Hosting a launch party or book signing can be daunting, kind of  like presenting your first baby to your friends and family.

For months, you’ve poured heart and soul into writing the book. And you’ve worked tirelessly to self-publish or alongside your publisher to get it through production and marketing.

Boom, your book is ready for them to read; you are happy and proud…and just a teensy tiny bit nervous – possibly really nervous. “How on earth do I go about organizing a book launch?”

Publishing is only one of the many steps involved in launching a book. To sell your book, you’ve got to do a lot more than simply publish it. It’s also your responsibility to promote the heck out of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a traditional publisher or if you’re publishing it on your own, you should still take an active role in your book launch.

Step 1: Advertise Locally

Reach out to local media outlets: newspapers, magazines, the local library, the chamber of commerce, radio stations, and even podcasts that might be popular in the area. When you land a few spots, you’ll reach potential readers.

Step 2: Do a Social Media Blitz

Focus on your social media strategy. There are local reading groups, local women’s groups, online book clubs, and the local Facebook Marketplace.

Step 3: Bring the Bling

The bookstore will hopefully have copies of your book, but it’s a good idea to find out how many they are ordering and always bring a few extra just in case you run out. The event space will likely provide a table for you, but not much more. It’s up to you to make your space so irresistible that people can’t help but be drawn to your book.

Bring a tablecloth, brightly colored bookmarks to hand out, a basket of stickers for kids, a summary of the book including blurbs! Find a theme that goes with your book and see if you can come up with ideas for inexpensive bling.