Author: Jackie Karneth

Jackie Karneth is a publicist with Books Forward is an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.  Interested in what's possible for your book sales and building readership? Check out our services, tell us your goals, and get a customized publicity campaign tailored just for you.

Getting Library Attention For Your Book

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Libraries are an essential pillar of all our literary communities. I love my city’s library, and I hope you love yours, too! From promoting literacy, artistic development, and critical thinking skills to offering peaceful moments in a busy world, the library is a vital ambassador of culture and discourse.

The average library in the United States holds around 100,000 physical titles. And while that is a generous amount of books countless authors won’t find their book nestled among their favorite spines.

There’s no fast-tracking your way into libraries, but if you’re passionate about building connections, here’s what to do to get noticed by librarians–

Book Reviews

One of the first places librarians go to look for new books is trusted industry publications such as Library Journal and Booklist. In order to get a feature, you’ll need to submit your book for review consideration several months in advance of your publication day. Reviews aren’t guaranteed, but if you do receive one (and it’s positive!), your book will be more likely to be picked up by libraries.

If you don’t receive a review, you can purchase ads in these publications. Publishers, however, are more likely to buy ads than individual authors due to the high price point.

Meet and Greet

If you receive a stellar review from a trusted industry source, your next step is to meet your local librarians. You should ask to speak with the librarian in charge of collection development for your readers’ age group. 

Bring a copy of your book along with a standard sell sheet or press release. This should include your review blurbs and which wholesalers your book is available through. 

Master your elevator pitch. You should explain why your book would be a valuable addition to their collection. Mention if it would fill a gap in their collection or match up with current reading trends, mention that! 

Here’s an article with more tips to help you stand out in your meet and greet:

https://booksforward.com/tips-for-connecting-with-booksellers-and-librarians/ 

Nurturing Your Library Connection

If your book is already in stock in a library system, keep your eye open for opportunities to connect further with the community. Many libraries have blogs and podcasts where you can contribute a guest article or partake in an interview. 

Of course, an in-person event is another possibility! Whether you host a lecture for adults or a storytime/craft session for kids, connecting with patrons directly can help you build your author brand. This will also increase word-of-mouth support for your book.

Conclusion

Getting librarians to take notice takes a bit of effort. If you follow these strategies and make a good impression, you’ll be well on your way!

What makes a good pitch?

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Whether you plan on marketing your book on your own or hiring help from a professional, you’ve likely heard of the importance of “the pitch.” 

What on earth is a “pitch” and why does it matter for your marketing and publicity efforts?

A pitch is how you describe your book to influential people, to pique their interest and acquire their support. Consider the famous “elevator pitch” scenario. The idea is: that you’re stuck in an elevator with someone who doesn’t know anything about you or your work. What do you say to them? Moreover, how do you make a lasting impression when you only have access to a few fleeting minutes of their time? 

In the age of technology, the task of “the pitch” is even more difficult. We are no longer having conversations in elevators. Instead, imagine: each phone call you make or email you send is like shouting up at your poor listener from a train station platform while they, aboard the train, prepare to whizz off at any moment. You still have limited time, but the amount of distractions has substantially increased. The background noise of chatty travelers, the cacophony of mechanical sounds – they’re all working to draw attention away from you.

It may sound dramatic, but it’s true. Media professionals receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of emails per day. That’s a lot of background noise! 

So, what does it take to stand out from the crowd?

Know what you want.

The number of people who have sent out information about their book without any context will surprise you. Raising awareness about your book is great, however a specific goal can be even more helpful. Do you want someone to read and review your book? Would you like to be interviewed? Do you want to land an event at a local bookstore?

Do your research.

Figure out who would be the best person to help you accomplish the goals mentioned above. Ideally, this person will have not only the power to help you but consequently, they will also have a personal interest in the themes of your book.

Be succinct.

Another key point, when drafting your pitch, it’s your job to make your point clear and to arrive at that point quickly. Booksellers and media professionals certainly don’t have time to decipher your message. They need to know three things: what your book is about, what you’re asking them to do, and why this is relevant to them.

Personalize your message.

If you send the same message to 500 people through a mass email campaign, maybe a handful of people will get back to you. Accordingly, if you send a personalized message to 50 people, you’re a lot more likely to see support coming through. People like to be recognized as human, and they prefer to talk to a real person over a robot; it’s as simple as that!

