Your Book Debut Event: 7 Strategic Pointers

Book debuts are a smart way to shine professionally as you announce to the public that your new book is on the market. You can use your book debut event to court the attention of media and local book reviewers. Oh, and need we mention that you'll get to sell and sign copies of your book at the event? Yes, indeed. If you want to generate buzz and sales in one short span, book debuts are the kick-start that get your sales engine fired up!

Are you ready to plan your book debut event(s)? We've prepared a list of seven strategic pointers that will help ensure that your event is a success:

A Location

Your promotional event can be held in a private home, a bookstore, a restaurant or hall, a school or university auditorium, -- even a movie theatre! Be creative. And of course be sure the building can legally hold the number of people you are hoping will arrive.

Food

You can decide on whether or not you'd like to offer food, but it is something we recommend. Depending on the venue, we might suggest something simple and classy like wine and cheese with a few other light finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks. Of course it's fun to choose food based on the theme of your book. No matter what food you choose to have at your event, be sure to employ volunteer servers and bus persons keep things moving.

*A public building may require that you use professional caterers. If they don't, and you are preparing your own food for the event, be sure you have access to appropriate refrigeration. Sometimes this "detail" can be overlooked until it's needed! 

Invitations and Press Packages for Media

You might decide to print and mail invitations to a special guest list, including the media. To save yourself some time, ask a friend permission to use his or her phone number on the RSVP's so that they can handle the attendance list. Any media representative who attends should receive a press package. Include with the press package a signed copy of your book. This personalized copy should be ready to give to them at check-in to the event. If a media person who RSVP’s does not show up, arrange to deliver the press package personally within a week of your debut.

Friends

Friends are the best money saver you can have in PR. If they are genuinely interested in helping you, them know up front that you are trusting them with your brand identity. Tell them you chose them because of their special grace, their encouragement in your publishing career, and their talent with people. Let them know there is a dress code -- no jeans or worn clothing. They should be given assignments best suited for what the event requires, such as:

1. Servers

2. Sweepers - People who watch over the event to make sure the area stays neat and cleaned up.

3. Greeters – Friends who welcome each guest and give a press kit to the invited media. This person or persons would also check names off of the guest list.

4. Assistant Greeter – Your assistant greeter must be good with remembering names! At some point he or she will introduce the invited media to you personally. During your signing, your assistant greeter will stay by your side. When a significant person comes up to you to have a book signed, the assistant greeter will remind you of their name so you won't have to ask.

A Schedule Structure

Be sure to have your assistant greeter announce you immediately before your reading. A reading should take about 10 minutes, while a speech or lecture can take up to 45-60 minutes. After the author talk, your assistant greeter will ask if anyone has questions for you. This person can then announce that you will be signing and selling books.

Display

See about getting a rigid poster or professional book display to place near where you will sit for your reading (we can get quotes to produce this for you if you like.)

Books 

Don't forget to order a bulk number of books that you will have available for sales at the debut! They should be ordered a few weeks ahead of time. We suggest ordering two books per invited guest as some will buy them as gifts. (Remember not to pre-sign the books. You want to personalize each signature.)

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