How Do Authors…Do Things?
Scheduling interviews, planning events, and so much more
At this point, y’all know what I mean when I say author-ing. (For those of you who don’t know, it’s all the things authors do besides writing.)
So when I say this newsletter is semi-dedicated to author-ing, I hope you’ll forgive me. Until I actually get some writing under my belt (surprise, surprise, I need to find the groove before I can be in it), I won’t have any exciting updates.
That means we’re pivoting back toward events. Explaining, teasing, and all those fun things. Yay!
For example, how does one schedule an author event? Where does one schedule it at? How does one prepare, and who can one rely on for help?
All very good questions. None of which I knew the answer to this time last year. Or even 6 months ago.
There are many ways to schedule an author event, and we can use some of my upcoming ones (found here, in case you’re curious) as examples.
Any author can schedule events at libraries. In fact, they’re really cool to do and attend. If you’re an author, it’s as easy as walking into your local library and saying “I want to have an event here.” (While having a library card may be helpful, it certainly isn’t required.)
Contacting other libraries can be tricky, such as when I reached out to Carmel Clay Public Library to schedule an event at the end of May—which, by the way, any of you guys nearby should totally attend.
The key here is what I like to call professional enthusiasm. You want to be professional (have your press kit ready to go, cover and teaser/synopsis listed, and any positive press and blurbs highlighted), but you also want to show your passion (you wrote a book, that’s cool, let’s all celebrate together!).
Nailing that pitch (because at the end of the day you are pitching your book as an event), is tricky and not intuitive if you’re not already familiar with marketing and publicity. I was very lucky to get an amazing intern and team to help out, which in and of itself was a serendipitous process I probably can’t speak on.
If you’re working solo, I recommend getting your pitching template ready as you research potential locations. And remember, always personalize every request! Believe me when I say you can always tell if something is mass-produced and sent out anyway.
Another way to get events is kinda silly to write down…
Connect with people you know!
This November, I will be at WriterFest Nashville. Do I know what I’m doing yet? No. But I know I’m going because I happen to know the Executive Director. (She’s pretty cool.)
Sometimes, serendipity strikes. You run into people, or maybe someone hears about your book and contacts you. No matter what, it’s always a great feeling. And it saves you the trouble and awkwardness of reaching out, so it’s a win-win all around!
The majority of my events have been ones I’ve pitched (to libraries, conferences, etc.) or have known the right people for (WriterFest, anything Belmont-related, etc.). Sometimes, though, you get a fun little combination of the two.
I originally reached out to Centre College and their library to see if they would be interested in some sort of event with their students. That idea didn’t work out, but I got an email a few months later inviting me to be on a panel later this year talking about Librarians, book banning, and censorship.
This wasn’t something I had originally planned, but it’s right up my alley, so you best believe I immediately accepted. This was also a cool moment because, even though I initially reached out first, this was an event where someone requested me.
I am the expert on censorship and book banning.
I am relevant enough to be on a panel.
There was another instance like this a few weeks ago. My agent put out some good news on Facebook and a teacher in Nashville saw the post and invited us to talk to her students. I spoke a few weeks ago about how amazing this event was, and it serves as another example of how sometimes the right event just finds you.
Not a very helpful sentiment for any budding writers out there, but it is a good reminder that where confidence and passion goes, doors open.
Whether or not you are a writer yourself, I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peak into author-ing: event style. While you’re here, I hope you take a moment to look at my upcoming events and say hi if I’ll be in your neighborhood! We’re actively working on scheduling more events in the future, so keep an eye out or talk to your libraries, bookstores, and schools about reaching out. I’d certainly love to visit and chat!