How to Arrange a Reading at a Bookstore

You've written a book. You've submitted it to a publisher. The publisher accepts it. Congratulations! Now the real work begins - promotion. You can write a book, but if you don't tell people about it who is going to buy it?

If you're lucky enough to get with a publisher that will do the bulk of the promotion for you, good for you. However, with most publishers you're on your own.

"One of the first things a literary agent will tell you is that you must build your "platform" - this is the people who know you by name. A platform means that publishers are more likely to look favorably on you, because they know you know how publishing works. Name-recognition is EVERYTHING to any writer.

It's vital. Until that knowledge becomes a part of the way you operate as a writer, you'll always be a dabbler, not a professional. Publishers will not take you seriously, and will be hesitant about committing to you, because you don't seem serious about your writing." Todays-Woman

There are many ways to promote your work, but one way is to set up a reading. What is a reading? A reading is when you read your work to an audience.

Many authors will tell you that readings are not worth it, but I disagree. Meeting your readers (physically, not on-line) is important for an author and readings are an excellent way to do it.

Here are 9 steps to set up a reading. (This does not go into the actual reading. That's for another article.)

1. Choose your bookstore.

Investigate what bookstores will work for your book. My book was lesbian erotica, so I looked for gay and lesbian bookstores and feminist bookstores.

2. Make sure the bookstore you choose will carry your book.

One of the main goals in having a reading at a bookstore is to sell books. If a store will not carry your book, there's no point in trying to set up a reading there.

3. Contact the Events Manager of the bookstore to set up a date.