Navigating Author Events: A Guide for Writers

Author events can be a powerful tool for promoting books and connecting with readers. However, they can also be intimidating for writers who are new to the experience. In this blog post, we offer some practical tips on how to navigate author events and make them successful.

Note: While much of this blog is based on our experiences with a hundred or so author events, we have looked at other sources for ideas, including this one.

Before the Event:

Reach out to the bookshop: Don’t just show up unannounced. Contact the bookshop in advance to discuss your event and ensure they sell your type of books.
Plan the event together: Work with the bookshop to set a mutually convenient date and time, and ask for their input on attracting a crowd.
Provide publicity materials: Provide the bookshop with all information they might need to develop any publicity material. If you are developing the publicity collateral, make sure you have the name and location of the bookshop correctly mentioned.
Promote the event: Use your own social media channels and email list to spread the word about the event. Encourage your readers to attend.
Coordinate book supply: Ensure that copies of your book, as well as any previous works, will be available at the event.

During the Event:

Arrive early: Give yourself time to settle in, meet readers, and prepare for your presentation.
Prepare for your presentation: If you are giving a talk or participating in a panel discussion, be well-prepared and practice beforehand.
Stick to the schedule: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation and Q&A session.
Encourage readings: Have someone read from your book to give readers a taste of your writing.
Focus on the venue: Avoid mentioning online retailers like Amazon or Flipkart during the event. The goal is to encourage sales at the bookshop.

After the Event:

Thank your attendees: Show your appreciation for those who attended the event, even if the turnout was small.
Share photos: Encourage attendees to take photos and share them on social media.
Continue promotion: Keep promoting your book and the event on your social media channels.
Support other authors: Consider buying another author’s book from the bookshop as a gesture of support.
Build relationships: If possible, stay after the event to chat with attendees and the bookshop staff.

By following these tips, you can make your author events enjoyable and effective experiences for both you and your readers. Remember, the goal is to connect with your audience and promote your book in a positive and engaging way.