Your book is done–polished, edited and polished one last time. Now you’re ready to celebrate the milestone with family, friends and fans. Here are some tips and ideas, along with photos of my party swag for those of you who desire a physical location for your book release party:
*Print materials! Posters, business cards, invitations, flyers, postcards, labels (different types and sizes). Check out you nearest Staples, Office Max, Kinko’s and Office Depot for pricing and specials. I got great deals and savings at Staples. Ink cartridges are pretty pricey, so I wouldn’t suggest that as an option, unless you are doing a teeny print job. Use the print experts for your big jobs. I like to do the 11×17 “Coming Soon” posters and smaller flyers to pique interest.
*Location, location, location! A local spot would be the obvious choice. For the right ambiance, if possible, picking a place that fits with your book would be perfect. I picked Coffee Bean Connection, my favorite, local coffee house.
*Promoting your book and party to the community! Talk to school administrators (keep in mind book age appropriateness), local libraries, book stores, businesses, especially small businesses. Get names of those in charge and mail or personally deliver flyers, invitations and business cards. Give posters to them to display.
*Setting the scene! If you planned your release party while you were working on your book, chances are you have a sizable picture in your head of what you want your party spot to exude inside. Check out party shops online/offline for themed decorations and favors or find the right color scheme and go from there. You can find other ideas, gifts, etc. from specialty shops. Banners and mini-red carpets are a fun way to advertise your party and have extra photo galleries for your social media sites as well. Centerpieces add a nice touch or you can have one large centerpiece for the main table and multiple, simple pieces on the other tables. You can make up regular 8.5×11 flyers or 11×17 poster size with the party details (games, activities food and refreshments, raffles, mini-red carpet and banner).
*Things to do at your party! Games, music, other activities, food and refreshments help liven a party and induce your social endorphins (okay, I made that last part up). You might choose food and drink themed around your book. Raffles are a good way to interact with potential fans.
“Lava Cocoa from the book. Recipe on Throne of Olympus website throneof olympus.com.
Party swag! This is the best part. I love giveaways and swag bags and if you make labels with your book cover on them, it’s cool to slap some on the bags, boxes and favors. If your party spot has gift certificates add some to swag bags and boxes and toss in a book matching book mark to top it off. If your party is around the holidays, you can add ornaments in as well. Oh, and a nice label w/your book cover can look great on a keepsake ornament. I found clear, teardrop-shaped ornaments with a peacock feather inside. Mugs, tote bags, key chains and T-shirts are always nice to sell and/or give a way at the event. The list for book swag is endless.
Remember, you don’t have to go overboard spending. How much you want to and can spend on your party and swag is up to you. But you might want to start planning and saving for your big event to make it special and memorable. You deserve to have a great book release party!
Did you have your party already? Online and/or offline, share your ideas and photos with the rest of us!
Here are some good sites to check out:
A Novel Perspective 