At Books Forward, our team includes former journalists; so we know the value of a good pitch! We are known for our personalized approach to media outreach. If you’re looking to take the next step with professional publicity support, drop us a line:

https://booksforward.com/contact/ 

Crafting your author brand vs. your series brand

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Creating an author brand can be tricky — it’s supposed to be you, but which parts of you? 

An author brand is all about how you present yourself to the world. Your brand identity encompasses your personality and expertise. In other words, how you make people feel and what you make them think about. 

Think of a few authors whose work you enjoy. What comes to mind when you hear their name? Are there specific emotions, topics, or even colors you associate with them? What questions would you ask if you were trapped in an elevator with them? 

Your answers all relate to that author brand!

Take a look at your genre

An author’s genre can inform much of their personal brand. Consider fantasy author Sarah J. Maas. Her brand is expressed through youthful feminine aesthetics, romance-tinged high fantasy, and an active social media presence. 

Maas currently has three fantasy book series under her belt, and while each series has its own, slightly unique brand, they all work in harmony toward her overall author image.

When authors write in multiple genres, however, the distinction between author-focused and book-focused branding is more obvious. Take John Green for example. Green built his brand on creating educational YouTube videos and writing young adult books. When he released the nonfiction essay collection The Anthropocene Reviewed, it may have appeared to be a diversion from his brand. However, the educational videos that made him a household name also solidified him as a trustworthy authority and scholar of diverse topics. So, a book of essays was actually a great fit for his brand!

This highlights the importance of having an authentic brand. If you build your brand around who you truly are, and what really interests you, then no matter what direction your writing takes, it will still feel like a natural and integral part of your overall author image.

Why focus on building an author brand?

Readers will be more likely to support you throughout the years if they feel like they understand you and feel connected to you! It also helps them associate certain colors, images and aesthetics with you!

Tips for developing your author brand

Fine-tune your overall message:

  • You likely have an elevator pitch for your latest book memorized, which is great! But for your author brand, you should think about your message in more broad strokes. What values, interests and spheres of knowledge do you bring to the table across your entire body of work? What do you want your readers to know about you?

Create a brand book for your website and social media accounts:

  • Colors: Think about what colors reflect you, your writing, and your audience.
  • Fonts: These make a powerful statement. Literary authors may opt for a serif font to convey a more traditional style, whereas a sci-fi author may choose a bold, thematic sans serif font.
  • Content: The information you choose to share online is a direct reflection of your image. Brainstorm some ideas for content you’d like to share. Before posting anything, ask yourself: Is this true to me? And is this relevant to my brand?
  • Profile: Match your profile photos across your platforms, and use the same handle, if possible, on all your accounts so readers can easily find you.

Arrange media opportunities to highlight your message:

Think outside the box

Brainstorm additional ways to connect with readers by leaning into your strengths. Create some swag related to your books and offer it up at events if you’re great at design. Try podcasting if you’re known for your witty banter and insights. Consider putting in some volunteer hours and connecting with the community if your book is related to a good cause.

For more helpful branding tips, check out our blog on building your author brand.

Tips for taking your video interview skills to the next level

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Help! How can I use video interviews to promote my book?

As the popularity of video conferencing continues to grow, more authors are being invited to record interviews using Zoom than ever before. 

Are you prepared to make the most of a video interview? Read on for answers to our frequently asked questions–

How should I prepare for a video interview?

One of the first things you should do is watch some episodes of the show! The more episodes you watch, the better you’ll be able to understand the host, the format of the show, and the tone of the interview.

If the host shares a list of questions or talking points, be sure to look everything over prior to the interview. If they don’t have an outline for you, feel free to send them some suggestions for topics you’d like to discuss.

How can I reduce the chances of tech issues?

First, ask the producer or host if they have any equipment suggestions. Some interviewers will want you to use headphones or specific recording devices. Familiarize yourself with the technology in advance of the interview.

Next, be sure to test that your microphone and camera are working properly.

You should also double check that your wifi connection is strong and stable for video interviews.

In order to ensure that your audio recording is sufficient, be sure to reduce background noise by turning off fans and closing open windows.

How can I make sure that I look good on camera?

