If successful, the NJ Authors' network will increase sales for everyone who takes part, but I think the ones who already put themselves out there will benefit the most.  It’s great if you're doing okay by yourself, but you don't have to do it alone.  The reward for accepting a smaller role in a few NJ Authors’ Network events is potentially huge.  

The subtle, but vital, difference in the approach to multi-author signings is that you promote the event and the other writers as well as – and in the case of friends/family etc. instead of - yourself.  This makes it a lot easier for writers to get the same people to attend more than one signing.

Let's say you take part in a few multi-author events.  Sure, you have to share the limelight, but how many people will come to that signing, not even knowing that you exist, but leave with a signed copy of your book(s)?  Let’s not forget the potential press coverage.  From a 'name in the papers' point of view, local newspapers are more likely to take an interest in a well-attended multi-author event than one for a single, relatively unknown, writer.

Then there are the other authors.  Some of them will be promoters like you.  You'll hear about opportunities for signings that you'd otherwise never have known about.  There’s a good chance the audience will include members of local writing/reading groups, who came because one of their own was participating.  These are the kind of people you want to read your book, because if they like it, they'll promote it.  

My work has appeared in a short-story anthology.  Can I use the network to sell that?
By all means. Why not contact the other contributors? If they live in New Jersey, encourage them to sign up too.

Can I add my name to more than one county list?

You can add your name to as many 'county' folders as you like, but only do so if you intend to make yourself available there.  Please use this format: 

             Your HOME county - Your name in the title 
            (unless you're from out of state, in which case, see next question)
         Your book(s) genre(s) in the description
             Your personal website in the URL

I don't live in New Jersey, but I know people there.  Can I join the Network? 
Yes, but when you add your name to the county lists, put the name of the state in which you currently live where a New Jersey resident would put his home county.

As an event coordinator, I put in more work than the others.  Can I charge a small fee for my efforts?
 No.  There’s no charge for joining the network, and nobody should have to pay to take part in a signing (other than what they spend on their own leaflets etc.).

What if there's no writing group in my town?
Then relocate – just kidding.  First, check the Yahoo! Group.  You'll find a listing of writers’ groups by town and county.  If you don’t see one near you, check your local library, they might host one.  If not, visit bookstores in the area.  Barnes & Noble and Borders encourage writing groups to use their stores as a meeting point. 

If you still can’t find one, consider starting something up yourself, but do it for the love of writing, not because you want to sell your book.  You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have.
Handy tip: For a great example of a no-fees writing group, check out the Monmouth Creative Writing Group: www.monmouthwriters.com

I write books, but I’m not published yet.  Can I still join the network?
Of course.  Feel free to join the Yahoo Group too.

What if nobody turns up?
Relax, if everybody plays their part, the event will be a success.  Of course, there’s no guarantee that people will buy your book – that depends on how well you do your ‘pitch’ (and of course, the quality of your work).

What about sales tax?
Just so you know, sales tax is the reponsibility of the seller (in the case of library book-signings done through the network, that means you).  The state of New Jersey doesn’t care whether or not you actually charge sales tax, but they do expect their share of any sales you make.  It's an easy calculation:
           Actual sale price ÷ 107 X 7

GENERAL DISCLAIMER 
Please note, membership of the NJ Authors’ Network is free to anyone who cares to use it, but joining does not guarantee you a place on any multi-author signing, or the success of any event.