Publishing Parties: Have a Great Time While Promoting Your Book

So you've got the hard part over with, your manuscript is completed, has been published, and is on book shelves everywhere. Now you need to get the word out but traditional book signings and appearances don't really appeal to you or you want to do something different. Well why not throw a party to let the world (or at least your community) know what you have accomplished and give them the chance to come celebrate with you.

Throwing a publishing party is a great way to generate some word of mouth attention to your book while letting everyone close to you share in your success. This party can be limited to close friends and family or can contain as many people as your home or party space can hold. Plan your party for a date and time that is convenient for as many as your guests as possible and send out fun invitations that both let your guest know when/where there is going to be a party along with the reason for the party which, in this case, is the publication of your book.

If you know anyone in the local media that might be interested or spread the word among their peers don't be afraid to invite them. You want your party to get as much attention as possible and if you know someone who could both attend your party and later write an article about it in the local paper don't hesitate to send them an invitation. It might seem like shameless self promotion but in situations such as this one a little extra promotion never hurt anyone.

Now that you have decided to have a publishing party and have invited as many people as you dare you have to plan an event that will be fun and memorable. If at all possible I recommend incorporating your book in some way to have a theme that compliments your book. If you are celebrating the publication of a cookbook serve foods that are found in your cookbook and maybe get the guests to participate in using one of the recipes to make something that can be taken home or enjoyed at the party.

Play games that are also related to your book. If you have published a book on history play a trivia game focusing on history or if the book is a romance or adult literature then (as long as your guests are comfortable with it) play an adult themed party game. Be sure to have plenty of prizes available to give the winners of the game because people are usually more likely to spread the news about a party if they win something nice or saw someone win something nice. I would recommend giving a gift certificate to a bookstore or to a store that, once again, has something in common with your book such as a local florist if your book is on flower arrangements.

Lastly remember that you are having this party to promote your new book. Have copies of your new book available to sign and give out. Also make little promotional kits to give as little door prizes to every guest. Fun things to include are postcards advertising your book, magnets, book marks, and even mugs. If it is tasteful, fun, and an appropriate party favor do what you can to brand it with your books information and give it away so that your guests can take it home, to work, or to school and continue to spread the news even after the party ends.