Okay, I'm in launch party panic. I'm at just over a month until my book comes out (OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG) and I don't have anything set up yet for a first signing/launch whatever you want to call it. Here are my two ideas so far:
1) Signing at B&N-- preferably in the cafe area
2) Launch Party at an indie coffee shop. Hopefully get a bookstore to come sell books.
And there's where I'm at. I did contact the B&N and I'm waiting to hear back but the closer we get to release the more I'm panicking. I've been going through blogs to see what other authors did. Megan Frazer (Secrets of Truth and Beauty) had hers at an indie bookstore. Malinda Lo (Ash) had hers at the LGBT Community Center. Kate Messner (Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.) had hers in a coffee shop. And Cyn Balog (Fairy Tale) had hers at a library.
What do you guys think? Where do you like to go for author launch parties? Bookstores (indie? B&N? Borders?), cafes, parks, restaurants, libraries?
Kristina, Miss Delighted to Debut
I've enjoyed all the launch parties I've gone to. For your first time B&N may be easy because they've probably hosted a launch party before. It always helps to have someone with experience working.
ReplyDeleteWill you have books with you to sell or would you need to get the involvement of a bookstore regardless of the locale of the event?
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion is, whoever your book's demographic is, try to have an event where they flock.
If it is women, go where the women are. (pardon me if this sounds sexist...) Malls? Grocery stores? let's face it - women generally do the shopping.
How about Day Spas? Hair Salons? Craft stores?
Thanks Liv! And yeah Jeff-- I'd need a bookstore involved no matter what. Thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI've always gone with the easiest - a bookstore. I feel your pain, though, it is stressful trying to figure out what day would be best, what might draw people best, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou could do the event at a bookstore, and then invite people back to your house or to a restaurant for more of a "party." That way it's not logistically trying to figure out how to sell books at somewhere other than a bookstore.
Now that I think about it, I've been to CD release parties but not books! Those are of course at music clubs. But I like the idea of the coffee shop with an indy coming to sell books if you can arrange it. Otherwise, Lisa's idea makes sense!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you, Tina! I had an Indie Bookstore picked out, but it went of business before I could get my book published. Then I had a fabulous Café chosen, but we moved 5 states away. ((sigh)). I think B&N or the Indie store would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and enjoy it!