Book Launch Party in London: A How to Guide

Launching a book is one of the most gratifying events for a writer, be it an established or an aspiring one. After months, sometimes, years of continuous hard work, the labour of the writer is put in front of the world on this day. As such, it is an event of huge proportions, it is imperative for a writer to make this event as memorable as possible. And, what better way to signify your book launch event than organising a party for that.

Some people, however, may argue on the validity of having a grand book launch party. They might interpret this step as a “promotional gimmick” and a waste of time. However, book launch event is extremely important for a number of reasons:

Spreading the Word

These events are the best way to promote your work. They build up the momentum and interest among the masses. Moreover, if the razzmatazz is sufficiently good, then it might catch the attention of local media, which will be a huge positive for your book.

A Personal Touch

Organising a book launch party by yourself will give that personal touch to your event. Whereas, organising the same event through publishers gives a stiff air as the event runs the risk of becoming more promotional than personal. Additionally, the chances of author-audience interaction can reduce to minimum. Conversely, a private book launch party creates a completely new platform for the interaction between the writer and the audience.

Spirit of Celebration

Book launching parties, when organised by publishing house, might become a monotonous affair, as the participation from your dear ones will be reduced. On the other hand, if you plan a launch party by yourself, then the spirit changes altogether. There will be the presence of your friends, family and other well-wishers, giving your event a celebratory air. In addition to this, you will not have to toe down the line of publishers, as the event would be sponsored by you and not by the publishers.

Reap Benefits Later on

Your book launch party in London, if successful, creates positive mileage for your book. People, who were not present in your launch party, may purchase your book later on, after hearing about the glitz of your event.

Precisely because of these reasons, you should arrange a book launch party. The path, however, is not that easy. The preparations that go into making a book launch event are quite complicated. Book launch is a formal affair, so a haphazard and informal party planning will not do here. What you need is a comprehensive guide that will aid you at every step of your party planning. Be it your book launch venue in London or invitation ideas or décor, every aspect of your book launch party should reflect the sincerity and formality of the occasion. Given below is the list of all the aspects, which you should keep in mind while planning a book launch party in London.

LOCATION

Choose a location that is easily accessible and very spacious. Your book launch party venue in London should be well connected through public transportation system. Along with this, make sure that there is an in-house management staff at the venue. This will ensure that your book launch party goes through smoothly and professionally.

Before you confirm the location for your book launch party in London, make a personal visit to the venue. Check all the vitalities, especially the general amenities and the parking facility in particular.

Another thing to note is the scale of your book launch party while choosing a location. If your book launch event is a relatively small affair, then book small book launch venues in London. On the contrary, if you want to make your book launch party a grand event, then booking lavish and spacious venues like Grand Connaught Rooms and The Brewery would be a good option.

TIME AND DATE

Set an appropriate time and date for your book launch affair in London. Crosscheck your designated date and make sure that it does not conflict with the timetable of others. It is better to consult people who would be your invitees before framing the date and time of your event.

After you have decided a date for your event, inform your guests about the date and time. Even though you will be sending out invitation cards to your invitees later on, yet it is a good thing if you tell your prospective guests about the date and time well in advance. This will ensure that your invitation is not forgotten even if the invitation card is misplaced, in case.

INVITATION IDEAS

The invitation card is the first thing that reaches your audience. So, make sure that your invitation cards should reflect the dedication and perseverance that have gone into your work. You can use the following ideas for creating the invitation card.

CONVENTIONAL

Postcard Invitation

Postcard invitation is a great way to spread the word about your book launch event in London. Use a traditional postcard and decorate it. Display the details of your event on the front side of your postcard. The backside will be used for incorporating an image of your book cover.

Postcard invitations can be found at shops in London. If you do not have enough time to check the stores, then you can click here to buy them online .

Traditional Paper Invitation

It is one of the most formal and conventional forms of invitation. Use textured thick paper to create the invitation card. As book launch tends to be a formal affair, avoid flashy and fancy fonts. You may, however, use calligraphic font to impart a little touch of informality, if you want.

MODERN

E-Card

It adds a sense of urgency to your invitation. Design an E-Card and use add-ons like sound or image, whatever suits best. E-Cards offer you an overwhelming variety but do ensure that you use the most apt add-on with your e-card.

If you have planned to send invitations via E-Card, do follow these cards with a phone call to your recipients. More often, these E-cards invitations find their way into the spam folder. That is the reason, that you should complement your e-card with a personal call.

The Social Networking

Use as much social networking as you can to promote your book launch party in London. You can dispense with the concept of invitation card altogether. Instead of this, use the platform of Facebook and Twitter. Create a Facebook page about your book and another page for your book launch party. Fill both the pages (especially, the book page) with loads of information. Once you have sufficient followers, you can invite them to your book launch party by sending invitations through Facebook. Click the options that allow you to send invitations via Facebook. Remember, Facebook allows you to send invitations up to 100 people. Therefore, keep track of your invitees.