Start by selecting your recording environment–background and lighting make a huge difference! Choose a quiet, well-lit space (natural light is best), with a clean, neutral background. Many authors choose to record video interviews in their office or in front of a bookshelf, but any private space will do. You can use the “blur” feature to hide your background if you’re worried about showcasing your home to the public,

As far as clothing goes, you should aim to wear something that’s comfortable, professional and, most importantly, that feels like “you.” While it may be tempting to wear a suit jacket with pajama pants, we don’t recommend it. It’s best to dress from head to toe–even if no one can see the pants or shoes you put on, having a fully put together outfit can give you the confidence boost you need to succeed!

If you tend to talk with your hands, try to reduce the amount of gestures you use during the interview. You should also practice using a neutral facial expression, such as a soft smile, throughout the interview. This helps to ensure that your image stays professional, even if the video software glitches or freezes.

How can I promote my book during the interview?

Just like with a radio interview, the host will give you opportunities to talk about your book. However, unlike radio, you can actually show your book’s cover to the camera!

Be sure to keep a copy of your book nearby and hold it up to the camera at appropriate times. If you’re running a giveaway using swag like tote bags or t-shirts, you can also show those off!

What else should I know?

The most important thing is to have fun and be yourself! If you were invited to be a guest on a podcast or television program, it’s because the producer or host saw something special in you–and your book. Now, go on and share your message with the world!

A classroom with children raising their hands and text that says "Do you need an educator guide for your children's book?"

What is an educator guide and do I need one for my book?

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Calling all children’s book authors! Are you considering making an educator guide for your book? Keep reading to find out if it’s a good fit for you.

What are educator guides?

Educator guides are resources that help teachers adapt literary materials for classroom use. These guides are typically tailored for the class’s age group and are designed to meet current curriculum standards. Educator guides often include discussion questions, hands-on activities, and worksheets that teachers can print out and use.

Should I have and educator guide?

If you plan on reaching out to schools to schedule classroom visits, an educator guide would likely be a good fit for you. We all know that teachers have packed schedules, so the more time-saving resources you can provide for them, the better!

In addition to sending these materials directly to teachers and librarians, you’ll also want to incorporate them on your website.

Here are a few examples of guides on author websites:

What should I include?

A discussion guide with open-ended questions for students to consider after reading can be used to spark classroom conversation. You can also include hands-on activities related to your book, such as word searches, crafts, and coloring pages, with downloadable materials, if appropriate. If you know of other books that explore your main subject, consider making a list of recommended reads for students who want to delve deeper. Remember to keep the age of your ideal audience in mind as you put your educator guide together!

How can I get an educator guide?

While some authors choose to create their own guides, it may be best to hire professional help to ensure that your materials meet current curriculum requirements. Many former educators have small businesses dedicated to making classroom materials, such as Rm 228. 

By partnering with educators, you can reach more students with your book while making a memorable impact on communities. 

Looking for tips on how to schedule school visits?

Check out our previous article here on best practices for scheduling school visits.

Write on!

Do I need beta readers and sensitivity readers for my book?

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

What are beta readers?

Did you know that rom-com classics like Pretty in Pink (1986), My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) and Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010) originally had very different endings? After audiences reacted negatively to the endings in test screenings, the scripts were reworked to have the endings we know today. 

Just as test audiences preview films prior to release and relay critical viewer feedback, beta readers do the same for books. These unsung heroes read manuscripts prior to publication, providing their honest opinions. And they often do it entirely for free.

Acting as a general audience, beta readers typically focus on:

  • the likeability/believability of characters
  • the tone and pacing of key scenes
  • the believability of the plot (keeping an eye out for plot holes)
  • their emotional responses and gut reactions to specific scenes and the book as a whole

How can I connect with beta readers?

Finding beta readers–especially those willing to read for free–can be challenging. It’s best not to rely on your friends or your writing colleagues, but to seek out readers who will be unbiased in their feedback. You can try networking with readers by using the #betareaders hashtag on Twitter or posting on the r/betareaders subreddit, offering your manuscript to interested readers.

If you aren’t on social media or want to expedite the process, you can pay for beta reading services. Just be sure to research various options so you can make the best decision for your book and your wallet.

How do I work with beta readers?

Once you’ve found beta readers interested in your work, it’s important to provide them with everything they need to succeed. Help them help you!

You should:

  • Offer your manuscript in various formats (.mobi, .epub, print)
  • Provide realistic deadlines for their feedback
  • Ask specific questions that you want them to focus on (without trying to control their responses)
  • Be open to criticism
  • Compare notes from all readers before making changes to your manuscript

How do sensitivity readers (SRs) differ from beta readers (BRs)?

