Obviously, you are excited that you have finally published your book, but how do you tell the world about it?
Unless you are an already a well-established author, one of those who the publishers are promoting and escorting on a book tour, how you organise the launch will probably be up to you.
Fiction or Non-Fiction?
As stated earlier each requires a different approach.
Fiction.
What genre is your book?
Thriller. Murder, Cosy Crime, Domestic Noir. Women’s fiction, Chic-Lit, Adventure, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy. Sci-Fi. Saga. Historical, Memoir, Short stories Children’s’ books, Picture books.
Each of these could be launched using a different approach depending on your venue, budget and your creativity.
A romance novel demands a changed approach to a thriller which will attract a mixed audience, while romance is more likely to attract a mainly female one
You may want to reflect your genre in your launch colour scheme and promotional materials, flyers, bookmarks and props.
Giveaways. Bookmarks, stickers, charms anything with your name and book title. Bought wisely they cost very little and add to your presentation.
For my launch of Fire& Ice, I had giveaway charms of ice skates, or snowflakes or a Viking helmet. Each was packaged with a card promoting my blog. which I gave away with each book sold.
Another genre would demand an alternative approach-a thriller, mini binoculars, murder a magnifying glass or handcuffs charm.
Put your creativity to work in imaging how will you make your book launch stand out?
Your nonfiction book.
So many topics, Money, Parenting, Health, Business, Coaching, Fitness, Diet, Cooking, Animals. Gardening. To an extent, your topic will define where to hold your launch.
For example, it wouldn’t really make sense to launch a money-making book at a playgroup. Yes, you may have some interest, but they are not really your target audience. You’d be better off with an upmarket inner-city café, or even a bank-themed restaurant.
Your parenting book would be perfect to launch at a playgroup, kindy or even your local library.
Maybe you could launch your gardening book at a local garden centre or even a cafe in a park?
Top Tips
Time your launch to suit your audience. Daytime for a children’s book but evenings and weekends will all attract different audiences
Coffee and cake present quite a different launch image than cocktails and canapes- Keep your potential readers in mind.
Don’t overlook your local library for any type of book launch.
They already have a potential audience of committed readers plus the rooms for hire are very reasonably priced or may even be free. It doesn’t hurt to ask the events librarian if they can help. It is even better if you are already a regular library user. And of course, libraries usually have convenient parking.
Parking. How will your attendees get to the venue? Check the parking or public transport.
Also, look at room capacity fifty people might seem like a good crowd –unless of course, they are in a huge room like a ballroom. This can echo and seem awkward, try to get a sense of how many people plan to attend.
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 