A Successful Book Launch Event
Yesterday I received several whatsapp messages from family and friends reminiscing on the Queens’ Row book event, held exactly one year ago, Nov. 24, 2024, in the Amstelkerk in Amsterdam. The event felt like a dream, like my wedding day, and here’s why…
I treated my book launch event as if it was an actual wedding or conference. There were several elements that had to be just right.
Theme: I wanted a theme to be like a coat-hanger to which I could hang up all the various elements (food, beverage, music, content). Seeing Queens’ Row is historical fiction, focusing on when the Eisenhower’s retired to the small sleepy town of Gettysburg in the summer of 1960. I gave it a White House theme. Dresscode ‘White House’ was optional, but to my pleasant surprise, many people went with it. I wore the actual dress my grandmother did back in May of 1960 when she attended a dinner at the white house. With the help of Spanx, I was able to squeeze into the thing and learned she was my age (44) when she attended that dinner and wore the dress. The book was inspired by a frame menu I inherited from her of that magical night at the White House. Now we were full circle.
Food & bev: everyone likes a good party, good food and drink. But when you’re hosting, you don’t want to be bothered with making sure everyone has enough. The venue had several caterers they worked with. I discussed pricing and menu’s with several and narrowed it down to one. I asked my neighbor’s daughter and her boyfriend, both studying at Hotel School Den Haag, to help with passing out the signature cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks.
Music: I try to always include a musical element to all my events. After some research, I landed Maarten Teekens, a singer and guitarist with Elvis flair. He played some of the tunes mentioned in the book + I had a spotify playlist made to match the mood/era of the book. I recommend every author makes a spotify playlist for their book!
Fun Surprise: I made a mini museum which included photos of the Eisenhower’s in Gettysburg, Mamie Eisenhower’s dress.
Book Discussion/Q&A with author and audience: I met with a professional moderator (and friend), Petra Grijzen, prior to the event so that we could prepare a Q&A session to go along with slides.
Book signing + payment options: I invited other Storyhouse Works authors to come and sell their books at a mini book market. With the holidays approaching, this was the perfect gift shopping opportunity. I also had a book signing table (don’t forget to bring plenty of good pens + plenty of copies of your book + QR code or easy way to pay).
Venue: I met with the venue prior to the event to go through the program, step-by-step, Amstelkerk, part of Stadsherstel, which offers beautiful historical locations at a friendly price for the cultural sector. The great thing about working with a venue like this is that they can also promote the event on their channels.
The event was cost-covering and a huge success! Thanks to professional event photographer Maaike Hek, I have memories to last a lifetime. Do you need help planning your dream book launch event? Storyhouse Works can help!
Author of Queens’ Row, Hannah Huber, on stage with moderator Petra Grijzen.
