Book launch parties are an ideal way to spark media coverage. When you're researching how to market a book, they'll nearly always be on the suggested activities list. When you invest months or years of your life in writing a book, you want it to be noticed and sell. Therefore, your book launch is worthy of a celebration, such as a party or an event. A book launch is also the moment to gain attention from critics, journalists, agents, and bookstore owners. All help ensure your book's success. When you have a launch event that makes news, you're creating a buzz among industry folks and your local media.
Writing a book is serious work. It's a process with highs and lows, leading to a finished work that deserves a celebration as it hits the market. A successful book launch party is a unique opportunity to introduce your work, your angle on your topic, and share some behind-the-scenes highlights – of interesting stories. It's also a moment to relax and decompress from the stress leading up to the launch date. Also, when it comes to booking discovery and sales, today's fierce competition means you need to use every opportunity to promote yourself. Parties and events naturally generate visibility that helps.
When it comes to holding a book launch party, a local bookstore or the author's home are the most popular choices. The bookstore brings an air of literary credibility to the event. Publicity often starts with hometown media, and they're more likely to respond to an event at a bookseller's store. You'll also be included in the store's event promotion, which can consist of calendar listings, in-store signage, website mentions, and email blasts. You can sign copies of your book in the classic format, but it's advisable to plan a brief presentation to thank people for attending and tactfully plug the book.
If you want to get creative with the venue choice, there are many additional options. One is a local library. Some have historic and stately buildings that provide elegant surroundings for your event. Other options include venues that might have a tie-in to your non-fiction book's topic or your novel's setting. For example, if you've penned a nautical adventure story, a yacht club or boat store could be ideal settings. Authors also often select museums either for their spaces' grandeur or because they are connected to the book topic somehow. Don't be reluctant to think creatively.
