I’ve thrown launch parties for all three of my books, and
two of the most well-attended launches occurred at popular bars in
Orlando—namely the Eden Bar and the Imperial. What makes this type of
book party more successful than a traditional, on-site launch at your
local indie bookseller? Think creative cross-promotion. Particularly for
my most recent release, Perfect Conditions: Stories, I felt
the uniqueness of the Imperial captured the book’s settings and themes.
The bar is located within Washburn Imports, a purveyor of hand-carved
furniture from Southeast Asia that, at night, the owner turns into the
Imperial, a beer and wine bar. Its enchanting space uncannily evokes the
themes of Perfect Conditions, whose characters often find themselves unmoored in far-flung locales.
To get things started, I approached some members of a jazz band I
know well and admire, the Strange Angels, who regularly play at the
Imperial. I asked if they’d be open to making one of their upcoming
Thursday-night appearances a joint venture: their usual show plus my
book launch. Once the members agreed, we contacted the owner, who was
more than happy to schedule a doubleheader.
Here are some key advantages and strategies for authors looking to
launch their book at local hot spots, with bands, if possible:
- Remember that even trendy bars have slower times when they look to
bring in more patrons. You might ask the owner or manager when the bar
is seeking to boost sales. Daytime or nighttime can work equally well.
For the launch of my debut story collection, Train Shots, I chose a
Saturday at 2 p.m. event at the always-hip Eden Bar, which has a lovely
outdoor patio under magical ancient oaks. If many in your circle have
young kids, you might want to explore this type of venue and time slot
for something more family friendly.
- If you’ll be using your local indie bookstore to handle sales,
coordinate with them early on about the venue and setup. Or, if you’ll
be handling book sales on your own, be sure to have a friend or two
agree to work the cash box while you meet people, chat, and sign.
Link to the rest of article at
Publishers Weekly
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