ONE: Find a supportive publisher.
Blue Door Press have been wonderful to be part of because there is such a collaborative spirit. Pamela Johnson, one of the founders of the press, gave me a brief introduction (as you can see on the video) and along with Jane Kirwan & Daphne Astor have been real champions of my work. Who Do You Love is a personal novel, and in some ways quite challenging to write and publish, and I definitely could not have done it without BDP’s unstinting support. BDP has believed in my writing and given me a writerly confidence I haven’t had before.
TWO: Find a supportive bookshop.
The Brick Lane Bookshop were also very helpful; being a local author, they took extra care with things, keeping track of the people invited and offering to sell the books as well as opening after hours on a Friday. The shop was a great venue; cosy but with just enough space to contain the hoards.
THREE: Invite friends and family who like you!
The launch was a great excuse to catch up with family and friends who I hadn’t seen in a while. It was brilliant to see so many smiling faces who were willing to buy my book!
FOUR: Make the speeches short, snappy and include some brief readings.
It’s important to have speeches at a launch, but they do need to be brief; people need time to chat and socialise.
FIVE: Be merry in the moment.
A book launch is a time for celebration so being positive is important; take a moment to enjoy the beauty of people coming together to buy and read your work.
FG, Kathy & Blake Morrison, Chris Kearney[/caption]
Melissa Benn, Fiona Millar, Francis Gilbert
Ian McAuley who launched his novel London Stone with me on the night as well.
FG with Ayesha Kyrou & Abdul Hanan
With Sonia Lambert & Andrea Mason (fellow novelists)
With my father, Peter Gilbert & Tim Hewitt
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