Author readings are a great way to present your new book to the public. It allows you to give a personal sample of your writing, interact with potential readers, and can turn into a sales event. There are many venues to set up a reading location: bookstores, libraries, seminars, book clubs, restaurants, and even private homes. In my area, the writer societies have "salon readings" on a semi-regular basis. If you are a paid member of the society, you can usually find a space in their advertised reading events. I am finding that these events are well attended, with 20 to 30 audience members and some record the readings and turn them into podcasts to go onto the web. It is a win-win for both the writer and the readers because it is a great way for writers to present themselves to new fans and for fans to find authors that interest them.
I have prepared a few tips on getting ready for a reading based on my former experience as a talk show television host. These are some of the things I've done to get ready to go "on the air" during my younger days when I hosted "Flowers by Rod", a how-to program about flower arranging and "Class Act", an interview talk show.
Rehearse
Remember that a reading is performance art. You are "on stage" the moment you walk into the venue. No matter how many people are there, you want to make a good impression. Choose three or four short passages from your novel. You may only read one or two at the salon, but it is good to have alternate options available if needed. Read your selections out loud while facing a mirror in the privacy of your own home. If you own a video camera, consider videotaping your reading performance so you can view it and make any corrections necessary.
Wardrobe
Yes, it is difficult to watch one's self on television, but remember no one has to see it but you. This is also a good time to select a wardrobe. You can see for yourself how you will appear to the audience if you record yourself in your wardrobe choice. Does the fabric move with you? Does the outfit reflect your mood as an artist? Most authors wear clothing that is dressy casual and has something that pops that the audience might remember. If you are female, an artistic piece of jewelry is often a good idea.
Biography
You should prepare a written bio to take with you. Often times you will hand this to the moderator, who will introduce you to the audience before your reading. However, sometimes you will be expected to introduce yourself. Keep it short and if possible, humorous. Practice your bio information so you can recite it naturally when needed. As a television host, I would often sit and chat with my guests for a short time before the program and base my introduction on this, but I feel that it is best to be prepared with something in writing too.
Timing
Do not read too long. I would prepare no more than ten minutes of prose to read. When you practice your readings at home, make sure you time it. Ten minutes may not sound like a long period of time, but for a performance, it is substantial. Think about how long a typical television segment on a television program is. That is what you should be aiming for.
After your reading, you should be able to take questions from the audience. You will get typical questions such as:
Where do you get your ideas?
What do you use to write with?
Who are your favorite authors?
Why did you become a writer?
What inspires you to write?
Be prepared to answer questions such as these ahead of time. The readers are seeking a more personal connection with you as an author. They want to know what is behind the story you've written, the deeper meaning that is not readily apparent.
Performance
Do your best to relax when reading your work. Stand comfortably and speak clearly. Do not bury yourself in your words, try and look up from time to time and make eye contact with the audience. During question and answer sessions, talk directly to people, remember to smile, and just be yourself.
If you can calm your nerves, your performance time is a wonderful way to gauge how your audience reacts to your words. It is similar to when you are in a critique group and have someone else read your story out loud and then you the author can sit back and gauge the reactions to the story. What is great about a reading is that the audience are not always fellow writers, they are the true public that read your work. Seeing their reactions can be a golden opportunity.
Publicize
Before your reading date at the Salon, make sure you announce it via your social media platform. Post on your website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Send out a press release to shopping guides with calendars of community events or to your local paper.
Books
Bring a box of books to sell at the event, fliers, or cards with links to your ebook seller sites. If you are in a bookstore, make sure your book is stocked on the shelves. Double check with the bookstore about their policy of who sells the books to the audience. You want to be able to return to this location, so keep the store happy. If you do bring books, make sure that you sign them, even ones that the store may purchase from you to sell later. Some stores like to keep autographed books on a front table after your appearance is over for book collectors.
AUTHOR NOTE: This was a fun article to write. I got to relive my days as a television talk show host and pick and choose some of the things that I did back then to help make the program shine. What are some of your experiences reading your work at a local open-mic or reading salon? I'd love to hear about your experiences.
YOU ARE READING
Writer Tips
Non-FictionThis is a collection of one-shot articles that I have published in various magazines or previously on my blog, No Wasted Ink. Some of the articles have been revised from their originals, but all have been popular on the net. These are writing tips...
