What’s a book launch party and how do you plan for one?  Timely topic, considering on Friday, March 21, 7-9 p.m., I’ll be throwing my second launch. This time for Oceano Beach Bedlam—Book Two in the Thad Hanlon & Bri de la Guerra Mystery Series. The Book Bungalow, St. George Utah’s local independent bookseller, will be hosting.
 

If you missed my previous blog on launch parties,  I thought I’d share an updated (and much-shortened version). Here goes:

Why a Book Launch Party? What’s Involved? 

According to public relations expert Julia Drake (Writers Digest, March 2016), when it comes to connecting with your readers, there’s no substitute for an in-person book launch. As she explains:

“Although today’s virtual world allows authors to connect with their audience without ever leaving their house, virtual communication cannot replace the physical experience of sharing your book and knowledge with a room full of real people at a book signing.”

So what does it take for a successful in-person launch? Drake (who still has the best article on the topic) gives 10 tips. These three caught my attention:

• Picking the Right Venue Is Half the Victory
• Your Big Moment (The Reading)
• The Signing

Venue Selection

So you’ve decided to hold a book launch party. The next question is where?

Well, that depends.

If you’re objective is primarily to celebrate the publication of your manuscript with a few friends and family, a local restaurant with a banquet or private room is perfect.

But if you’re trying to reach new readers, you’re best bet is to go with a commercial location having a proven track record for launch parties. In my case, that means our local independent bookseller—The Book Bungalow. The owner has a big community presence and is known for hosting and promoting new writers.

The Reading

PR Expert Julia Drake doesn’t mince words when it comes to the Big Moment. For sure, attendees are going to expect you to read a little from your masterpiece. But as Drake says, “no one loves sitting for two hours while you read from your book, your face buried in the pages.”

Instead, she suggests keeping the reading portion to 15 minutes or less. In my experience, 5 to 7 minutes is best. You can then use the rest of the presentation to focus on your background and what inspired you to write the book.  

Book Signing

Meeting the author in person and getting them to sign a copy of the book is a big part of the book launch event. Readers love it when you personalize their copy, so think through beforehand what you want to write. That way you can keep the book-signing line moving. And remember to bring a non-smear pen or two.

Further Exploration

To learn more about what it takes to plan an effective book launch party, check out:

10 Tips for a Successful Book Launch by Julia Drake (Mar 2, 2016)

Book Launch Parties: 15 Tips for the Best Party Ever! by Jason Hamilton (Oct 20, 2022)

Will You Join Me?

Please join me for a Book Launch Party at Southern Utah’s finest independent bookstore. We’ll be celebrating the release of my new mystery OCEANO BEACH BEDLAM, the much-awaited sequel to All that Glisters. There’ll be a short reading, Q&A, door prizes, book signing, and mysterious treats.

When:  Friday, March 21, 2025,  7 p.m.—9 p.m.

Where: The Book Bungalow, 94 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84770

Link: https://www.thebookbungalow.com/event/live-book-launch-christopher-g-jones-oceano-beach-bedlam

All you mystery lovers and private eye fans, hope to see you there.