How to Throw Yourself a Book Launch Party by Diana Fedorak
Curious about how to throw a book launch party for yourself? I did it recently with great results. If you haven’t thrown a book launch before, I urge you to give it a try. You deserve recognition for publishing a book, whether it’s your first or fifth book. A book launch party will also help you sell books, so don’t be shy.
Tip 1: The key is to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. You’ll want to book a venue at least 12 weeks out from your scheduled event. As soon as you have your book release date, start looking for a venue. You’ll need this time to order author copies and book swag, too. Typically, book launches occur around the time the book is released, but there are no hard and fast rules when you must throw a book launch, so make it work for you. Throwing it right before release during the pre-order period or a month after release is completely fine.
Tip 2: Decide whether you want a public or private event. You can do a public event at a local bookshop, rent a room at the public library, or time it with a local book fair. These venues often require several months of notice to reserve your event. If you plan on a public event, send out a press release to local media organizations. Make sure you get the word out on social media or with old-school flyers!
For a private event, try doing a book launch at a restaurant or café that will reserve a section for you so you can cater it. Consider choosing an establishment that can be tied to your book’s theme or cover. For example, a dessert specialty café may be a great venue to launch your book if you write romance. If it’s a cozy mystery book, an intimate coffee shop may be just right. You’ll want to provide beverages, small bites, and cake. Whether it’s a public or private event, have an invite list and send out notice early to family and friends so you have support on the day of your launch.
Tip 3: Get a friend or fellow author who knows about your writing journey to be your M.C. Let them sing your praises, introduce you at the start of the event, and run an interview. They can also do a few raffles based on your book’s theme and hand out swag. The MC should also invite you to do a reading from your new book, so have an excerpt ready.
Tip 4: You’ll want a trusted associate, like a family member, or if it’s at a book shop an employee, to handle the book sales so you can focus on signing books and interacting with attendees who came to see you. An in-person event lasts about 2 hours and is meant for fans to meet you.
Tip 5: Consider hiring a photographer to capture the moment, especially if it’s at a scenic locale. Photos and videos are great marketing tools since you’ll look your best, and that you can post afterward on your website or social media for your book’s release. You’ll look back at the launch with hopefully good memories. Good luck and have a great celebration.
