When I'm putting together an event, I always start with getting the venue secured. I do this before I start planning the event details and even before I talk to other people about being part of it, and certainly before I start putting together any kind of promotional materials. I do this because knowing where the event is going to be makes for a more solid foundation to pitch someone to help out, and makes it possible to put a location on the promo materials, even when those materials are as early-stage as e-mails to friends or a Facebook Event invite.
But how do you pick a venue in the first place?
Here are three things I think are critical no matter what kind of venue you choose:
- Public Transportation: If you're in a city, this matters a lot. How easy is it for people to get there? Is it still easy if it rains?
- Food + Drinks: You have to give people food and drinks at an event. Will your venue allow this?
- Space Control: Are you free to adapt the space for the event however you like? Can you move furniture, etc. depending on your attendance?
No matter where you choose, I recommend making sure those three boxes are checked. Now on to types of venues.
Many authors assume that a book release party needs to happen in a bookstore. That's an option, but far from the only one. Here are three different kinds of book release parties you can have and the pros and cons of each.
1. Bookstore
Pros: At a bookstore you'll have a literary audience and be surrounded by books, so it will probably feel like the book release party you always pictured. The store will also help out with your marketing for the event.
Cons: All a bookstore does is book readings and book related events, so your event will have to have something compelling to stand out. Also, is your core party audience going to be people you know who may not spend much time at bookstores or are you going for only readers whether you know them or not?
2. Friend Space
Pros: What I mean by this is a space (gallery/restaurant/business) that a friend of yours owns and/or has the authority to offer as an event space. The biggest advantage here is that you have a good chance of getting the space for free (or at a reduced charge) and potentially some help promoting it.
Cons: Admittedly, you're asking for a big favor here, and you are taking responsibility for an important space based on a personal relationship. There are some questions and expectations that it's important to work out beforehand.
3. Your Home
Pros: It's your space and you can do whatever you like. It's a great way to reach out to your friends, including the ones you don't see often, and get them together for something that's not a holiday. And it'll be a friendly audience :)
Cons: It may not feel as public as you want it to. Just as it's a friendly audience, you need to deliver something awesome- while they'll be forgiving, they are also harder to impress.
Do any of you have any other ideas or tips on venue choices for book release parties?
Image courtesy of CoDiFi via flickr
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