How to Throw a Book Release Party

Your book has just been released and you want to celebrate. You also want to sell a book or two. Here’s how to make the most of this exciting time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A book
• A venue

1. Set a budget and determine if you want the party to be big or simple. A publisher might not always fit the bill, whatever the cost.
2. Decide on a venue. A bar/restaurant can work for a smaller party. A person’s home is often the best location, as it’s more personal and comfortable. At either place, an open bar is a good idea so people…loosen up.
3. Invite everyone you know—those who have helped you in the past and those you barely know. For a large, less intimate party, you’re going to want to promote the party: ads in the newspaper, spreading the word via blogs, and media interviews. Invite people from the media as well—editors and reviewers.
4. Do a reading and/or answer questions from the guests. Sign every book that people take home.

Tips & Warnings

• Give away some free merchandise. If you can’t afford to give away a slew of free books, give away other types of promotional material—maybe a t-shirt. Make this clear in the ad campaign.
• Print up an oversized cover of the book and place it next to the table holding merchandise. Think about decorating with a theme from the book.
• Take pictures of the party and post these pictures on the web or elsewhere—a form of retroactive advertisement.
• Hire a band, DJ, or other entertainment.
• Good food keeps people happy.