HOST AUTHORS AT YOUR LIBRARY... and get them begging to come back A presentation of ALA’s Programming Librarian Interest Group

Welcome and Announcements - Today’s webinar is offered by ALA’s Programming Librarian Interest Group (PLIG), in partnership with ALA’s Public Programs Office. - News from the Public Programs Office: Applications now being accepted for “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History.” Tech issues on today’s webinar? Send a private message to Colleen Barbus.

Today’s Presenters Janie Hermann Public Programming Librarian Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ Co-chair, ALA Programming Librarian Interest Group Erin Shea Supervisor, Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial Branches Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Co-chair, ALA Programming Librarian Interest Group

Where do I get ideas for author events? -Know your community and their reading habits -Talk to your collection development librarian -Gather statistics on what circulates at your library -Take a community survey -Reach out to local book clubs

Publishing catalogs and Book Trade Journals -No such thing as being on too many mailing lists -Sign up for both digital and print mailing lists for upcoming books.  Book tours are frequently planned 4-8 months in advance of publication -- have a long range view (and ask early if it is an author you are particularly interested in hosting)

Work with a local bookstore -If you are just starting, this is a good way to start making connections -Bigger name authors will require that you work with a NYT reporting bookstore for sales -Co-host events at your library or at the store

Attend book-related conferences -ALA and BEA are great, but there are also many other regional and specialized book conferences -Make sure you visit the exhibits and talk to the representatives at the booths -Go to as many “book buzz” events as you possibly can and talk to the presenters afterwards - Becca Worthington and ask to be added to her mailing lists.

How do I even find authors to host? Ask your friendly library marketing rep! Their contact information is listed here in a handy format:

Ask our friendly library marketing reps Tell them the following: -where you’re located (and closest major city) -what types of authors do well -what bookstore you work with, or who sells at your events Your marketing reps are your sherpas. They should not inspire fear!

Some publishers use event grids

Meet with your marketing reps! - Your library marketing reps will go over their authors that have books coming out - You will talk about which authors work at your library and which do not have an audience - Bring photos of your space where you hold author events - Talk about how you promote author events - You will swap stories, talk about books, and make connections!

Pitching Publicists Find out what is required to be considered for the tour and answer all possible questions that a publicist might have when you make your inquiry.

What goes in a pitch - number of seats at the venue - anticipated audience - your PR plan to promote the author - list of past successful author events - anticipated sales - assurance that books will be from a NYT reporting source (book store name if partnering) - any special tie-ins or events planned for the visit - why the author is a good fit for your community

Can I pitch directly to the author? Always worth a try, especially if:  not currently on tour for a new book  you have a budget or grant to pay for travel expenses  your reason for wanting them to visit is unique and compelling  a personal connection already exists or can be made

Adding Value to the Visit Go the extra mile and whenever possible create programming tie- ins before the visit. Find ways to make the event stand out and have pizzazz:  themed food at the event  book displays  request poster size book cover for display  pre-event contests (give the book as a prize)  social media campaign with unique hashtag

Personalize each request or pitch and don’t just use boilerplate language - let them know that you took time and effort in making the ask. Have a strong online presence for your library and especially for author events so that you can send links to past events and programming successes. Create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) if your online presence needs boosting.

Interact with authors, publicists, publishers, etc., professionally on social media – get your name and your library known.

Following up... -The elements of a follow-up are important. Publicists and library marketing reps want to feel like they were at the event with you!

To include in your follow-up -How many people attended the program -How many books were sold -Attach any photos or video -Include a memorable anecdote -Discuss ways your library and/or the bookstore will continue to promote and sell the title even though the event has passed

Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you note.

Keep in touch! -Connect with library marketing reps on social media -Join galley chat! Tuesdays, 4 to 5 pm, EST #ewgc -Set up meetings with them at conferences, stop by their booths to ask them what they’re excited about

Remember... Success takes time to grow.

Main Mantra: Never hurts to ask, most that can happen is a decline or no response … but sometimes you hit it lucky.

Keep in touch with us! Janie Erin Join the Programming Librarian Interest Group on Facebook (1,500+ members) or follow us on

Questions?