Anyone been to a book signing event?

[CoAntrim]

I'm going to a book signing event in a few weeks, Never been to one before so just trying to figure out how it all works before I go.

Anyone who has been to one before, Generally how long do you queue up before getting inside?

Is it better to show up early or just get there for the start time? How long before the start time do people generally arrive to queue up? (I already have the ticket)

Is it a case of them signing the book, having a quick picture with them then move along or do you have time to ask them a quick question?

Thanks.

I've been to loads.

Is it in a shop? If so it'll be open beforehand anyway, so you can get there when you like. People tend to sit down about 10 or 15 minutes beforehand. If it's a huge name then allow more time.

Usually people buy a book in the store which is signed that night but some people do bring a copy of an older book to be signed. That's fine!

There's usually a talk - the author's interviewed by someone, either from the store or maybe another author. Then there's a Q&A session. Then you queue up if you want a book signed and then that's it!

Who are you going to see?

Depends who it's by.

Sophie Kinsella -I queued for about 20 mins.
A.F Harrold - read to the children for a while then signed books. There were about 20 dc in total.
Korky Paul - we queued for about 5 mins and he spent ages talking to the dc.
Justin Fletcher - about 2 hours.

Francesca Simon- maybe 3 hours. She was lovely though and asked all the dc about their favourite Horrid Henry books and characters.

Julia Donaldson - 3.5 hours plus. But she was so lovely. And her husband was there singing with his guitar.

Other than A.F Harrold none of them did any kind of talk/q and A session, but they are children's authors.

@HollowTalk

I've been to loads.

Is it in a shop? If so it'll be open beforehand anyway, so you can get there when you like. People tend to sit down about 10 or 15 minutes beforehand. If it's a huge name then allow more time.

Usually people buy a book in the store which is signed that night but some people do bring a copy of an older book to be signed. That's fine!

There's usually a talk - the author's interviewed by someone, either from the store or maybe another author. Then there's a Q&A session. Then you queue up if you want a book signed and then that's it!

Who are you going to see?

It's a Waterstones event, The Author is David Walliams, My Nephews wanted to go to it so I'm taking them. They mention some possible queueing outdoors, It starts at 11am.

That will be popular, then. If you have a ticket you'll be fine, though, as they won't let anyone through without one. There's a cafe indoors - not sure why there should be queuing as the seats will be limited anyway.

Most of the ones I went to were at Waterstones. We queued for hours. I imagine DW will be very popular!