Book signings are vital to market a successful book and reach readers. The shortage of bookstores to stock the amount of books published has led to stiff competition on shelves. There are numerous other places to hold a book signings.

With proper publicity and marketing, your signing can be much more successful than the average 12 books sold at the store. Even better, you will yield a larger amount of the profits.

Just like any book signing, the key is to collaborate with venues and networks to achieve your largest audience as possible. No matter the location, prepare for the event like a signing at a store.

Craft a press release, create a social network group or any other way you may connect with your audience for a signing. Connect with your market and distribute a press release for your book signing.

Below are seven locations we use to hold signings outside the bookstore.

1. Comedy Club - Partner with a local comedy club or comedian to hold a book signing. Pass out fliers before the show and ask the owner or comedian to give your book a plug after the show. If the show is humorous, the people may come out feeling good enough to purchase a book or two.

2. Art Gallery - Connect with an art gallery owner, photographer or other type of visual artist. Collaborate to hold an event at an art venue. Sell your books as one of the attractions of the event.

3. Bar /Lounge - Hold the book signing at a lounge / bar. However, the atmosphere should connect with your type of book and audience. If your readers attend bars or lounges, meet them at the lounge. Before you toast and sell books, speak to the owner to arrange a signing.

4. Virtual Signing - Take your signing online and direct to the consumer. Use UStream, Stickam or other free service to connect. Offer a book signing and arrange a time for readers to connect and meet. Set guidelines and a time limit to keep you on track. If you do not have a database, collaborate with another author or publisher.

5. House - Ask a friend or family member to hold a book signing at their home. Create a party theme hook for your book and have some fun. If no friends or family members can host, do it yourself and make sure they attend.

6. Vendors - Are there vendors that sell books on the street or at flea markets? Collaborate with the vendor to hold a book signing.

7. Library - The library is another low-key location to hold a book signing. Approach the librarian about rooms available to rent for events. Network with the librarian to distribute postcards and marketing materials.

No matter what, publicize your book signing event and market until you are sick in the stomach. Collaborate with owners and other authors /publishers to hold a signing and give some percentage or fee for the venue. The "fee" will vary depending on the venue and the relationship you have established.

If you collaborate with an author or artist in your niche, share cost and give a bundle discount to customers. Whatever the venue, the competition is less than the bookstore and gives your book a better chance to make the sale. You keep the larger profits.

For maximum exposure for your book party or event, supplement your efforts and hire a public relations or marketing firm to craft and distribute your press release.