Traditionally, authors have book signings and sit in a book store for four hours and sell a couple of books (average is 8 copies).  I decided to have a Book Launch Party (for 2 hrs.) and sold more than 50 books!

There were 5 fascinating details that I made sure to include in my Book Launch Party:

1.  Venue – Somehow relate your venue to the vibe you’re trying to create.  I heard about a book launch at a chocolate store because the main character loved chocolate.  My book is about fashion and beauty and living a CONFIDENT fashionating lifestyle.  A waterfront steak and lobster restaurant was the perfect location for my party.  http://www.t-michaels.com They sponsored the event and offered free Appetizers and a cash bar.  A Sunday afternoon from 1-3 was the perfect day and time.
2. Invitations – I had bookmarks made and mailed them (yes, U.S. Postal snail mail).  I used nextdayflyers.com.  When a guest receives a physical invitation, chances are they will save the date.  Create an Event on Facebook too and Invite and Share with everybody!
3. Entertain Your Guests – I had a lipstick bar, complimentary hair styling (volunteers from a salon) and a roaming fashion show with several of the retailers in the shopping mall. http://www.venetianvillage.com  Tai Rambert, Ms. Florida was the Emcee of the fashion show.  She wore her sash and crown and my guests were excited to get photos with her. (Me too!) Think outside the box.  
4. Speakers – Have one or two guests do a short Testimonial for you and a Book Review.  Then, you take the stage and talk about your book.  I thanked everyone for coming and for their support. Honestly, the hardest part of putting the book together was making sure that I remembered to acknowledge everybody.  I apologized to my audience and told them not to be offended if I didn’t acknowledge them in print and explained that when my mother died in 2013 (she had 7 brothers and sisters), I forgot to acknowledge one of her siblings in the obituary!  Oops! Now that you’re an author, you’ll need to sharpen your speaking skills.  I recommend Toastmasters.  It’s a nonprofit educational organization that helps with public speaking. http://www.toastmasters.org  After the speeches, I had a line of people wanting to get their Autographed copy! 
5. Giveaways – The shopping mall put together a Swag Bag for the first 50 guests.  It was filled with a water bottle, beach ball, a hat, a pen, a map of the mall and coupons from a couple of the merchants.  I reached out to local business women and asked them if they wanted to add some promotional items to the bag, as well.  The crowd favorite was the Chance Raffle that I did for a pair of Designer COACH Sunglasses.  Everyone that purchased a book from me during the event had their name put in a raffle to win the sunglasses. (I had actually won the glasses in a raffle the week before and they “weren’t my color” so I was happy to pass them on).  Do you know your best color?  Step One of The Fashionating Life Formula:  How to Build Your Self Confidence is Color Analysis.

Overall, it was a successful event and a great way to launch my book tour.  Next stop, locally owned coffee shop for my “Learn How to Espresso Yourself” Book Signing/Styling Event!

Special thanks to Melissa (Marketing Director) at Venetian Village, Naples, FL; for her generosity and expertise.  Without her, I would have been sitting in a book store….