Looking Back: The Launch of 'Angels Make the World Better'

Earlier this year, I held a book launch for my second book, 'Angels Make the World Better'. The event took a great deal of planning and preparation. As a result, it turned out amazing!

If you have an upcoming book event, there are some things you must consider. The earlier you start, the better.

Location:

I projected when the book would be completed based on my preset deadlines. I secured the location three months before the event. I chose a library in a central area of the city for easy access for readers.

Promotion:

Promoting any event is key. When you use a library as your chosen establishment, you will need to work very closely with the librarian in charge of the section you will use. In my case, this was a children's book; therefore, I chose to use the children's section. I was able to promote on the library's website and on their advertising programs for weekly library activities.

I also completed an event ad on my local news website, the local city events’ website, Facebook groups for my area, and my personal and business Facebook and Instagram accounts.  I also created flyers. I used the local UPS to print and cut them in a cute 6x4 print size for easy distribution.

Business License:

In my state, to sell books at a public library, you must secure a business license. I already had a county business license, but I also had to secure a city business license to sell within the city limits. You will need to check your state’s requirements for state and local sales tax.

Poster Board:

I created a large foam board from Vistaprint several weeks before the event. The board was hung on a large easel located outside the entrance of the book signing so library patrons would know an event was happening.

Book Supply:

If you want to sell books, you need to have books. Ensure you have a substantial number of books on hand. Order at least three weeks to a month before the event to guarantee your books will arrive promptly. This will prevent having to reschedule your event.

Set Up & Helpers:

Arrive an hour before the event, have everything prepared, and ready for placement. It is a good idea to visit the library beforehand to get a feel for the setup. Ask about the table size and type. This will allow proper tablecloths and determine whether tables have wheels. You will need helpers for traffic direction, picture taking, to man the refreshment table, to collect money, give out thank-you bags, hand out keepsakes, man the activity table, and someone to call out raffle numbers for giveaway gifts.

Giveaways:

Some people like to sell additional items during the book launch. I chose to focus on the book and to show appreciation by giving items away. I raffled tickets for children's gifts for attendees. The gifts ranged from baby shaker toys to pens, sketch boards, and journals. I also gave away thank-you gift bags to those who purchased a book. The gift bags had knick-knacks such as lollipops, play dough

, bubbles, keychains, small games, and other miniature handheld toys.  Since my book focused on angels, I also provided gold crowns and white halos to all the children.

Refreshments:

I gave away a substantial number of refreshments. There were Rice Krispy treats, chocolate-covered pretzels, baked goods - cookies and cupcakes - courtesy of Debbie Cake Lady.

There were also chips, juices, water, and jellybeans. Each item was individually wrapped with ribbons, and a label depicting my book was affixed to it.

Activities:

For the children who required an activity, pre-designed prints representing my book theme were provided along with individual boxes of crayons.  The book signing was limited to an hour and a half.

Reading the Book:

As a children's event, I read the book. The adults commented on how much they loved it and the concept.

Signing Table:

Be sure to have a designated table for book purchases and to sign the book. I provided signs with QR codes for Cash App and Venmo. I also accepted Apple Pay and cash. Be sure to have change available.

Pictures:

Pictures of all the library patrons who attended the event were taken in front of my display board to serve as a memory of this milestone.

After the Event:

Thank participants for attending and ask them to complete a review of the book on Amazon or wherever the book is being sold.

The Katrice Factor