Trade Publishers often organize book launches and readings for their writers in celebration of new releases. In cases where the author is established and has a fairly large following, the publisher can justify a solo event knowing it will recoup its costs in book sales. For the newer authors, group events are better. This is not only a cost-saving measure for the publisher; it also helps relieve fledgling performance anxiety by allowing these authors to share the spotlight with someone else.
As a self-publisher, you are charged with organizing your own celebrations just as a traditional publisher does for its authors. If you're confident you'll be able to sell enough books to cover the full cost of an event, then you're in an enviable position. If not, try selling tickets to your reading and advertising it with as many display ads, community listings, bulletin boards, and websites as you possibly can in addition to inviting your friends and family members.
When you envision a book reading, do you see an early evening "wine and cheese" affair in a quaint little bistro? Can you imagine yourself relaxing with a drink in hand, going from table to table to greet each of your guests until it's time to take centre stage and read from the first chapter of your book? This is one common option that comes to mind for many artists. Depending on whether or not you choose a cash bar to fund all the drinks, it may be a fairly costly option.
How about a breakfast launch? Many restaurants have private dining areas that are ideal for events like this. Buffets are a great way to satisfy all your guests' tastes in an economical way. And once everyone is satisfied, relaxed, and enjoying their morning coffees after a fine meal, you can take your chair to the front of the room, sit down in front of your guests, and begin reading from your book. This type of setting is particularly suitable for authors of children's books who may have underage guests attending the launch party.
Next to the venue, your other book launch investments are: your books (which, presumably, you purchased beforehand); your time (time to sell tickets and organize the event, plus three or four hours for the event itself); your presentation (anything from a simple table cloth to display stands to a cash box); and your cash float (so you have change available for paying customers). There is a fair amount of work involved in organizing an event like this, so you may want to enlist the help of volunteers to sell tickets and books on your behalf.
Polished Publishing Group (PPG)
Calgary, AB
Comments
Well-written piece. My book was just published last month, so I've gone thru 3 launches in a 1-month period. Each was very different & worthwhile.
The first was in a lovely city bistro (located in a bookstore) as you describe. Publisher & bookseller shared expenses for publicity & refreshments. I believe sales were good (I was on the bestseller list for the store for 2 wks) but as those sales go thru the royalty stream, I will make little from them. But it was good publicity for me & for the book.
The second launch was a 3-author event put on by a merchant in my local community. Small event. Quaint, but fun. Sales handled thru the bookseller, so again went thru the royalty stream. The main benefit of this event was raising my local profile.
3rd launch was at a private B&B owned by friends. Elegant setting, well-attended, & sales were good. Plus, as I handled the sales myself, I made 50% on each book vs an 8% royalty.
As you say, there is no 1-size fits all approach to l
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