Make Your Book Launch or Other Virtual Event Go More Smoothly
Are you preparing for a virtual book launch event? Here are some things to do beforehand to make sure it goes well and you sell lots of books.
Invite a conversation partner
If your event only has one reader (you), you’re missing out. This is a time to collaborate. Invite your fellow authors to celebrate your publication day, interview you, join your reading.
Advertise the event widely
It should be posted on the websites and social media accounts of everyone involved: you, your publisher, the bookstore or other venue hosting it, if any, your conversation partner, and also event listing sites like Eventbrite.
Social media promotion
Creating social media accounts for the event gets the word out and allows interested parties to easily learn more about the event and follow any updates. Consider creating a hashtag for the event that can easily be shared amongst all social contacts and channels. Also make sure that the link to the event page is on every account, post, and story.
Encourage event sharing
Reinforce to those who are already registered for the event to invite other people they think will be interested. People will respond more to recommendations from their contacts on social media compared to online advertisements or commercials. Event information is easily shared between people on social media.
Benefits of attendance
People want to know what they can gain from attending your event, so it is important to highlight any special offers on the event page and social media accounts. Put this in bold or in a different color to draw attention.
Have the right background setup
Since you’ll be streaming from home, the background will show. You can use a virtual background or choose a setting you’re happy with. You don’t need lots of props but if you sit in front of a bookshelf, make sure your own book is right next to or behind you, visible throughout the event.
Use a ring light
If you can’t sit near a well-lit window, consider using a ring light. This influencer favorite is worth every penny, and you can buy a decent one for $30. If you don’t want to buy a ring light, turn on your cell phone’s flashlight, place it under your camera, and then watch yourself glow!
Have some water at hand
Nerves can cause a dry mouth, and that doesn’t sound good.
Tech check
Make sure you’re confident in using your camera, your microphone (built-in or extra), and know where to log in, how to record, where questions will appear, etc. Ask your publicist or a friend to test these with you before the event. A run-through will make you feel more confident.
Continuation of promotion
Promote any special book launch sales or giveaways multiple times during the event, so anyone joining later can also hear about them. Add a link to the sales page in the event description if possible. Promotion does not stop when the event starts!
Recording offered
In the event that people are not able to attend the live event, offer a recording of the event itself. This will allow them to share the recording with contacts, thus further promoting the book launch event even after it is finished.
Have fun. Sell lots of books.
Then repeat, but better! Just like a book tour has many stops, most authors do several virtual events, and each one will teach you something new. Each will be better than the next.
We hope these quick tips help.
Upcoming Literary Events you could attend virtually:
- On January 22, at 5:30 PM PST, Califonia based historians Jon Wiener and Daniel Widener will be in a virtual conversation to talk about their books dealing with timely topics of race, culture, and social justice. Register with Flintridge Bookstore here.
- On January 27, at 6:00 PM PST, Join Eliza Jane Brazier, author of If I Disappear, in conversation with Kiersten White hosted by Vroman’s Bookstore via Crowdcast.
- On January 28, at 6:00 PM PT, Powell’s Books will be presenting New York Times bestselling author and journalist Gabrielle Glaser in conversation with Anna Griffin to talk about her book American Baby. Register for the Zoom event here.
