Wiley Uses SKYPE for Author Book Signing

Posted on April 22, 2009

Publisher John Wiley is thinking outside the box when it comes to book signings. The company used Skype to hold a virtual booksigning. Wiley used Skype to allow Mark White to appear and give a talk to a live audience in a Cincinnati bookstore from his home in New Jersey. White is promoting his new book, Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test.

Wiley director of events P.J. Campbell said the event used computers, cameras and microphones set up in White's home and at the bookstore. White's image was projected on a screen and, thanks to the SKYPE hookup, the author was able to discuss Watchmen and Philosophy, which examines philosophical questions in Alan Moore�s acclaimed graphic novel, and respond to questions from the audience at the bookstore in Cincinnati just like a typical bookstore event. The event was cosponsored with Clifton Comics and Games, a local comics shop.

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Michael Link, publisher relations and events manager at Joseph-Beth, said the store was pleased with the event (they sold about 25 copies of White's book) and planned another SKYPE event in June.

Organizers said that curious customers stopped by and stayed to listen to White as he spoke to the crowd. We think using SKYPE for booksignings will become commonplace, because it cuts down on book tour costs. But fans still want to meet authors in person.



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