Virtual Book Events // A New Era of Digital Content

In the midst of a time when our bank accounts are thoroughly depleted, our motivation crushed, and our spirits jostled, reading has, surprisingly, prevailed.

Back in April, we watched people settle into their houses and turn to something that they’d never really “had the time for” pre-COVID (don’t get me started on this): books. Us readers chuckled to ourselves as we observed countless people lament over the power of a good book and how much of a “godsend” reading has been during the tough weeks months of quarantine.

Like, we been knew, right?

The publishing industry has long since built a following on its connectivity. It’s ability to connect people: to books, to authors, and to each other. No wonder the industry basically shut down when COVID hit. Since in recent months we’ve been encouraged to disconnect, our beloved bookmakers have had to find ways to improvise. And that had lead to something that I’ve been very, very fond of…

Virtual book events!

Okay, hear me out. I know there’s nothing quite like going to a physical book signing, getting to see your favorite authors right there in front of you, being surrounded by fellow readers who love the same stories that you do. But I’ve also been able to attend so many events that I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to if authors were doing traditional tours.

Here’s me hangin’ out with V.E. Schwab at a virtual event with Andersons Bookshop, a local bookseller in my area. This is one that I probably would’ve attended if it was in person because it’s nearby, but many people who were on this call probably weren’t from Illinois and still got to see V.E. Schwab speak!

Not only that, but it’s so much easier for us to ask questions via virtual event than an in-person one – I’ve noticed that most events will have a person fielding a “chat room” where participants are encouraged to submit their questions, which gives the whole thing more of a personalized feel. It’s easier for me to convince myself that it’s just me and my favorite author if I’m not surrounded by hundreds of other fans, and that makes it all the more special.

Case in point, here’s last weeks’ event with my queen Kerri Maniscalco. I was even invited to a special meet and greet beforehand since I was one of the first 10 to sign up, and got to introduce myself and share how much the books meant to me! Like, how cool is that?? Definitely an idea I recommend using for other publicists/bookstores who are doing virtual events!

The only drawback to these types of events are that you do still often have to pay for them, including the book (and if you don’t live close enough to the bookstore to pick it up, shipping, too). It can definitely be a bit pricey when its all said and done, but I like to personally think of it as a nights worth of entertainment – like if I were to go to the movies, or out to dinner instead!

If you’re not able/wanting to pay for a book to be shipped to you, there have also been so many authors using social media to do little free events. In August, Leigh Bardugo had a lil’ Zoom call with fans to celebrate the release of The Lives of Saints, where fans competed to win prizes, got to ask Leigh questions, and even got to be the first to see the title and cover for Rule of Wolves. A few weeks ago, I listened to a ~Halloween themed~ Instagram live between Sarah J. Maas and Shelby Mahurin, which was super fun and low-key, and didn’t cost me a penny! These types of things are popping up all over the place in the book community, and are great ways to engage with your favorite authors.

All that being said, some events I’m excited for in November are:

Nov. 12th: Gloria Chao’s launch event for Rent a Boyfriend with Politics and Prose!

Nov. 12th: Laura Taylor Namey’s launch event for A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow with Run for Cover!

Nov. 17th: R.F. Kuang’s launch event for The Burning God with Brookline Booksmith!

Nov. 17th: Chloe Gong’s launch event for These Violent Delights with Politics and Prose!

This post has been kind of random, but I just wanted to discuss how much I appreciate the ability to engage with my favorite authors during this crazy year. Back in April, I thought the book publishing industry was going to pretty much shut down completely and not pick back up until 2021, but I’m so happy to see authors finding creative ways to celebrate their work.

Have you been able to engage more with any of your favorite authors? Are there any upcoming events that you’re excited for?

Thanks for reading, my friends!