A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Preparing Successful Book Events



It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. 

Today's post provides advice on planning a successful book event. Here are some of the experiences from successful authors.

Start with Clear Objectives

Determine what you want to achieve. Is your primary goal selling books, building your audience, or establishing your expertise? Your objectives will shape all other decisions.

Know Your Venue

Select a location that matches your book and audience. Bookstores provide built-in marketing and experienced staff, while libraries often attract engaged readers. Check for good accessibility, appropriate size, and necessary equipment.

Create a Marketing Timeline

Begin promotion 4-6 weeks before your event. Use your social media platforms, but don't underestimate the power of personal outreach—email newsletters typically drive stronger attendance than general social posts.

Prepare Your Presentation

Keep readings brief (10-15 minutes maximum) and leave ample time for interaction. Attendees come for experiences they can't get from simply reading your book, so offer behind-the-scenes insights or interactive elements.

Bring the Essentials

Pack more books than you expect to sell, quality pens for signing, business cards, and any visual aids for your presentation. Consider a small display with your book cover and brief bio.

Follow Up

Send thank-you notes to the venue hosts and collect contact information from attendees (with permission) for your newsletter. Share event photos on your platforms to build anticipation for future events.

Bottom line: Remember, even smaller events can lead to valuable connections and loyal readers. Success isn't always measured by numbers, but by the quality of engagement with those who attend.

For previous conversations on this topic, click HERE.

See more Publisher Conversations with authors HERE.



 Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.



The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 18 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.

 See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.



 Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.



To purchase copies of this book at 25% discount,
use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore.



Want to read this book and not have to pay for it?
Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it.




(recent releases, sales/discounts, awards, reviews, Amazon top 100 list, author advice, and more -- stay up to date)

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Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC?
Check out information on how to submit a proposal.


We help writers become award-winning published authors. One writer at a time. We are a family, not a factory. Do you have a future with us?





Turned away by other publishers because you are a first-time author and/or do not have a strong platform yet? If you have a strong manuscript, San Juan Books, our hybrid publishing division, may be able to help.







Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.






Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book in exchange for reviewing a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com.



Want an author-signed copy of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.

Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.


Want to communicate with one of our authors? 

Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.




   
MSI Press is ranked among the top publishers in California.
Check out our rankings -- and more -- HERE.


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