In the middle of all the theatricality this week, I managed to check out a possible venue for September’s launch of my new novel, A Clash of Innocents. I usually am too superstitious to talk about things before they are set in stone, but I have a very good feeling about this. Without saying names, I have found a cultural institution in central London devoted to all things Asian. It is one of those beautiful old buildings with a sweeping central staircase and painted ceilings. I think it will be fantastic. And I think, this time, I’ll also have some entertainment. I did love the party I threw for the launch of Tangled Roots. It was in the beautiful library of The Science Museum, with champagne, canapes etc. But I was advised at the time just to make a short speech and not to read from the book, and I think that was a mistake. I have since been to several launches of all sorts and sizes, and I know the author’s reading has always been the evening’s highlight. So this time I will read, but not alone.
In the yoga world we talk about the universe providing……I have recently had a great example of just that. I have about 1000 photos of my trip to Cambodia, and I was thinking about putting them together into a sort of slide presentation that I use as a backdrop to excerpts from the book. Then, out of the blue, I was introduced to a young Cambodian man working in London who is eager to present photographs taken by Cambodian teenagers living in a shelter in Siem Reap. After a short conversation, it became clear that we could work together to create a really moving presentation of photos and prose, and that this could be the perfect way to launch the book. The venue that I found will work wonderfully for this — they even have all the technology, and the personnel, to make it work. Take that, some Khmer music in the background and a table for me to sign at, and you have the makings of a terrific evening. I am so excited! Now hopefully, the demons won’t punish me for talking about all this too soon. Because you know what can happen:
Thanks to Cass2541 for this.
The venue sounds magical. I also think we should read from our books at book launches. I”ve only had one and I didn’t read and I regret that.
Lauri: The PR team for the last book said people can’t stand around to listen and they get antsy. But I think people feel cheated if they don’t hear you read…and anyway, that’s what chairs are for…
I think that was a very odd thing for PR people to say!! One of the best things about a book lauch is hearing the author read the words they wrote…really brings them to life!
Your venue and plans sound wonderful and I hope to be there!! (Any chance you could give me an idea of dates? We’re booking our Thai trip this weekend and we’re planning to go in September!)
C x
Well as long as someone other than your Aunty turns up (lol) should be good.
Seriously it does sound really wonderful. Wish I could be there!
Love and best wishes
Glyn
http://glynpope.blogspot.com/
I have gone to book launches in many places – and am surprised at how different they can be. The ones in London I have been to have been very short on readings, much more a drinks party – whereas at the other extreme (up north) it has been all readings and nothing else.
Yours sounds great, Sue – and the venue sounds like it could be spectacular.
Your book launch sounds as if it’s going to be a very special evening. I’m sure all will go well.
Sue, it sounds perfect. I’m so happy for you. x
This sounds wonderful. I hope there will be Khmer nibbles, whatever those may be like.
Sue the venue really does sound amazing! I can’t wait to support you in all your literary endeavours this autumn.
Coco
Yes, I have been to very different book launches and my experience is the same as Clare’s. I think people do expect a bit of a party, and it’s also good marketing practice to have a proper celebration, but also you need a focus and some entertainment. Sounds like yours will be lovely.
The venue sounds spectacular, Sue.
Personally I love to hear authors read snippets from their book — even if it is just a short one!
Okay. It seems unanimous. I will definitely read, and there will be other stuff as well. Launches are not so much about pr any more. I don’t think journalists will be lured to mine in the hundreds. But it is a celebration of an accomplishment and a sort of rite of passage, so it’s worth giving it some thought. Thanks all.