A (Hopefully Tail End) Pandemic Book Launch
In six weeks, my book launch for my new romcom, Running with Hounds…and an English Degree, will be happening at Book Carnival in Orange. The hybrid event takes place Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. PT.
Hybrid? What does that mean exactly? Well, even though we’re (hopefully!) nearing the other end of the pandemic and in-person events are SLOWLY coming back, we haven’t abandoned the Zoom meeting just yet. So while I’ll be at Book Carnival in person that day and invite anyone who can make it to join me there, people will also be able to attend virtually through a Zoom link. I’m pretty excited about that feature, as my friends and family from the East Coast will be able to join in the festivities.
And what kind of festivities do I have planned? Well, there will be goodie bags for those attending at the store, and giveaways for those attending virtually. I’ll read a chapter (or two if the people demand it) and will sign books. And my emcee, Maddie, will be asking her own questions and fielding questions from both audiences as well. Anyone who asks a question will have the chance to win a prize. It’s gonna be fun, guys.
Right now, the Amazon link for the ebook pre-order is available, with the link for the paperback version coming soon. I’m also setting up the pre-order links for ebook and paperback for Barnes and Noble and Draft2Digital, and will let you know when all links are live.
It’s definitely been a unique experience planning such an event during pandemic times. Anne Saller, the owner of Book Carnival, has the seating spaced a certain way for social distancing, and there will be a tablet on the table I’ll be sitting behind to video the entire event to put on YouTube. This is becoming part of the new normal, and I think the virtual aspect of events is here to stay. One thing the pandemic made clear is how interconnected we really are, and there are many ways to keep that connection strong.
Another thing that’s been interesting is figuring out what to offer those who’ll be attending virtually. I’ve done swag bags for in-person events before, so that’s already covered. But I’ve never done anything with online participants. I just attended a completely virtual Women in Publishing Summit, where they offered downloadable swag, so I plan on creating some of my own for the launch. And the prizes for questions over Zoom will be mailed out to the winners.
This whole thing is a DIY project for me, with the help of Anne and Olivia, my marketing partner in crime, to set up the logistics and social media campaign, respectively. While it’s awesome to have some buzz around this whole thing, I’m not gonna lie—it’s been exhausting too! I have such a huge appreciation for the publicists who do this for a living, and now have a greater understanding as to why people pay someone else to do it for them! LOL Trying to fit in all the back-and-forth correspondence, file formatting and uploads, designing graphics for social media and email campaigns, and overcoming the supply chain obstacles, all while working a full-time job has been challenging to say the least. I don’t know how authors with kids do it!
But if I’m going to give this author gig a serious go, it’s part of the deal. And these days, being so interconnected makes it easier to get your message out there and interact with those who share your interests. That’s the really exciting thing for me, and I can’t wait to share my personal experiences/comedy stylings with everyone through my reading at the book launch. With all the awful news consuming the world these days, I hope we can find a little levity, even if just for a moment.