So you\u2019ve published your masterpiece. Congratulations! It\u2019s been a long journey but the endless decisions about publishing options, cover designs, book blurbs, sales platforms and author profiles are worth it when you finally see your work in print… Now it\u2019s time to celebrate.<\/p>\n
In part one of my guide to organising your own book launch party, we ask some basic questions that will help you decide why, where and when to have a launch. In part two, we’ll be looking at practical considerations like inviting a guest launcher, putting together an invitation and guest list, your event running order, and so on. This is written with\u00a0a budget-conscious, self-published author in mind. If you want to go nuts and organise the party of the century, by all means – go for it!<\/p>\n
First things first: what do you want your launch to achieve? Your goals\u00a0may affect your choice of venue, the size of the budget you decide to set aside for the event and your guest list, so it\u2019s worth thinking about what you want it to do for you.<\/p>\n
Possible goals include:<\/p>\n
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If you’re planning on inviting mostly family and friends for an informal celebration, a more casual venue and a flexible\u00a0running order (timeline of events) is fine. If you’re planning on breaking news\u00a0in your speech that you think media might be interested in, you’ll perhaps need to think about accommodating TV cameras (who will need an unobstructed view of the speeches) and radio journalists (who, in an ideal world, would get\u00a0a ‘media splitter’ –\u00a0a direct feed\u00a0to your microphone – for better quality audio). If you’re hoping for\u00a0social media coverage, you might consider decorating the venue with posters that will advertise your book in the background of photos or coming\u00a0up a hashtag for guests to use on Twitter. Lots to consider.<\/p>\n
Sometimes the venue finds itself; for example, it makes sense to launch a book about a football team at their home\u00a0ground. Whatever your subject, consider\u00a0sourcing\u00a0a venue that helps \u2018position\u2019 your book by adding gravitas or authenticity, or one that will be fun to attend, or consider these more general options.<\/p>\n
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Once you’ve settled on a venue, does it have this basic equipment?<\/p>\n
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This might be determined by your choice of venue but, as a loose guide:<\/p>\n
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Potential costs to consider:<\/p>\n
Ways to\u00a0minimise costs:<\/p>\n
If it’s a low-key affair, keep it simple. I usually allow for two drinks per person (let your final RSVP number guide you) and buy some wine at a ratio of two whites to one red plus some beer and, of course, non-alcoholic options (sparkling water and soft drinks or juice). And if you want to offer food (optional, in my opinion), get a couple of sushi platters or cheese platters or other snacks (mini-pies and quiches go down well in Australia!)… anything that will feed larger numbers of people easily and cheaply.<\/p>\n
Of course, if you want to push the boat out and design your own cocktails or theme your food, do. Let the champagne and caviar flow! Just don’t forget the fireworks license…<\/p>\n
That’s all for now. In part two, we’ll look at:<\/p>\n