What happens at book launches and why you should attend one.

Many people do not know what happens at book launches, or how important it is for not only the author, but also the reading community. Hence I thought I would write about it.

A book launch or a book reading is generally held at a bookstore or a hotel (if the publishers have a lot of money, and want to show off or if they think the author is 'important enough' to splurge on ;-) !). I have had book launches held in hotels as well as in book-stores. I really prefer having my book launches in bookstores, simply because the people who attend can also browse books by other authors---which does not happen if the event is at a hotel.

At a book launch, the author is generally in conversation with another person, who is suited to talk about the book. Sometimes there is a panel consisting of the author and two other people. They have a discussion about the book. In foreign countries, people have to pay to attend such events. They are called 'Book readings.' They are generally ticketed events. This is because there is a cost involved in holding such events. People who are ardent fans of a particular author will not mind paying to attend such events. This way the publisher or the author do not have to bear the cost. Even if the event is held at a bookstore, there is a cost involved for setting up the arrangements. The chairs have to be hired, the backdrop has to be made etc. Many bookstores will charge an amount to the publishers for this.

If it's not the author's home city, then there is the expense of flight, hotels, amount spent on taxis, food etc. All in all, a book launch can cost anywhere between Rs.20,000 up to a few lakhs.

So it is understandable if it is a ticketed event---as the discussion is usually engaging, intellectual and fun. There are a lot of takeaways from such sessions. In UK, I have happily paid to attend such events.

In India, we do not charge anything. This is because the publishers are worried that if it is a ticketed event, people will not turn up. Also, there is a culture of not charging for such events. Hence entry is free to book events in India.

There are several reasons why you SHOULD attend a book launch

1. You establish a personal connect. The joy of seeing an author you like in person, hearing them speak , asking them questions and interacting with them is something unexplained. I have attended sessions of Anupam Kher and also Amy Chua, and I fondly remember their sessions though many years have passed.

2. You learn about new things through the discussions. You are also likely to discover new books.

3. You connect with other like minded people.

4. You can get your books signed!

5. You are spending time at a bookstore, among so many books, with your favourite author! It's much nicer than slumping in front of the television or going out for a meal, which you can do anytime!

6. The author feels encouraged seeing you there! Yes, the nightmare for almost all authors is people NOT turning up at their event. Can you imagine what the author goes through?

7. It's great for book-stores to have people over! So many bookstores are shutting down because of heavy online competition. We do NEED bookstores. They are magical places!

8.You can sit quietly and enjoy it if you do not want to talk! Many people are fearful of book launches thinking 'What will I do there? What if someone stops me? Am I allowed here?'.  Please don't worry! You are most welcome! Authors would be delighted that you are interested in their work. You don't have to do anything! You can just sit there as a part of the audience and then slink away if you are too shy. If the author is friendly, you can ask them to pose for pictures :) (Most authors don't mind this, although I know some authors refuse).

9. It is FUN!

10. It's a cool thing to talk about. 'What did you do over the weekend?' 'I went to this amazing book launch.' :)

I am sharing with you the video of my Bangalore book  launch so you can see for yourself how much fun those who attended had!

The next one is at Coimbatore, this Saturday (11th may 2019) at Odyssey, Brookefield Mall.

Come! I would love to see you <3

If you have any questions about book launches, please ask me in my comment box. (if you are reading this in your inbox, please head over to my blog, and ask me there) If you have attended any memorable book launches, tell me about it in my comment box too :)
Next time there's a book launch in your city, do make it a point to attend.

See you soon Coimbatore :)
(and yes, I will continue my blog marathon from Coimbatore too :) )

Love
preeti

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