Speaking events, forums . . . tips / ideas?

[Frick]

I'm doing my first speaking event to promote my Book Earthlings tomorrow night (part of a 5 local author forum).

Any one have any fun ideas? Or hear any good authors talk?

Looking to make a good impression and hopefully get some interest in the book.

[Lance]

Something my critique group has done in its brand-extension LIT UP! salons is have the authors ask questions of the audience. It gets the listeners talking, and cuts down on the endless repetitions of "Where do you get your ideas?" and "How long did it take to write your book?"

[Frick]

Fun idea . . . any good questions that you've found work well?

Lance wrote: "Something my critique group has done in its brand-extension LIT UP! salons is have the authors ask questions of the audience. It gets the listeners talking, and cuts down on the endless repetitions..."

[Jim]

Frick,

Suggestions:

- Prior to speaking, have someone pass out whatever promotional items you may have: push cards, business cards, thank-you cards, etc.

- Introduce yourself and your book. Thank those present for attending. Explain what inspired you to write the book, the writing/publishing process itself, and a brief synopsis of the story.

- Rehearse your presentation until you can deliver it flawlessly with no chance of "brain freeze". An extemporaneous format is usually much more effective and well-received than a formal speech, read from notes. Keep your talking points brief and to the point. A ten-minute presentation, followed by a lively question/answer period, is ideal.

- Open the rest of the program to questions and comments from the audience. However, caution those who may have already read the book to keep their comments as vague as possible, so as not to ruin the story for potential readers.

- Ask those readers who enjoy your book to please pass the word on to their family members, friends, and acquaintances and encourage them to also pick up a copy.

- Thank the audience once again for coming and invite them to stick around for a one-on-one conversation.

Good luck with your presentation.

[Frick]

great stuff . . . thank you!

Jim wrote: "Frick,

Suggestions:

- Prior to speaking, have someone pass out whatever promotional items you may have: push cards, business cards, thank-you cards, etc.

- Introduce yourself and your book. Tha..."

[Lance]

Frick wrote: "Fun idea . . . any good questions that you've found work well?"

We ask the authors to write 4-5 questions they'd like to ask readers. They tend to tailor those questions to the genre and the work being read, so they're all over the place.

Think about the selection you're going to read, and your book in general. What would you most like to ask a reader who's just gone through the pages from which you've read? What would you like to know about how they engage with the genre as well as with the individual work?

[G.T.]

Frick wrote: "I'm doing my first speaking event to promote my Book Earthlings tomorrow night (part of a 5 local author forum).

Any one have any fun ideas? Or hear any good authors talk?

Looki..."

No matter what genre, the first question I'd ask is --
Could you tell me what senses (smell, touch, sound, etc.) you found yourself using in your imagination while I was reading? Every mind of someone listening to a talk or reading the written word has their senses engaged in some manner. They just don't realize it. This kind of question gives you, the author, good feedback as to whether you're digging in and painting a picture or hitting reader's emotional buttons. It also involves your audience in a way that makes them feel that you're interested in them, not just promoting your book. And, when they stand to respond, ask their name. Use their name at least two times when answering their questions -- a public speaking technique used to make someone feel you're actively engaged in listening to them and interested in what they're saying.

[Brenda]

If you are doing a reading from the work, do not read from the work. Print out what you plan to read on paper, and three-hole punch them. Put them into a binder, so that the pages will lay flat as you go along. Also, use a big enough font for easy reading in bad light. It is perfectly OK to have a 'reading edition' -- a version of the work specifically for reading aloud, in which you leave out stuff that is better suited for the eye than the ear.

[Jim]

There is another option to you reading an excerpt from your book. If one of the formats include an audio version, consider playing a brief portion for the audience. Most authors to not possess the same skill level when it comes to reading aloud as that of a professional narrator.

[Frick]

Thank you . . . the event went great, packed house and got a few laughs and interested head nods . . . but didn't sell any books. :( I was one of 5 authors and the audience was pretty much all 70+ . . . and I don't think my all-ages MG adventure story was their cup of team . . . granted the other 60+ authors on the panel with me did sell a few.

Needed to think of the audience a little more with this one . . . and position it as buy a copy for your grandson! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZlpH...

[Jim]

Frick wrote: "Thank you . . . the event went great, packed house and got a few laughs and interested head nods . . . but didn't sell any books. :( I was one of 5 authors and the audience was pretty much all 70..."

Congratulations Frick. The experience of connecting with the audience and eliciting a positive response during your first time out is a reward in itself. Your confidence will no doubt be at a level that will guarantee your next speaking engagement will be easier and no doubt meet or exceed your expectations.

[Monica]

I had to share an interview with famed Crime Writer R.J. (Roger) Ellory. He gives much insight and great advice.

http://www.spreecast.com/events/world...