Launching a Book? Do It At a Bar.

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From Publishers Weekly:

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 at Publishers Weekly

4 thoughts on “Launching a Book? Do It At a Bar.”

  1. Question: Will this la-de-dah, not-cheap launch party recoup its cost in increased book sales, or is it an expensive, ego-boosting, financial bust?

    • Well, I for one will consider launching a book at a bar. I’ll take my tablet there, and tap the “Publish” button.

      But all that I’ll be out is for however many whiskey sours it takes to drown my sorrow at once again not being an instant best seller. Oh, and for the cab to deliver me back home to start the next try.

    • recoup its cost in increased book sales

      If her GoodReads and Amazon rankings are any guide, absolutely not. The book referenced in the article has two reader reviews on Amazon. Only one listing as a verified purchase. Maybe her stuff sells better off of Amazon?

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