Sensitivity readers take a more specific approach to reading than beta readers. SRs often focus on how markers of identity and lived experience such as race, culture, religion, gender, sexuality and disability play a role in a book and influence its characters. Most authors think SRs eliminate stereotypes in books. While that’s part of what they do, they ultimately help authors create realistic characters that readers can relate to, believe in, and stick with. SRs are almost always paid, given the level of niche expertise and focused feedback that they provide.

Some beta readers may touch on aspects of identity and other sensitive topics in their feedback. Still, depending on the book, it can be worthwhile to seek out a professional opinion from a sensitivity reader as well.

Just like with beta readers, it’s important for authors to be open to criticism when working with sensitivity readers. Take all feedback to heart and use it as a learning experience. Remember that it’s not possible to be an expert in everything, and the best authors enlist lots of help throughout the writing process!

 

Do I really need a publicist to help me market my book?

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

There’s no question that the publishing industry has changed dramatically in recent years. In many ways, it’s more difficult to publish a book now than ever before. However, a good publicity team knows what authors are up against, and can help you cope with various challenges, ultimately setting you up for success. What are some of the challenges that authors face with book publicity today?

An estimated 3 to 4 million books are now being published annually, making it even tougher to break through. But despite the wealth of books hitting shelves, the market remains stagnant. According to Publishers Weekly, book industry revenue was $25.3 billion in 2000 and only $25.7 billion in 2020. When adjusted for inflation, this “growth” becomes a loss. And according to Gallup polls, the average American adult read 12 books in 2021, down from 15 in 2016. While it’s too soon to tell how much of this is a result of COVID-related restrictions, it’s certainly a reflection of the current struggle to capture the attention of target readers.

A good publicity firm will provide targeted outreach to the readers that will best connect with your book, helping to position it in front of audiences with influence in the book world. They should use unique pitches and creative brainstorming to rise about the crowd.

Over 300 bookstores have opened in the U.S. in the past couple years, and they’re stocking more diverse books than ever before. This is a serious victory, but physical bookstore space is still drastically limited compared to the rapidly growing number of books being published annually. Publicists can help connect authors with booksellers to cultivate relationships with these valuable tastemakers.

Marketing resources are stretched thin, and more than ever before, authors are required to take on the majority of marketing and publicity efforts for their book. Many publishers have excellent guidebooks that coach authors on the ins and outs of publicity, but taking it on alone can feel extremely daunting. Not to mention that many authors would rather spend their time writing their next book than posting on social media.

Publishing is an ever-evolving industry where authors are forced to quickly adapt to each new challenge. Having a book publicist as a partner can provide you with the support and guidance you need to make sense of a complicated industry. Plus, having a dedicated publicist putting in the hours will help your book stand out from the millions of other titles being published each year. 

Think publicity might be a good fit for you? Learn more about what we do at Books Forward here and drop us a line if you want to connect.

Tips for Building Your Author Website and Blog

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

As an author, your website is your home base! It’s an important platform for developing your brand and inviting contact from readers, book industry leaders, and media professionals.

You’ll want your website to be:

  • Attractive, with a color scheme and tone representing your genre/brand
  • Easy to navigate
  • Adaptable for use on mobile devices
  • Safe and secure (you should obtain an SSL certificate)

Content-wise, you’ll want to make sure your site has:

  • Information about you and your books
  • Links for purchasing all of your titles (we recommend Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, your publisher’s website, and Amazon)
  • A blog (this can help with SEO, sending more visitors to your site!)
  • Useful resources (press kit, educator guides)
  • A press page with links to media coverage for your books
  • A call to action (e.g. sign up for my newsletter, subscribe to our podcast, check out my recent interview)
  • A contact page so visitors can reach out to you!

Here are some examples of well-done author websites:

One of the main questions we get about author websites is should I have a blog?

We do recommend blogs to most authors. They are especially helpful for authors looking to boost their brand and searchability (SEO) in the long-term. If you are a multi-book author (or if you plan to write more), then a blog will be particularly useful for you!

One important thing to note: ideally, you’ll post on your blog at regular intervals. This can be once every two weeks, once per month, or whatever works best for you. Consistency is key!

