Well, a huge section of the Authors believes that once their book is released, their job is done. However, their job is not so precise; the Authors are still left with one very vital job, i.e. the ‘Book Launch Event’ for making the ultimate impression of their books in the eyes of the readers!
Now, whenever I utter the words ‘Book Launch’ then most of the Authors starts feeling the burden of the cost involved in hosting this kind of event and stays silence. Nevertheless, you need to understand that everything is not that very costly if we plan out things by setting our budget in advanced. The publishing process itself makes you spend some amount of your money so while doing that you can keep aside a small amount of fund for your book launch event too!
A book launch event does not necessarily needs to be a grand event in a grand city center; it can be anywhere like a nearby bookstore or a café economical enough or even at your own home. The main thing that matters it that your people should attend your book launch event because they are your eyes, ears and mouth; it is going to be the attendees, who will be endorsing your event later to the others! So, all you need to do is to make a list of your guests including some of your ‘Media Contacts’ specially and make sure that majority of them arrive at your book launch event. As this, it will contribute up to 70% (this percentage is my assumption, according to the book launch events, which I have hosted) of the event’s success!
Now, let us try to understand why actually, these ‘Book Launch Events’ hold such a huge advantages for the Authors! Some of the primary reasons to have a book launch event for yourself are –
1) Be seen as an Authority in your Niche: Features, story contributions and interviews take your exposure, authority and identity to a complete new level. You will not only be able to build your personal brand, but you will also be able to raise your profile as an expert in your genre or area of knowledge. Consider how a “Featured On” or “Appeared On” section would look on your website and as part of your sales copy.
2) Appear alongside People with Power: Your authority is only amplified by the reputations of the journalists who write about you, the hosts who talk about you, and the trusted experts who appear alongside you in articles and interviews. Rubbing shoulders with a few influencers could never hurt; rather it is only going to create ways in your favour.
3) Get Ahead of Other Authors in your Genre: Great publicity can set anybody apart so it is going to place you too at a greater height, effectively improving your competitiveness within your market or genre. The more media appearances you make, the more successful you appear, which means you probably know your stuff (and on goes the cycle of credibility and trust building).
4) Increase Future Publicity Opportunities: The viral nature of publicity opens opportunities to spread your message even further. Unlike ads, publicity regenerates itself. One interview can lead to another and another, potentially turning you into a household name before you know it. Think BIG. Think beyond local publications and broadcasts.
5) Form Strategic Connections: Publicity not only fans the flames of your fame, but it also helps form strategic alliances with program producers, journalists, hosts and more. Instead of begging for a little media love in future, you will have people waiting with pens, recorders and cameras in hand to get the inside scoop on your next book.
Aren’t these things going to be amazing for you? Ask yourself and then you will find yourself very much aboard with the idea of hosting a book launch event.
Although many of the Authors might only be focusing on the short-term goals of launching and publicizing their books in the beginning, but they will feel the long-term effects of a good publicity campaign in the years to come. Most certainly, it will also make the future campaigns so much easier to be implemented. In addition, let us not forget that it is virtually free!
Written By NEEL PREET – Author of the Books, Voice From The East (2016); Journey With Time Place And Circumstances (2018) & Indian Defence Files (2021).
