Book Event Myths + a reading, ranking, & a whole lot of resources
Busting open book event myths; tax tips; pitching; ranking lit mags; spec fic tips; book blog slang; my Baltimore book event; new publishing initiatives; defending books and libraries; poet-tea
Greetings readers & writers,
If you were wondering where my February issue was, you were very observant — there wasn’t one. Between sick days and snow storms, I wasn’t able to manage it. I appreciate your patience now that I’m finally coming up for air.
I’ve been wearing my event planner hat a lot recently. There was of course the in-person launch for New Year, New You, but I’ve also been working with a number of coaching clients who are planning for their book launches. And from a personal perspective, I’m soundly in event planner mode for a couple of pretty involved family reunions coming up this spring.Speaking of events, I’ll be participating in a reading this weekend in Baltimore. Details below! Come say hi!
All this is to say, over the years I’ve encountered a lot of misconceptions about author events. So let’s bust some event myths:
My publisher will set up all my events for me, so why even think about this stuff?
If you’re traditionally published, you will likely have a marketing department at your disposal, but depending on the budget they’ve allotted for promoting your book, a book tour likely won’t be on the table. A good publicist may help you book events but most authors I’ve worked with, whether trad-pubbed or indie, have had to do the majority of launch event planning themselves. This isn’t a bad thing! It means you have control over the details in a way an out-of-state publicist may not.
Any bookstore would be happy to host my launch event!
Every author imagines the day when they will be lauded at their local bookstore. But bookstores are businesses run on very slim margins. Not all bookstores are set up to host events. And the ones that can? They want your event to succeed as much as you do – which may be why they tell you ‘no.’ Think of it like online dating: make sure you pick someone with whom you have more in common than just being attractive book lovers (though there’s nothing wrong with being an attractive book lover). If you take the time to familiarize yourself with local stores, you’ll know which could be the best fit for your needs and vise versa.
Bookstores are the only place worth hosting book events.
While bookstores are wonderful, supportive spaces for authors, they aren’t the only ones! Libraries, community centers, schools, places of worship, even local businesses can be fruitful event opportunities and partners. All of these options have different strengths. Consider the book you’re writing and its key audiences. Who are you writing for and where do they congregate?
My event venue does its own marketing so I can sit back, relax, and wait for the audience to show up.
The venue that’s hosting you – school, library, bookstore – might have a wider marketing reach than you, but it’s not nearly as deep. Your friends, family, and biggest fans may only know to come to your event if you inform them… and remind them. YOU are your best marketing tool. So hustle!
It’s a book reading, so I just read from my book, right?
Sure, but unless you’re already well-known, that’s not going to get people in the door. In the age of social media, readers and fans are looking to engage with authors. They want to hear your writing but they also want to hear about your writing. Share your expertise, your publishing journey, your writing tips. Make ‘em laugh (or cry). A good impression will sell books now and in the future.
I have to host my launch event on my publication date or it doesn’t count!
Look, the publication date is designed to help coordinate marketing efforts, and yes, your launch event is part of that. But sales-heavy events that week are only critical if you’re shooting for a NYT Bestseller List. Realistically, most authors won’t hit the NYTBL and sometimes you’re given a crummy pub date — like the day after Christmas, for example (true story!)— or life gets in the way of a timely launch. The important thing, when it comes to events, is that you plan them for when and where your readers/supports can come. It can help if it’s in that first few months post-release because you’ll get a boost from any additional pub date-related marketing and your book is still considered “new.” But hell, we did our IRL launch four months after the book released and we had an incredible turnout.
My book came out two years ago so there’s no reason for me to do events until my next one is published.
While events focused on just your book may not get as much traction two years out, there are still ways to stay relevant in the book world. Find ways to collaborate with authors that do have newly released titles or host events tangential to your book where you can still sell copies and spread your good name. The more involved you are in your community, the better the turn out will be for your next publication.
I don’t have a book published so obviously I can’t participate in a “book” event.
Hey now, don’t sell yourself short. Even if you don’t have anything to launch, consider how you might participate in your local literary community. Are there events you could volunteer at or assist in planning? Could you moderate a panel? Share/promote local book events? Finding ways to participate in your local literary community will stand you in good stead when the time comes to step on stage yourself.
How to Participate in Your Writing Community + BookTok, Plotting tips, & Industry Controversies
This past weekend, we were discussing networking and conferences in one of my seminars and a student asked: “Before you’re published, how do you know when you’re ready to go from spectator to participant?”...
Writing/Marketing Resources:
It’s tax season… I’m so sorry. Luckily, The Author’s Guild has got your back with their annual, free Q&A: Tax Tips for Authors 2025 webinar.
Thanks to
for this link to Cyndia Faria’s advice for turning a one-sentence hook into a short book pitch.- shared with me this extremely comprehensive ”Ranking of 500-ish Literary Magazines for Short Fiction” by author and editor Erika Krouse.
Speaking of Joy, check out her recent newsletter on 14 Tips on Writing Speculative Fiction {
)If you’re not hip to the book blogger lingo, no worries, middle grade author Nicole M. Hewitt has a glossary of book blogger terms and slang to get you started.
Speaking of events…
This weekend I’m psyched to be part of Charm City Spec’s quarterly reading series in Baltimore! I’ll be reading from my story “All the Time in the World and None at All” alongside fellow anthology contributors Brigitte Winter and Catherine Castellani, as well as two other speculative fiction novelists. We’ll be at Bird in Hand Cafe & Books on Saturday, March 22nd at 6:30pm. Come on down!
Industry News
Zando, the independent publisher founded by Molly Stern in 2020, has acquired the highly respected literary press, Tin House {Publishers Weekly}
Six Indie Publishers Join Forces to Form The Stable Book Group {PW}
Spotify launches a program to publish audiobooks from independent authors {TechCrunch} Unclear if these audiobooks would use human or A.I. narration. You can read more about their audio publication options here.
Netgalley is restructuring in anticipation of it’s launch of Booktrovert, “a standalone consumer marketing platform where readers can celebrate their love of books.”
How Books Need Our Help / How Books Can Help Us
Library Funding Targeted in New Trump Executive Order: What It Means & What To Do Now {Book Riot}
Defending the Freedom to Read: A Virtual Workshop Series for Organizers and Authors {PEN America}
Tea:
Every year, my bookclub does a gift exchange. This year, I received the soothing, botanical tea blend Poet from Curio Spice Co. Named for Emily Dickinson, it’s got my favorite herb, tulsi, along side other lemon-y and floral herbs, and is a sip of spring even on cold March mornings.
Write or read a poem today. Check out your local literary events and/or support your local library. You got this.
~Allison
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If you’re looking for more of my writing you can find it in Trollbreath Magazine and New Year, New You: A Speculative Anthology of Reinvention