Maintaining a blog can:

  • Act as a sample of your writing style, enticing prospective readers
  • Show an alternate, more personal side of you, helping you connect with readers and fellow writers on a deeper level
  • Help you promote upcoming book releases, events, and other “happenings”
  • Help you network with other authors through blog-swap promotions

A few ideas for what to explore in your blog:

  • Writing craft – tips, sample exercises, lessons learned.
  • Personal notes – memoir-style entries about your life, current thoughts and experiences that are shaping your writing career.
  • Book features – what you’re currently reading and enjoying.
  • Blog-swap – promotional information from an author in your network. Ask them if they’d be willing to promote you on their blog in return!
  • Publishing inside scoop – cover reveal, behind-the-scenes look at the editing process, networking tips.
  • Side projects – any non-book project you may have: a poem or short story you wrote on your morning bus ride, an art piece, essay, recipe, podcast.
  • Promotion – information about your upcoming releases, giveaway links, events.
  • Excerpts – exclusive “sneak peek” at your book, whether it’s available for pre-order or currently on sale.

To make the most out of your blog, you can link it to your social media pages, so each post is automatically shared through your other channels.

Keep in mind that starting a blog is a long-term investment. You won’t see thousands of visitors to your blog in the first few months. But if you consistently post engaging content, offer “exclusives” like giveaways and excerpts, and use your writing network to help expand your reach, you’ll see a dedicated audience slowly grow over time, helping your brand for years to come. 

For more must-have elements of your website, check out our previous article here: https://booksforward.com/must-have-elements-on-your-author-website/

Guide to Celebrity Book Clubs

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Looking for a new book club to join? Lucky for you, these celebs have you covered!

Celebrities choose their favorite books to share with fans, usually by working directly with major publishing houses and selecting a frontlist title that speaks to them. Occasionally, celebs will pick a backlist title from their personal library.

Oprah Winfrey

The queen of the celebrity book club, Oprah started her now-iconic club back in 1996. Fans of classic literature by Toni Morrison, William Faulkner, Leo Tolstoy and Gabriel García Márquez should be sure to check out Oprah’s picks. She features the best of books, old and new!

Jenna Bush Hager

The TODAY book club, #ReadWithJenna, features fan-favorite backlist titles like Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History” released in 1992, as well as hit debut titles like Jessamine Chan’s “The School for Good Mothers” released in 2022. Jenna has only been selecting books since 2019, but we already love her taste, which ranges from historical fiction to mystery, memoir, and beyond!

Reese Witherspoon

Reese’s Book Club has quickly become a favorite among readers, and we can see why! Picks like “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” have been major crowd pleasers. She even has a few YA picks for both young and young-at-heart readers.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts and her best friend, Karah Preiss, run the book club Belletrist. Picks often feature protagonists in their 20s and 30s and explore questions related to womanhood, identity, queerness, race and coming-of-age. Notable picks include “Sex and Rage” by Eve Babitz, “Her Body and Other Parties” by Carmen Maria Machado, and “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Goopiest celebrity on this list, Gwyneth Paltrow has been on a book club hiatus since June 2022, but you can still check out backlist picks like “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw on the Goop website.

Noname

Musician Noname has a phenomenal book club with chapters across the country, so you can check if there’s one in your area! There are also Zoom sessions available to all. The club’s one major rule is don’t buy from Amazon, and support a Black-owned bookstore if you can. If you can’t, the library is always a great option. Author picks include the legendary Toni Morrison, bell hooks, Yaa Gyasi, James Baldwin, Angela Davis and Alice Wong, to name a few.

Kaia Gerber

Supermodel Kaia Gerber runs a casual book club through her Instagram page, often featuring memorable conversations with other celebrities such as fellow supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, actress Laura Dern and author Carmen Maria Machado. 

Emma Corrin

Emma runs a semi-secret book club on Instagram under the handle @someb00kswotiread. They don’t have a strict monthly format, so this is a great fit for anyone who wants to read more but gets stressed out by scheduling. A few of their notable picks: “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin, “Swimming in the Dark” by Tomasz Jedrowski and “The Mermaid of Black Conch” by Monique Roffey.

Dua Lipa

Dua is the newest book club girlie on the scene, and we love that for her! Her book club, called Service95, started in June. Her first two picks are “Shuggie Bain” and “Pachinko.” Join this club if you feel like starting something new!

Florence Welch

Musician Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine, runs a book club called Between Two Books. Recent picks include “If I Had Your Face,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Priestdaddy.” If you gravitate toward genre-bending titles or horror books, you should definitely check this one out!

