It's exhausting to write and publish a book, especially if you're self-publishing it. Most authors I know see publishing day as a finish line, not as just another day in their life as an author... until it comes. After the buzz of holding your book in your hands wears off, you realize you need to start marketing.
But there is a way to market and keep that buzz going even longer at the same time. It's the good old DIY Book Release Party.
In my experience, it is definitely possible to plan, organize, and promote a quality book release party with limited time, energy, and funds. It's about planning 3 months or more in advance, asking for help, and focusing your energy on the right tactics.
In my experience, there are 5 main points to focus on:
- Crafting an Event Story: Why should people be excited about your release?
- Choosing a Location: What makes a good party venue?
- Presentation: Make your event special without breaking the bank.
- Support: What kind of assistance can you ask for?
- Promotion: How can you get your fans and new readers there with you?
I did a webinar with Writer.ly this morning where I went into depth about all of those things. You can watch it here:
How to throw an Amazing DIY Book Release Party
Afterward, one of the attendees asked a great question about whether I had worked on an ebook release (no print copies). I haven't, but when I thought about it, all 5 of those points apply just as well to an ebook.
The big things to keep in mind are to promote the event, not the book, and to get enough help so that you can be the author who is shaking hands and doing readings, not the crazed author running around doing everything last-minute on your own.
Feel free to ask any specific questions in the comments- I love talking about all of this stuff.
Have you thrown or been to a good book release party lately?
Image source: eliduke via flickr
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