I have been hosting book readings in my home since 2015. I have done over 100 now. There is a core group of friends who help me, and by all accounts, guests and authors seem to greatly enjoy them. I have written down my method because I have been asked by several people for advice. I am certain there are variations on what I do, and you should create your own scene!
Those sales figures are actually pretty great, Joyce. A friend of mine who worked for bookstore once told me that if they sold to 20% of the people in attendance, it was considered a success. The price of books is, of course, an issue, but then of course, there are situations with superstar writers where money is no object. A friend of mine were called moderating an event with the art critic Robert Hughes for his book American Energies. The book was lavishly illustrated and cost $50, which was pretty much the high-end at the time. Nonetheless, for a book of art criticism.
Those sales figures are actually pretty great, Joyce. A friend of mine who worked for bookstore once told me that if they sold to 20% of the people in attendance, it was considered a success. The price of books is, of course, an issue, but then of course, there are situations with superstar writers where money is no object. A friend of mine were called moderating an event with the art critic Robert Hughes for his book American Energies. The book was lavishly illustrated and cost $50, which was pretty much the high-end at the time. Nonetheless, for a book of art criticism.
I meant to say there was a very long line for the book
It's really quite an easy thing to do, and I wish more people did it! You could actually string together a tour if there were enough of us.