Where to host a book launch party?

by | Jun 20, 2012 | Marketing & Selling

Yesterday I was talking with a client of mine who is launching a book set in the 1970s. She found a store that is all about the ’70s and is now in discussions to host a book launch party there. This got me to thinking about all the various places that you could host a book launch shindig.

A bookstore
This is the obvious choice and one that many an author makes. Of course it makes sense … a book launch party is supposed to jump start book sales, so why not hold it in a place that people buy books? The benefits of hosting a launch party at a bookstore include:

  • ease of book sales — they sell books, so they can sell yours
  • literary credibility — bookstores are for readers, including yours
  • better media attention — an established bookseller lends credibility to your launch
  • piggy back on bookstore promotional resources — event calendars, posters on store, website, email newsletter, etc.

A nice home, yours or someone else’s
Depending on how large the home is, the launch party could be an intimate or large affair. Either way, holding the party in a home gives an air of coziness or intimacy, that holding it in a retail establishment doesn’t. Also, the event can be more exclusive.

A library
Like a bookstore, a library lends literary credibility to a book launch party. You can also add in a fundraiser for the library to the event, which could improve press coverage and attendance.

A thematic location in alignment with your book
Like my client finding a 1970s shop, you could find venue that has something in common with your book. For example:

  • A winery wine bar for a book that has a wine theme or backdrop
  • A comic-book store for a book about superheroes
  • A gift shop for a book about gift-giving
  • A toy shop for a fantasy about toys that come to life
  • A zoo for a book about animals
  • A yacht club or boating store for a nautical tale
  • A sporting goods store for a book about baseball players
  • An art museum for a book about fine art
  • A science center for a book about a trip to the stars

What kind of venue would accent or compliment your book’s theme?

Holding your book launch party at a non-traditiona venue adds an “ooo-ahhh” factor that can increase attendance, increase press coverage and add cross promotions that benefit both you and your host venue.

And ponder this, as well, all of the above ideas can be applied to a virtual book launch party, as well. When promoting your book, think outside the norm and you might be surprised and how many more books you can sell!


Want some help creating a great plan to sell more of your books? Check out my “Sell More Books” coaching options.

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