An actual launch is, most likely, going to be out of the question. Heck, I don't even know if the physical book is going to be available initially, or if it will start off as an ebook only. So Tilda 2 isn't going to be getting the kind of launch party I threw for Granny Rainbow...
But it's always good to celebrate publication, and some people are doing it virtually in this time of social distancing and restrictions.
My dilemma is related to my target audience. My novels are aimed at middle grade readers - 9+ years - and for certainly the lower end of that scale, you wouldn't expect the kids to have access to some forms of social media. An interactive chatroom kind of launch is therefore pretty much out of the question. Of course, I realise that a lot of my readers are a bit older and potentially could do chat rooms etc, but I want to be as inclusive as possible to ALL readers.
So what could I do instead? Here are a few thoughts
1. Ask for questions in advance, and answer them as part of a recorded Q&A that goes up on youtube.
2. Record myself reading the first chapter of the book.
3. A competition - perhaps I could do some illustrations in a print copy (assuming they are available) and you win that if you send me a pic of you, with the book (digital versions would be allowed!) as your entry? I did it for Tilda of Merjan. (read about it here.)
4. I can't remember the name for it, but a campaign to share across social media something about Tilda 2 - photo, snippet of text, a link to wherever the book is being sold - on a specific date and time.
5. Some kind of homemade book trailer...
Would you even bother tuning in to a virtual launch, or simply buy the book to read?
Hmmm... It would be good to know what you think, as I'm relying on you, Reader of the Scribbles, for support!
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