How to handle a book launch

I've been lucky enough to attend lots of book launches, some in honour of established and, occasionally, famous authors, others by first-timers and the self-published. I've done a couple myself, too. Of course, years ago, publishers would splash the cash and hire posh venues and lay on champagne and nibbles; these days, you're lucky if they issue a press release for you. As has been said many times, anyone can write a book, but the trick is to sell the damn thing, and a proper launch can be a good way to get the ball rolling.

If you're planning a launch:

• Invite everyone. Most people won't come. You're unlikely to run out of books.
• Pick a venue that's appropriate, accessible and has decent parking. Make it easy for your guests to say yes to the invitation.
• Unless you're launching a recipe book, don't go overboard with the nibbles. People only have two hands (maximum) and you want them to have one free with which to pick up your book. Don't serve anything greasy.
• Say 'Thank you for coming,' to everyone.
• Don't turn the launch into a seminar. By all means, do a little speech about the book, but remember that most folk want to pop in, have a drink, say hello, buy a book (all being well) and then bugger off again.
• Take a pen so you can sign copies. Take some change. 
• It's fine to encourage your guests to buy the book, but don't bully them into it. Don't lurk by the exit with your Sharpie, saying, 'Shall I sign your copy?' That's needy and embarrassing for everyone, especially those who were trying to leave without a purchase. 
• If you don't want a real launch, fake one. Have a cake made with the image of your book cover on top, take picture of it - better still, have some friends or family gather round it with a glass of something raised in a toast - and get it out there.

If you're invited to a launch:

• Spread the word, whether you intend to go or not. All authors need publicity.
• Obviously, it's better if you can buy the book, but don't feel obliged. The more people there are in the room, the better the atmosphere and the more likely others are to get out their money. Your presence and support will be appreciated either way.
• That said, limit your intake of the freebies if you're not planning to buy a copy. Consider the principal of reciprocity. 
• Afterwards, say something nice on social media.

Enjoy!

Schmoozing

'Schmooze: to chat in a friendly or intimate manner, especially at a social gathering'

Yes, that covers it; that's what I've been doing recently. I can't really call it networking, because that sounds very businesslike and professional, when what I've actually been doing is drinking wine with arty types at various locations around the county.

On Friday evening, for instance, I was at a book launch for Silencing Anna by Sadie Mitchell, a local author I met at a social evening run by the publisher who is handling my yoga book. (Get you, missus!) This is the first book by this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last, It's a disturbing psychological thriller - and if I tell you the blurb includes the killer line:

 'Only Anna knows the truth, but Anna cannot speak' 

I'm sure you'll want to rush out and buy a copy.

It was a lovely evening (gin van available, for those that way inclined), with a good turnout and lots of convivial chat and,  most importantly, a queue to pay for a copy of the book.

Silencing Anna is available from Amazon  or direct from the publisher.

Stepping out of my comfort zone

The past workaday week was enlivened by a couple of unusual happenings.

On Thursday, I spent the whole day teaching yoga to Year 12 students at a local senior school. This was a real privilege, but I was shattered by the end of the day. No wonder full-time school teachers always have their eyes fixed on the next holiday! You can read about it on my yoga blog here.

Before that, though, on Wednesday evening I had a book launch for Nine Lives as part of a Weaving Words presents event. This is a new happening, organised by my friend and guide Kezzabelle (Weaving Words is her writing community, of which I am part).

To say I was nervous is an understatement, but once I got going I was fine. The event was held in the upstairs room of the Eden Cafe here in Kettering. We dressed the set, as it were, to look like my book cover, which was Kez's idea and made a real difference, transforming an already lovely room into a proper performance space. Our friend Ros played a couple of songs to get us in the mood and then off we went. I read three of my monologues, and two more out of my book were read by other people. There were poetry readings and there was art for sale.

I sold a few books and made some new friends, so I'm counting it as a successful evening. Most important, though, I learnt lessons about what works and what doesn't, and what areas of my performance I need to work on.

The only down side was the dent my ego took when I saw the photos! Inside - and I'm sure I'm not alone in this delusion - I'm 17 and gorgeous. The reality is that I'm old and jowly. Perhaps I should follow singer Sia's example and wear a long wig over my face.