Andrew Luck

If you think book clubs are just for the girls, think again! Former quarterback Andrew Luck is also an avid reader and book club founder. Although his club has been on hiatus since August 2020, the backlist picks are worth checking out. Take a look on Instagram at @albookclub.

Emma Watson

Watson ran a popular book club from 2016-2019 called Our Shared Shelf. The club began as a way for readers to engage with intersectional feminism. Be sure to check out Watson’s backlist picks, including “Pachinko,” “Beloved,” “Sister Outsider,” “All About Love,” “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Color Purple.”

Isabella Boylston

The principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Isabella Boylston, is also the host of the Ballerina Book Club. A sci-fi and fantasy lover, Boylston recommends top genre picks such as “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin.

Shonda Rhimes, Jimmy Fallon, Sarah Jessica Parker

Still not satisfied with these celebrity book clubs? Try digging up reading recs from other literary stars like Shonda Rhimes, Jimmy Fallon and Sarah Jessica Parker. 

Or maybe your favorite author is a celeb whose book club you’d like to join! You can check out Fable to choose from thousands of book clubs, including ones moderated by your favorite authors.

Best of luck on your bookish journey! 

Organizing events around your release date

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

Organizing events around your release date

If you’re the type of person who loves to socialize and meet with readers, you’re probably wondering what steps you should take to arrange a bookstore event surrounding your publication day. Here’s the rundown:

Selecting Bookstores

You’ll want to start reaching out to bookstores at least four months before your release date. The earlier you can contact bookstores, the better, especially if you’re looking at stores in major cities like New York or Los Angeles. For a small town bookstore, though, three months’ notice may suffice. 

Before contacting a bookstore, it’s important to find out whether or not they host events because not every bookstore does. Peruse their website and see if they have an event calendar. If they do, dig a little deeper and see if they offer the type of event you’re looking for (in-person, online, storytime, book signing, etc).

Approaching the Bookstore

Before approaching the store to request an author event, make sure you have everything in order. You’ll need a press release that contains your book data (such as ISBN and release date) and any pertinent ordering information such as discounts.

You’ll also need to let the bookseller know how many people you can draw to the event. Bookstores often have to pay employees overtime to work events, and having an approximate audience size helps them estimate book sales, which in turn gives them an idea of the kind of profit they’re looking at. Do NOT tell the store you can draw 100 guests to your event if that’s not realistic. You don’t want to ruin your relationship with the store, so always be as honest as possible about attendance size.

Booksellers will also want to know how your book appeals to their own customer demographic. Give them your best elevator pitch and explain why their customers would resonate with your book. 

Remember that event coordinators are extremely busy, so be respectful in your communication with them. Try to call ahead or email them instead of dropping in unannounced, as many booksellers won’t have time to meet with authors in the middle of a hectic sales day.

Preparing for the Event

The bookstore agreed to host you–woohoo! Now what?

Make sure you tell the store about any accommodations you may need, such as elevator access, a podium, a PowerPoint set-up, etc.

Prepare your presentation and select the excerpts you’d like to read. Usually the store will give you an idea of how long they’d like you to read for, so be sure to time yourself during your practice reads.

Consider your book signing, if you’re planning one. Decide if you want to sign books ahead of time or during the event, and think about how exactly you’ll personalize the books–do you want to use a catchphrase, add a doodle or share a meaningful remark?

You should also add a buy link to the store’s pre-order page on your website to show them you’re serious about driving sales to their store.

Spreading the News

You want people to show up, so don’t keep your event a secret!

First, tell your publisher and/or publicist about your event plans. This will help them best support you. Your publicity team may contact local media outlets to try to get coverage in advance of the event.

Next, tell everyone you know. Seriously! Add the event information to your author website, send out an email newsletter, and post about it on social media.

Wrapping It Up

After your event, you’ll want to thank everyone at the store who made it possible. You can show your appreciation in a few ways (the more the merrier!) Try:

  • Sending a handwritten thank you card to the store
  • Purchasing someone else’s book the day of the event
  • Sharing photos from the event on social media, tagging the store and singing their praises

If you can, stay in touch with the store and continue to shop there. If you’re a local author, they may invite you back for a book club session or to be a panelist or moderator for future events. Building a strong connection with a store now can benefit you as an author for years to come!