My guest article 6 Ways to Be a Writer While Recovering from Surgery is live on NothingAnyGood.com!
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A book reading can be scary when you’ve never done one before, especially if you’re an introvert and hate doing anything in front of people. I know the idea of doing a reading makes my palms sweat, so I have come up with tips that anyone can do to work up the courage of having a real reading.
1. Video Reading
Record yourself doing a reading in the comfort of your own home. This can actually be a lot of fun.
NOTE: I never actually listen to my own recordings. Not even the ones I post. For me, it's not about seeing how I do, but helping me get used to doing it.
- Pick an excerpt from
your book. This doesn’t have to be long. One to two pages will keep people’s attention
from straying.
- Set up the stage; find
a neat spot where you can sit. This can be at your desk or in a chair
positioned in the corner of the room.
- Wear something
comfortable but nice.
- Get your equipment
(laptop, camera) and do a simple test.
- When you’re ready, try
a recording. The great thing is that if you mess up or don’t like the
recording, you can try again. Once you have a recording you like, prepare it to
get ready for others to view.
- Upload it to YouTube,
your Amazon page, your Goodreads page, your website, and your blog. Now people can
listen to your reading from the comfort of their homes.
2. Family and Friends Reading
Once again, in the comfort of your home, invite your family and closest friends to a reading. These are the people who will support you no matter what. You can even make it fun with snacks (cheese, crackers, veggies) and refreshments. Sit in a chair in front of your family and give them a short reading. If you’re like me, you’ll still be nervous, but reading for your loved ones is easier than reading for strangers.
3. Local Coffee Shop or Library Reading
The previous techniques should help you to feel more confident about doing readings. Now you’ve graduated to public readings. Call around to local coffee shops or libraries you enjoy going to and see if you can schedule a live reading there. After you book time, invite all of your friends and make announcements on your blog/website. The great thing about doing a reading at one of these places is that the customers will likely listen to your reading and you can gain new readers.
TIP: Practice with several recorded readings before your public
reading. But don't publish those practices! This is to just get you used to
reading your story out loud, and recording yourself will give you a bit of
nervousness that will simulate much of your nerves at the public reading. I did this to prep for my speech. It works!
How to ease your anxiety:
- Take a sip of water to wet your throat. Then take your place and introduce yourself and your book.
- Take a few, slow deep breaths before you begin the reading.
- Hold your book in your hands in front of you. If you can, rest your book and your hands on a stand or table to keep your hands from shaking.
- Put markers on the page you’re reading to remind you to look at your audience.
- Read slowly. If you read fast, your audience won’t be able to understand you and you may stumble on your words.
- Pause every now and then, after a paragraph, for instance, to calm your nerves and take a quick breath.
- When you reach the end of the excerpt, close your book, hold it in your hands (cover facing out), and tell your audience they can read more in [Title]. (You don’t need to open the floor to questions until you’re ready for that.)
- Thank them for listening and step away. If you’re doing a signing afterward, invite them to come over to purchase a book to be signed or get a signed postcard.
QUESTIONS: Have you ever done a public reading? How did you prepare?
Blog Hop Celebrating Moms:
In honor of my mom's newest picture book coming out on Mother's Day, DOCTOR MOM, we're hosting a blog hop celebrating moms.
PROMPT: Share a favorite memory you have of your mom. Or just share a picture of your mom that you cherish. Or you can do both!
When: May 21st
Where: Your Blog
***Every post will include the blurb, links, and cover art for Doctor Mom as well as my mom's bio and author photo. I'll email all participants a week before the hop.***
Doctor Mom Blog Hop:
