A great way to get people interested in reading and writing is to bring in a published author. Whether they deliver a talk or a workshop, meeting a successful writer can be inspirational. Here is some advice on planning a literature event.
1. Find out whether there are any literature events happening around the same time as your event. Tying your own poetry event in with National Poetry Day, for example, could help raise the profile of the event.
2. Get in touch with publishers to find out the availability of the writer you wish to visit, and details of the fee and travel expenses. This helps you plan your budget.
3. Consider inviting local writers to minimise costs and promote your own community.
4. Investigate a co sponsor for the event. Perhaps there is a local bookshop, theatre, or library that might be willing to help with a venue, marketing and other in kind services.
5. Find free advertising. There are a lot of South West publications and websites that are willing to list your event at no charge (Cyprus Well being one of them).
6. Don’t forget to use social media as well as print marketing. Twitter is a fantastic way of spreading the word.
7. Order in copies of the author’s books to sell on the day.
8. Make sure you allocate some money for refreshments.
9. Take care of your author. Writers are far more likely to visit again if you treat them well.
