Double Book Release Challenge #3: Book Release Party

Last Sunday, I released both my novel (Ten Thousand Lines) and my children’s book (¿Cómo se Llama tu Llama?) into the world. It’s a scary thing–letting others’ eyes see your work, letting your naked heart beat outside your body. You open yourself up to critique and criticism, boredom and indifference. But you also open yourself up to the possibility that your words will resonant with some people, that you will cause them to pause and think about the world in a different way.

My favorite part about this photo collage is Pat Benatar looking over my shoulder…

So, how to give your words the pomp and circumstance they deserve? Throw a party.

A book release party is not only essential for garnering interest and making sales, it can also be fun and amazingly gratifying. Last week, I was truly humbled as nearly 100 of my friends and acquaintances showed up to support my work. At times, the sheer volume of people was overwhelming and my hand cramped up from signing my books so many times.

How can YOU make your book release party a success? Here are a few tips:

Invite EVERYONE
Your network is of utmost importance here and you shouldn’t leave anyone out. Invite your friends, Facebook acquaintances, co-workers, members of your writing groups. I even invited my hair stylist because, hey, why not?
Create an event on Facebook and one on GoodReads and invite your entire contact list. You just never know who is going to show up.
I also created little flyers (4 to a standard sheet of paper) and passed them out to my network.

How do you get such a fabulous network in the first place? It doesn’t happen overnight. Join a few writing or community action groups (but don’t do this disingenuously. If you’re not interested in what you’re doing, people can tell) and be an active member in them. But the true key to gaining support for your work is to SUPPORT OTHERS! Buy others’ books, attend friends’ concerts, help co-workers move. In sum: Be a good person and a reliable friend, and others will come through for you. This is how the world goes round.

Choose a great venue

Your guests will want some food, beverages, and entertainment. They’ll want a space to relax and enjoy others’ company. I chose the Chatterbox Pub in S. Minneapolis. They have a wonderful back room (which they were willing to reserve for the party), a great menu, beer and wine, and board games. Plus, their staff was endlessly enthusiastic and supportive. Win!

Create a take-away
I think of a “take-away” as not just a party favor, but something meaningful that your guests can take home with them. I created a bookmark with my book on one side and a list of “10 Ways to Help an Author” on the other. It’s a fun memento that also provides a little insight into what actions best help indie authors.
You could also give out personalized pens, magnets, or copies of poems you’ve written. Keep it simple and don’t spend too much.

Do some readings
Readings help connect the audience with your story and provide some conversation fodder. Aim for a 2-3 minute segment that is A) interesting and intriguing and B) doesn’t give away major plot points. During a four hour stretch, I did three readings and that seemed about right. When you do your readings, don’t forget to say THANK YOU to everyone who showed up.

Station yourself in one spot
It’s just easier. If you flit around, you’ll tire yourself out and you might accidentally skip over someone. If someone wants to talk to you, let them approach you. And (of course) keep a stack of books by your side.

Other Tips
Here are some tidbits I’ve learned:
-Wednesdays and Sundays are the best days for book launch parties (Not sure why, but that’s what I’ve read.)
-Background music helps (I have a friend who plays acoustic guitar and she added to the nice, relaxed ambiance).
-Enlist the help of a friend or significant other to help with payments (It’s hard to sign a book, keep up a conversation, and take a payment at the same time. My wonderful partner, Eric, ran credit cards as I chatted with friends).
-Use Square (about 50% of sales were by credit card. Square is essential).
-Say thank you. Let everyone know how much they mean to you
-Take a deep breath! Your book launch party will fly by; make sure you take the time to enjoy it.

Good luck, have fun, and keep writing.

-Kate