DÉCOR OF THE VENUE

Book launch party is a serious event and the décor of your venue in London should reinforce that formality. Glitzy and flamboyant decorations are totally out. Try these things instead:

• It is a book launch party, so, your book stack should make a strong presence at the venue. Get a table and decorate it with lovely ribbons and streamers. After that, put a vibrant tablecloth, that is neither too eye-catching nor too monotonous. Then, arrange your books on the top of it, in the most attractive manner. Make sure, however, that the title of your book is clearly visible.
• Paste the pictures of your book cover at the walls of your book launch party venue. If your book is related to a particular theme or genre like crime-thriller, rom-com, or an alien saga, you should incorporate the theme onto your book launch party venue.

• If the budgets allow, go for party banners. On the banner would be your name, the complete title of your book, and the front cover illustration of the book. Hang this banner at the entrance, as it would attract maximum attention there. Similarly, you can hang small banners with the same pattern at different places in the venue. You will find a huge variety of party banners for your launching event. On-line websites like e-bay and partybanners.co.uk stock a good range of party banners.

• Large blown up posters of the book’s front cover is an option too and so is blimp with your book’s title and your name on it. The following ideas are slightly expensive though.

WHILE IN THE PARTY

Your book launch party in London should be interesting and friendly. Introducing a Q&A session at the start of the event will be a good idea. This will set the tone of the party.Follow up the session with a reading session where you will be reading out excerpts from your book. But, making reading session captivating is the need of the hour for you. While you are reading out to audience, keep the following things in mind:

Make it Alluring

While you are reading out excerpts from your book, remain confident. Keep a close eye on your intonation and voice throw. Reading out in front of an audience can be quite nerve-wracking for many. In order to keep a tab on your nervous mind, rehearse. Rehearsing does not mean reading out in front of a mirror only. Read out to your friends and colleagues, as they will provide you with valuable inputs regarding your performance and drawbacks, if they exist.

Introduce Variations

Reading out does not mean that you have started on page 1 and you are completing the whole page. Read an excerpt from page 1 and stop for a moment. Then, move over to a different paragraph, which is remotely connected to the theme of the book (but connected nonetheless). The thing, though, to keep in mind is that you do not jump over to atotally different premise or idea.

Another thing is to share some personal moments with the audience. You would have some anecdotes related to the book or a particular person or things that influenced or inspired you to write this book. Share those stories with your audience as it helps in creating a humane bond with the audience.

Keep up the Suspense Factor

Provide a brief, descriptive and alluring introduction to your book and then let the other speakers at the venue speak. This will arouse the curiosity among the audience that might lead to potential sales of your book.

The thing to note, however, is that you choose those excerpts for your introduction, which are lively and interest provoking.

Make it Alluring

While you are reading out excerpts from your book, remain confident. Keep a close eye on your intonation and voice throw. Reading out in front of an audience can be quite nerve-wracking for many. In order to keep a tab on your nervous mind, rehearse. Rehearsing does not mean reading out in front of a mirror only. Read out to your friends and colleagues, as they will provide you with valuable inputs regarding your performance and drawbacks, if they exist.

Introduce Variations

Reading out does not mean that you have started on page 1 and you are completing the whole page. Read an excerpt from page 1 and stop for a moment. Then, move over to a different paragraph, which is remotely connected to the theme of the book (but connected nonetheless). The thing, though, to keep in mind is that you do not jump over to atotally different premise or idea.

Another thing is to share some personal moments with the audience. You would have some anecdotes related to the book or a particular person or things that influenced or inspired you to write this book. Share those stories with your audience as it helps in creating a humane bond with the audience.

Keep up the Suspense Factor

Provide a brief, descriptive and alluring introduction to your book and then let the other speakers at the venue speak. This will arouse the curiosity among the audience that might lead to potential sales of your book.

The thing to note, however, is that you choose those excerpts for your introduction, which are lively and interest provoking.

Book Signings

Keep ample stock of books at your party venue in London. While you are signing out books to your fans and invitees, maintain a cheerful and warm disposition. Along with this, do appreciate their support when signing books for them.

REFRESHMENTS

You do not have to serve large portions of meal to your invitees. It is a book launch party; so, go for finger foods and cocktail drinks. It would be better if you keep the portions small of finger foods too. It will ensure that stale food is not served to your guests when they arrive. For food options, you can opt from following ideas.

Appetizers

• Cheese and Crackers
• Shrimps
• Mini Pizzas
• Fresh Veggies with Dressings
• Chips and Dips

Drinks

Keep it simple when it comes to drinks. For teetotallers, keep non-alcoholic and refreshing beverages like smoothies, Iced Green Tea Elixir with Ginger and Lemon, Watermelon Strawberry Cooler et cetera.

Whereas for drinks lovers, go for champagne and beers. The servings however, should be moderate.

AFTER PARTY FAVOURS

It is up to your individual preference. It is not mandatory to hand out favours at the end of your book launch party. If you want to do this, you should hand out mementos related to the theme of your book. For example, you can gift your guests complementary goodies like bags and accessories with the book.

In addition to this, do not forget to keep a sufficient stock of business cards. You may interact with other publishers at your party. You can hand them your business cards (with your contact number!) for future references.

Book launch is the day of celebrating the commitment and hard work, which you have infused in your work. It is, then, quite apt for you to mark this day with unprecedented fervour and celebrations. The following ideas will aid you in making your book launch party, a cherished event.