When it comes to launching a new book, authors have a myriad of marketing tactics at their disposal. Why not start with a pre-launch book event to start some buzz of the book that is soon to hit shelves. The main goal of hosting an event like this is to spark that earned conversation (get people talkin'!).
A great example of a pre-launch book event is my client Minu Cash and her new book release, The Painted Pink Dress. Here's how Minu and I made the event a success:
THE GUEST LIST
Crafting the perfect gust list can be challenging. For a book launch, invite your 'book army'–those who are there to support you, whether it be family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. These are the people in your corner and who you trust to help spread the word of the book.
In addition to your 'book army,' extend the invite to local media outlets (reporters who may have already covered the book) and local influencers who may be interested in promoting the book.
GIVE THE GOODS
Greet your attendees with a goodie bag filled with fun items/products. Partnering with local businessesscan be a great way to fill these bags, since they are often happy to donate items for exposure. For The Painted Pink Dress event, we collaborated with Phoenix and Scottsdale businesses that donated goodies and door prizes.
And of course, this is where the attendees receive their copy of the book!
BRING OUT THE THEMES OF THE BOOK
Incorporate scenes, details, and descriptions from the book into the event. Since The Painted Pink Dress is set in Arizona, Minu hosted the event at the renowed restaurant, El Chorro, to highlight the desert themes, Additionally, we had some fun with the 'pink' in the book title, encouraging all attendees to wear pink. We even had pink cacti soap in the goodie bags (shoutout to Scrub Studio Soaps!)
THE AUTHOR'S MOMENT
Let the attendees hear from the author. This is a great time for the author to thank the attendees for coming, talk about the inspiration that led to the writing of the book, and/or read a short section from the book. Minu concluded her speech with a Q&A, opening the mic up to the audience to ask their probing questions.
FOOD, DRINKS, AND MUSIC
Who doesn't love an event with delicious food, yummy drinks, and some lively music. They set the tone and make the event enjoyable. People remember events by how they felt, and these elements score major brownie points.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK GUESTS TO PAY
Guests will gladly pay for an event if it's worth the price. Use the cover charge to fund books, food, drinks, and the venue.
MARKETING PLUG
Encourage attendees to spread the word! They are the first influencers of your book. Also remind them to leave a review on Amazon or Good Reads if they enjoy the book.
There are so many different ways you can host a pre-launch book event. Have fun with it and make it your own!
Happy Marketing,
-Courtney 🥂
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