Last week, Everyday MAGIC was released which meant I had to figure out how to have a book launch party. As someone who wrote her first book, I wasn’t really sure how to do it.
Here’s what you should know: just because you write a book doesn’t mean you need to have a book launch party. It’s nice to have but not a must-have. Parties and events can get pricey so you want to make sure that if you choose to have a book launch party, it’s worth the time, effort, and money for your goals.
Dress // Shoes // Makeup // Hair
We decided to have a book launch party for Everyday MAGIC so I could commemorate my first effort as an author with loved ones and my followers. I like having parties, so this was enjoyable for me.
If you’re wondering how to have a book launch party for the release of your book, here’s how I made it work for me.
PARTY ON RELEASE DAY
We decided to have the launch party on release day and I’m so glad we did. Because books typically come out on Tuesday, renting a venue tends to be less expensive and people are usually more available (since you’re not competing for their weekend).
We landed an awesome venue – The Carlyle Venue – because the event was on a Tuesday and they were really flexible + easy to work with. They provided the table, chairs, linens & we selected a passed hors d’oeuvres and some drink from their in house catering.
Release day can also be stressful because you’re looking at your phone or checking emails to see how your book is selling. A launch or event gives you something to look forward to and takes your mind off of real-time sales for a few hours.
HAVE A BUDGET & ASK FOR SPONSORS
Before you know it, everything that you want to have at your party starts to add up to way more than you expected. Have a budget in mind whenever you start planning your book launch party. There’s no perfect number, but having one in mind will create boundaries to keep you on track.
We decided to have a launch party 3 weeks before, so we were really pushing it. (I suggest planning waaaaaaay before that. Like 3 months before.)
If you decide to do something like a gift bag, you can reach out to sponsors to supply items for the bag and money for the event.
Thankfully, we reached out to some of my brand partners like Kirkland’s, Paula’s Choice & Mary Kay who were gracious sponsors (even last minute!).
CHARGE FOR TICKETS
This is something we decided to do to ensure costs were covered. Realistically, you’re not going to profit from a book launch event, but to make sure you break even, charging a reasonable price to guests and only offering a limited amount of tickets is key.
We comped our special guests – like family and close friends of course.
MAKE THE DETAILS COUNT
Don’t be afraid to decorate the party and make it look MAGIC. We had flower arrangements, balloon garlands & gift bags made to give to guests. I also wrote handwritten notes in each gift bag and personally signed a book for each paid guest.
Whoever made the effort to be in that room to celebrate the release of my book was a big deal to me and I wanted to make sure they knew that I appreciated it. Any way you can personalize any moment of your book launch party, do it. It may seem small, but even a small personalized detail goes a long way.
INCLUDE SMALL BITES & DRINKS
If your budget will allow it, please give your guests a little something to nibble on and a drink.
While we didn’t have a seated dinner, we opted for some passed hors d’oeuvres and wine + mocktail bar. Because the launch party was at 7p in the evening, it just seemed like the right thing to do FOR ME.
GIFT AND/OR SELL BOOKS TO GUESTS
We decided to gift books to our guests, but I would absolutely sell books next time. It’s usually expected and there’s nothing wrong with selling your book at the launch party. It’s a great way to get sales for an independent/local bookstore and get sales for your book.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Include photography and/or videography in the budget. Making sure that the big and small moments of the event are captured so you can relive it later is such a treat and absolutely worth it.
It’s also a way to create some social media content to talk about your book throughout the week.
We had both photography and videography at the book launch and they got the footage and photos back to us within 72 hours.
TAKE PICTURES WITH YOUR PEOPLE
I took a picture with Chris, our family, and my village but I wish I would’ve taken a picture with my parents and in-laws. This is such an awesome moment in your life and career that you want to share with the most important people in your life. Even if it’s just an iPhone photo, try your best to get a photo taken with your family.
I also made a point to take photos with friends and followers when I signed or gave them books. We made sure to make room & time for it in the run of show and I’m so glad we did.
The long and the short of it – there is no “wrong” or “right” way to have a book launch party. It’s all about doing what matters to you (within your budget) to make the moment special and memorable.
Venue: The Carlyle Venue
Sponsors: Kirkland’s, Paula’s Choice & Mary Kay
Flowers: Village Green Flowers
Balloons: Pop Deux
Marquee Letters: Simply Lit
Photography & Videography: E Bates Films
Cupcakes: Cami Cakes
