by Marie McNary
Have you seen other authors hosting Facebook parties to promote their new book release? Have you wondered exactly what these parties are all about?
A Facebook launch party is an online event that is hosted at a specific date and time to encourage readers to come to the event and check out a book. There are many ways to host a party, and not all parties are created equal. Today I’m going to focus on explaining how a well-organized Facebook launch party can help you sell more books.
It exposes your book to new readers.
A Facebook launch party is a public, online event. This means anyone who uses Facebook can attend. Once you have a party scheduled, the more the merrier! You can invite your network and invite others to do the same. Facebook notifies users when their Facebook friends are attending an event. This will help generate excitement for your party. If you have someone helping you plan the event, you will have access to their network of online supporters.
It helps readers get an idea of what your book is about.
A well-organized Facebook launch party is about spreading the message for your book. The party will start out introducing you to attendees and then will give them an idea of the main themes of your book. The goal of the party is for them to leave excited and ready to purchase a copy immediately.
It reminds readers that there are multiple ways to support you and your work.
Not all readers who attend will have it in their budget to buy your book, but it’s a great time to remind them there are other ways to support you and your work. Can they suggest that their local library purchase a copy? Can they follow you on Facebook or sign up for your email newsletter list? This is a great time to leave fans with a call to action and begin a relationship with those who are finding you for the first time. Making sure you have a way to stay in touch after the party has concluded is key.
A Facebook launch party can be a great part of your book’s marketing campaign. It’s a great way to find new readers, help readers get an idea of what your book is about, and bring new readers into your circle so you can keep them up-to-date on your work in the future. And it’s a great way to show your personality. Give it a try. You may be glad you did.
Secrets to a Successful Facebook Launch Party (I hosted 41 parties last year!)
A Facebook launch party is a useful tool in the marketing strategy for your upcoming book release. You have a lot of fans out there who would love to attend your local bookstore’s launch party, but who don’t live close enough to make it to the event. Having an online launch assures you that no one will feel left out!
A Facebook launch party is just what it sounds like; it’s a Facebook event designed to get the word out about your book. I know these events can feel intimidating for an author, but as an online social-media coordinator, lover of books, and someone who hosted 41 Facebook launch parties last year, I want to give you my top tips and tricks for a successful event.
Create a game plan.
The first thing I recommend is making sure you have a game plan. Are you going to hire someone to help you plan the party? Do you want to organize it yourself? Create clear goals for your event and what you want your timeline to look like. If you work with someone to help you plan your event (like A Cozy Experience), they will help you with this.
Spread the word as much as possible.
Invite away! Make sure your publisher knows about the event. And your agent. And your social-media networks. Tell the people on your email list. The more you can get the word out, the better.
Keep the focus on your book.
It is very easy to want to invite a lot of guest authors to participate or have all fun posts. These things are great, but remember our goal: attendees leave wanting to buy your book. Make sure posts are engaging and keep the focus on you and your book. If the party goes in too many different directions, attendees may have fun, but will not leave remembering you.
Make sure your giveaways count.
Giveaways are great, but don’t feel like you need to give away too much. Attendees can have fun without you going broke in the process. If your party is an hour long, one or two giveaways should be sufficient. Make sure you specify the rules of the giveaway up front (such as where you are able to mail items to). I think it is always fun to tie the giveaway to an action: commenting on the post, signing up for your email newsletter list, sharing a post about your book , etc.
A Facebook launch party doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be a fun way to promote your book from the comfort of your own home. Give it a try for your new release and have fun with the process!
Marie McNary is the owner of A Cozy Experience, a community for cozy-mystery lovers. Through A Cozy Experience she also works as a social-media coordinator / virtual assistant for authors. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three elementary-school-age boys, and a wild shih-tzu puppy.