What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a book launch? Is it knitted jumpers and sports jackets with patches on the elbows? Is it old men in half glasses conversing in fancy words that no one understands? Is it boffins and English teachers discussing the topic of the book in question and the author reading ten pages of their work and trying to make it sound in context? Hell, no! The humble book launch has become something else, a chance for people of all walks of life to unite and celebrate the arrival of a new piece of work that has relevance to everyone in the room. It’s a happy, relaxed occasion!
Having never attended a book launch in my life until I had already become a published author, the concept was thoroughly foreign to me. A run of book launches in 2019 and 2020 by Fair Play Publishing saw the midweek launch become a regular event though, and I found myself at Gleebooks in Sydney on a number of occasions, surrounded by football people, enjoying a beer and talking about the sport I love with people who love it as much, if not more, than myself.
I’d even squeeze a launch event in before going to play a late game of summer soccer, or before heading to an evening Sydney FC game, the early evening time-slot working in my favour. I was sold! So, what is the attraction?
Firstly, being able to support a fellow author, to acknowledge the time, effort and dedication that goes into writing a book, is paramount. Stable mates at a publishing house are like team members. They go into bat for each other, and they are people who have gone through the same process of firstly writing the work, and then pushing through the gruelling editing stage. So, when the opportunity comes up to celebrate the birth of a new piece of work, it is the recognition of that long process that bonds the authors together, and it truly is a celebration of a momentous team effort that has brought the book to life.
Secondly, it is a fun night. Some authors are experts at working a room on the microphone, others like myself are downright novices, but there is always a positive theme and an opportunity to share anecdotes. Any lack of public speaking experience is replaced with a confidence that can only come when talking about the two things in the room that they know best – the book, and the author themselves. Whether surrounded by friends and family, or by fellow authors and eager readers, this is an occasion to relax and catch up, almost like a party.
Finally, it is about getting a book into the hands and eyes of real readers. Do you feel pressured to buy a copy of the book at a book launch? No. Do you want to buy a copy of the book after the actual author has discussed it with you and your curiosity has been piqued? Yes. The author will happily sign a copy, write in a little dedication on the inside cover and take a photo with you. Put it on the coffee table at home and start a conversation, take the time to read it and pass it on to a friend who reads. The book launch is the beginning of the journey for a title, and the evening starts on zero sales.
Of course there are other books available to buy on the day too; the publisher wants to show you other titles that might interest you, and this is an ideal opportunity to generate interest and make some additional sales. Take the plunge and combat your procrastination; you don’t need to order the book online, you may even find the author is there at the event and you can chat with them, walk out with a signed copy and get stuck in to your new favourite book that night before bed.
Over the five-year writing journey I have been on, I have had five books published. Not bad going for a new author in a very tight niche. As I say to myself, I must be doing something right, as the publisher continues to believe in my writing, publishing one book per year on average. The first two books, Introducing Jarrod Black and Jarrod Black – Hospital Pass were released at the inaugural Football Writers Festival in Jamberoo. I turned up on the first morning and got to hold a physical copy of the books in my hand for the first time – it was a surreal experience. The first sale was to Football Victoria, and signing my first book was a thrill. I was one of a handful of authors with new books to spruik at the event, and I instantly felt part of the machine.
The third book, Jarrod Black – Guilty Party, was due to be released at the second Football Writers Festival, however the onset of Covid-19 caused that edition of the annual event to be delayed until later in the year and the book was released with no accompanying fanfare. The book was a hit though, and is still the one that is talked about the most when I speak to friends or readers who eagerly consumed the story.
Book four is where the action happened – and the release of Anna Black – This Girl Can Play was organised at Gleebooks, when we were all very used to Covid-19. A night of heavy rain didn’t prevent a good turnout at a socially distant event, and editor Bonita Mersiades held a panel discussion about the book with yours truly, and the night continued on to a local restaurant until closing time. It was a truly special evening, and brought this special book into the world.
Fast forward to the end of 2022 and the fifth title, Jarrod Black – Guilty Party, had been finished for some time, and in a late decision in December, the novel was released quietly in mid-December, a little late to generate any interest for the Christmas sales period. We are now almost two years without a new Unashamed Football Novel, the subtitle that I apply to these fast-paced novels, and that time has been spent immersed in football.
We are now in October 2024, the new A-League season and the turnaround of the Socceroos fortunes has everyone talking about football again. What better timeslot to host a book launch for the latest fiction novel from Fair Play Publishing. The new novel Abebi takes us back to the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. If you’ve read the Anna Black book, you’ll recognise the name; Abebi is a team mate of Anna, and this is the story of how she made it to the World Cup via an unlikely pathway. Do you need to have read Anna Black before picking up this story? Of course not, and going back to read Anna Black after this one will give you even more reason to show your support to this beautiful character.
The chosen venue for the launch is The Ladies League. Given the subject of the book, this is such a good fit; The Ladies League, a bar / restaurant, a short, colourful walk to the top of Oxford Street in Sydney, is a brand new venue where women’s sport is the focus. Sports memorabilia from women’s sport is everywhere, there are screens showing different live sports; it has become a hub for supporters of the AFLW, NRLW and we’ll see it come into its own when the A-League Women’s season begins next month. Come and check it out; we’ll even supply the first drink.
Come and join me :
What : Abebi – The Launch
Where : The Ladies League, 245 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
When : Tuesday 29th October, 6pm for 6:30pm
RSVP : As soon as possible
How : Click here to register and claim your free drink!
We look forward to seeing you there for the launch of another smash hit novel from Australia’s hotbed of football writing, Fair Play Publishing. It’s only a book launch; don’t be scared!
Love this! Was a great book launch! Glad Mich told us about it and it really was a fun night!