Book Launch Party!

Last night we had a party for the launch of my second book, Death in a Dacron Sail. It was huge fun – just socializing with friends and imbibing some good wine and beer. We held it at the Top of the Hill Restaurant, which brews its own beer. The party was in the Tank Room, two flights down from the roof- top restaurant (so sort of the Bottom of the Hill); this space contains the huge vats of the beer they brew, displayed behind glass windows. There was a full bar, and we chose a menu of beer and wine varieties for everyone. A few tables and a display of the books – the rest was schmoozing with good friends. No book transactions, just fun.

Well, I did sign one – for a very special guest, Dr. Larry Gilbert, my research mentor and adviser, who at 86 is still my role model.

I counted three other published authors among the guests, along with all the members of my Early Birds critique group. Three of us have been together for four years, the rest for at least two.

I’ve never been to a launch party before, but I did hire a marketing group – Yardarm Media – to help me, and they suggested the launch party. With their help, I’ve had and will have several interviews and the readings are lining up. Since many publishers expect you to do your own marketing, self-publishing (via Create Space) plus having a marketing group seemed like a logical and less daunting (not to mention less frustrating) way to get my books out there.

Has anyone else hired a marketing firm? Had a launch party? What did you do for it? I’d love to know!