Focus on the target group of your author reading
The key to a successful reading is understanding your target audience. As an author, you know your book and your readers best. Keep your eyes open for suitable locations in your area. It always makes sense to involve partners or people who can help you with promotion and planning.
Have you written a children's book? Then a reading session in a kindergarten or public library is a good idea. Does your book deal with a current or controversial topic? Then organize a panel discussion or an interview with experts.
Another valuable tip: attend readings yourself, get inspired and think about what you particularly like. With all these considerations, you should always keep one thing in mind: your target group.
Finding suitable cooperation partners for a reading
A suitable cooperation partner can be the be-all and end-all for your reading. Look for a cooperation partner that suits your book and the theme of your event.
Is your book set in an exotic jungle? Then a botanical garden would be a suitable location. Is your romance novel set amidst idyllic vineyards? Why not read it in a wine shop with wine tasting? Let your imagination run wild!
A bookshop is a classic cooperation partner for a reading. As readings take place more frequently in bookshops, the bookshop already has a certain amount of expertise in this area at best. A bookshop is therefore also a good choice and can help you with the planning.
Think creatively: think about what your ideal reading would be. A castle courtyard? A spaceship? In your allotment?
Then you should focus on how this could be realized in reality. Of course, you can't fly into space with all your readers. But perhaps there is a museum in your area that deals with this topic, or a planetarium. However, pay attention to the local conditions. For example, avoid noisy construction sites in the area or unsuitable weather conditions at open-air events.
Effective advertising for your reading
The aim of the reading is to reach as many readers as possible, including new ones. That's why you shouldn't skimp on advertising. Use the following tips to ensure that your reading is well attended:
- Flyers and posters: distribute them in cafés, libraries and bookshops in your area.
- Social media: Create a Facebook event and invite people to it.
- Local event calendars: Register your reading on local portals.
- Press work: Talk to press representatives from your local newspaper and invite journalists to report on your book.
The more extensive your publicity, the more people you can reach.
Good preparation is everything
The success of your reading depends on how well prepared you are. Your reading is all about you and your book. So think carefully about which parts of the text you want to read aloud; they should be short, concise and exciting.
Tips for reading aloud in front of an audience
- Practice makes perfect: read passages out loud, pay attention to intonation, facial expressions and gestures. It can help to read your texts to friends or family in advance. The feedback can help you to improve details. There may also be things that you have not yet paid attention to.
- Record yourself reading and listen to the recording. This way you can work on areas that are particularly important to you.
- Not everyone in the audience will buy the book straight away. That's why it's important to be remembered. Small gifts such as bookmarks or postcards are a nice souvenir. Free reading samples are also a good idea.
- Plan a Q&A session at the end of your reading to build exclusivity and closeness with the audience. This will allow you to get to know your target audience better and respond more specifically to their wishes in future. Prepare yourself for possible questions so that you can answer confidently and confidently without appearing contrived. Thinking about this in advance will help you and your nervousness during the reading.
We wish you every success with your next reading!
