signature lines

Signature lines are a very under-utilized promotion method.

I saw 150 signature lines (or lack thereof) in the recent drawing for Allison K Williams' 7 Drafts book.

Some were terrific, some had real problems, and a lot of you are NOT using them at all.

Here are some examples of good sig lines:

Our very own John Davis Frain

Here's a site for sore eyes: johndavisfrain.com

Why this works:

It's funny, it asks ONE thing: click on his website.


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Here's another that works well:

Amanda Hosch

MABEL OPAL PEAR AND THE RULES FOR SPYING, Capstone Young Readers

Fresh and entertaining. . . Hosch works humor and suspense into the story, along with appealingly quirky characters and intriguing spy communications that will leave armchair detectives hooked and happy. -BOOKLIST

On sale now at indies, big boxes, and online booksellers

amandahosch.com

Why this works:
It's got a concise review (Booklist) and tells you it's available.

It's a clear, concise call to action

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Here's one that defies that rule of concise:

April Michelle Davis

Lifetime Member, American Copy Editors Society

Virginia Chapter Coordinator, Editorial Freelancers Association

Contributing Member, Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network

Past-Chair, Mid- & South-Atlantic Chapter, American Society for Indexing

Executive Director, National Association of Independent Writers and Editors

But let me tell you I fell on this with glee.

I want to know a copy editor, or at least know how I can find one.

This is a good example for a signature line if you're offering expertise, not a product.

(A book is a product).


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Another good example

Kaye George, National Best-selling & Agatha-nominated mystery author~~

http://kayegeorge.com/~~

Sign up for my newsletter above (or on facebook)

Why this works:
It's concise and there's a clear call to action (sign up for my newsletter)


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And this is just great because it's hilarious: Writer of Wrongs!

The jpg for the books work because the titles are short.

"Award winning" instead of slathering on all the awards.

I'm reminded of a scene from the vastly underrated movie Boiler Room

The next drawing I run is going to ask for your email to have a signature line to qualify!