Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Hi all,
Nonfiction author here. My book is being trad published in April and I'm looking to set up book launch events. Any pointers in making these events successful? What did you learn from your book launch event?

Depending on what’s available and affordable, I have tried some or all of the following:
1) Have a moderator to lead your program
2) PA system (a Mic.) if you expect guests upwards of 20
3) An agenda or program (includes your presentation/synopsis, Q&A, book giveaway or raffle, etc.)
4) Nice display of your books at the head table – If possible, have a second table for book sales and a support staff (friend or family member) to do the selling.
5) Make arrangements for someone to take pictures and/or videos
6) Your favorite pen to sign autographs
7) If you can afford it, have a table of light refreshments (snacks, water, and soft drinks)
8) Take pictures with as many guests as you can.

These are great! Thanks!

Austin wrote: "Hi all,
Nonfiction author here. My book is being trad published in April and I'm looking to set up book launch events. Any pointers in making these events successful? What did you learn from your b..."

In all honesty,
I wouldn't put a lot of emphasis into book launches and expecting solid results. For one, they take so much time to set up in many different ways and areas and there are several reasons why they don't work out long term.

1. They don't scale: They aren't evergreen, so once you do them that's it. So you may see a few days, a week, or even a month of sales but after that it will likely die down.

2. They take a lot of time and effort: What I said above. The amount of work needed to put into it being successful, a lot of times is not worth the reward.

3. Unpredictable performance: Again what I just said above. It might not be worth the reward. You could make bank, you could break even, or you could get no traffic whatsoever, it's too up in the air to say.

4. Too many factors out of your control: You set it all up but after that you're pretty much just sitting and waiting because all of the things that could happen you can't control or touch up to expand off it.

5. Often restricted by the success of a prior book: If your last book was a success, it can at times be harder for the following book to be just as much a success especially during a book launch.