After holding my third book launch a few weeks ago, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two as to what makes the day one to remember. Creative ideas can enhance the launch experience for both the author and their guests. With a mix of traditional and unique elements, you can appeal to a diverse audience.
My first book launch was held at my local library, and the consecutives ones were at a hall in a local primary school. Of course, you can hold it anywhere you can book that will appeal to your audience.
The Heart of The Book Launch: Book Reading by the Author
A book launch isn’t a book launch without the presence of the author, and of course, a reading of their newly launched book. What makes a book reading successful, though? Engagement is so important when it comes to any book reading, especially if your audience is the youngest members of the community. For my children’s books, I like to read them the way I’d read to my children come bedtime. My tone of voice changes, especially with character dialogues, I ask questions at critical points of the story, and I may do gestures in relation to the book. These all keep the kids engaged, with eyes peeled to the pages.
Tip: Practise reading your book aloud at home several times before the event itself. Just like with any public speaking, practise makes better.
Make Your Mark: Book Signing by the Author
A book launch is the perfect setting to meet locals, as well as promote your book itself. Many who attend also intend to purchase a signed copy of the book. With whatever payment option you have set up, ensure it is easily accessible on the day. I had a QR code for people to scan which linked directly to the purchase page and provided an exclusive discount code valid for that day only.
The book signing itself should be in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s a chance to chit-chat with guests and their children and get to know new faces. Since this is done after the book reading, I like to ask the kids which part of the story they liked the best. It’s incredible how much they can recall from only hearing the story once.
Book signing tip: I use a pen that dries quickly and doesn’t smudge so that after the page is signed, it’s okay to close the book straight away.
One last tip: Have spare paper handy in case you’d like someone to spell their name. That way you can just copy the spelling and it ensures you spell it correctly. This is mostly for names that are harder to spell or aren’t spelt the way they traditionally are.
Book Related Gift: Incorporating a Lucky Door Prize
This is a fun little addition I like to have at my book launches. Basically every child who attends has the chance to win a lucky door prize. You can include anything exciting – I like to keep the theme book related.
For this book launch, I included a signed book by an Indie author as a way to support self-published authors and to share their work. I also included stickers (because who doesn’t love stickers?) as well as activity books.
To keep it simple, guests simple write their name on a post-it note upon arrival, and pop the folded post-it in a jar. After the book reading, I get my little helper (my 4-year-old son) to draw a name from the jar and gift them with their prize. It’s smiles all around.
Engage Everyone: Fun Activities for All Ages
Grow Your Own Plant: This was such a fun idea. This connects the theme of growth in the book to a physical activity. By children planting their own seed, it gives them a sense of joy and satisfaction as they patiently wait for it to grow. It teaches them the value of patience and nurturing their new green friend daily.
Colouring Sheets and Thank You Cards: These were great especially for the younger ones. The colouring sheets are always a hit and it’s always so lovely seeing the concentration on their faces as they bring the characters to life through an abundance of colours. The Thank You cards was a nice way to instil a sense of gratitude with our young ones. Seeing them presenting their completed cards to a family member or friend was so heart-warming.
I guess the key to brainstorming activities for the day is to ensure they align with the book’s overall theme or message.
Catering to the Crowd: Free Food and Drinks
Depending on what time your book launch is scheduled for, you may consider having light refreshments on the day. For a children’s book launch, you can’t go wrong with fairy bread (I mean, every kids party needs this), sandwiches are always a hit, fresh fruit, and a friend of mine made custom cookies with my book cover printed on them which were adored by everyone.
For drinks, I kept it simple and had juice poppers and water. I avoided hot drinks for safety reasons, especially with lots of little kids on the day.
Added Fun: Face Painting and Balloon Animals
If your budget allows, hiring a professional or getting a friend to do face painting will be a sure highlight of the day. The kids absolutely love it. Of course, this is another fun activity to keep the kids entertained, but I found the adults loved the balloon animals just a much and wanted their face painted too.
Start Planning Your Unforgettable Book Launch Today!
As you can see, a book launch can be a lot of fun – it just takes planning to ensure everything is covered so that the launch day runs smoothly. Don’t be afraid to get your name out there especially when promoting the event. Think outside the box when it comes to what activities to do on the day, and possibly even ask children themselves for ideas – they often come up with the greatest ones.
Lastly… Just have fun. Don’t stress yourself out, as a book launch is supposed to be a memorable occasion. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on social media and I’ll happily help as best I can 🙂
FAQs
Q: Is it important to hold a book launch?
A: Book launches aren’t just about celebrating the book itself, it can also inspire aspiring writers. It brings the community together and instils a love of reading in a fun way for our children.
Q: When should you do a book launch?
A: In Australia, aim to hold your book launch during the school holidays as parents are always finding local events for their children to attend. Avoid holding the event during the winter holidays though, as it’s the ‘flu’ season and number of attendees may dwindle last minute.
Q: How do you create a successful book launch event?
A: It’s important to have a specific target audience in mind, and design your book launch to cater to them. Stick to a budget and ensure you have a campaign to promote your book launch. Book a venue that is easily accessible with plenty of parking spots and in the lead up to the event, keep promoting on as many platforms as possible.