressed I am with your accomplishment. I hope the signing goes well for you and that you get to meet up with some of the SF ladies.

Frances

Sarah, I just saw this post. Congratulations on your book! I live in SF and no worries--nobody will throw tomatoes--they only do that to Ralph Nader here. The Castro is tremendous fun and near a major MUNI station and our lovely streetcar line. You will find it very walkable and the public transit very convenient. I would love to join you and Rosie for dinner if you'll have me and if your plans work out to accommodate that. Please keep me posted on how your plans are working out and don't hesitate to PM me if you have any SF-related questions I can help with. I really hope you'll be able to visit--I think this will be such a great opportunity and you'll meet so many interesting people at the Film Fest!

Refugee

Veteran

Oh Sarah, how exciting! (I peeked at your website, you are quite accomplished!) Not sure about what to wear (I'm sure you will be fab) and I've never been to SF even though it's on my list. Your daughter will be fine and so will you (it's good for both of you to have occasions to be apart).
The career thing, well, that's where I think I have something to contribute. You may not be making money but you have achieved something that most of us never get to experience in our jobs: you have created something original and permanent. You are, as Joseph Campbell said, following your bliss. These things are so much more important than money. Look at part of your payment for your work as a trip to an amazing city you've never been to, a chance to meet up with some fab YLFers, and the chance to hear the applause of your public. The people who will come to see you will be excited you are there. They will be looking at you as a celebrity and an authority on your subject matter. Go and enjoy every second of this trip. You absolutely deserve it.
Oh, we totally expect photos of the YLF meet up, but no pressure.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, I just wanted to send you huge congrats on your book, and have fun at the signing. Wear something interesting from the waist up, since that's what people will see (assuming you'll be seated, right?). Statement necklace, cute jacket, interesting detailing on the top. That sort of thing. I agree with Tara, celebrate your accomplishment!