by Lev Raphael
I’m just back from reading from my memoir/travelogue My Germany in Windsor, Ontario. I was at a fundraising event for BookFest Windsor and people asking me to sign books afterwards said they enjoyed it especially because most authors read from their books so badly.
I tend to avoid author readings myself because I’ve seen too many authors make basic, embarrassing mistakes.
Here are five things to avoid if you’re going to read from your book, whatever the genre:
–Don’t apologize in any way. You may feel nervous, but you’re a performer and you have an audience. You need to exemplify sprezzatura: the art that conceals all art. Your reading should be smooth and practiced and not feel like you’re trying too hard. The seams should never show.
–Don’t read anything you can’t emotionally control. If a part of your book might make you cry for any reason or even get misty-eyed, avoid it. A reading isn’t a psychodrama. And don’t announce that something often leaves you teary and go ahead anyway. That can make an audience cringe.
–Don’t keep your eyes on your book. This may sound impossible, but it’s not. You need to study and rehearse your reading enough times so that you’re familiar with it–almost as if you were an actor. Then you can maintain good, consistent eye contact with your audience. If all you do is look down, you’ll be dull.
–Don’t get over-specific about how you and when you write, or how you wrote that book before your reading. People do like detail and do like to get to know the person behind the book, but they don’t need TMI. The book is the centerpiece, not the really gross flu you had when you were researching it.
–Don’t hog the stage if you’re on the bill with other authors. Time your reading more than once at home, and then trim it. If the organizer gives you twenty minutes, go for fifteen. In situations with multiple readers, less is usually more because someone else is likely to run over.
Remember, the event isn’t all about you: it’s about your audience first and foremost. Think about them, plan for them, respect them, connect with them. They deserve your best, whether five people come to hear you, or five hundred.
Guest post contributed by Lev Raphael who teaches creative writing at Michigan State University. Lev is the author of Writer’s Block is Bunk and 24 other books in genres from memoir to mystery which you can find at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Check out more of Lev’s work on his blog, Writing Across Genres.
And remember to picture the audience naked 🙂
Seriously though, great advice. Saving for if I ever get brave enough to give it a try!
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I’ve heard that too, Jacquie, but then I don’t think that they’d take too kindly to us laughing at them (the audience).
Great practical tips, Lev!
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Reblogged this on Cynthia Hilston – Author & Blogger.
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly.
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I’ve never heard of this type of event. Are there websites which promote such events?
If I show up in black yoga pants, a black & white striped shirt, and a French beret, I’d fit in, right? Oh: Bulgarian cigarettes, too.
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I agree with most of the points, but I do feel that seeing a writer cry or stumble over his or her own words from emotion is actually a good thing. I want to see that authors are human. Their natural emotion makes the moment memorable and, if controlled, can bring additional impact to a strong scene, like acting.
Thanks for the insight.
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I’ve never been to a book reading, but have done my fair share of acting and seen performances from musicians and singers, and just the right show of emotion really makes the performance much more impressive, in my opinion, so great point.
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Exactly! I totally agree. The right amount is part of the performance.
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Anyone have any tips on how to go about doing a book reading to promote a book that is not yet available for purchase, you know to build up an audience before the release? How do you decide what part of the book to read? Would you read first chapter or settle for a particularly juicy scene or chapter in the book?
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Reblogged. Click my name to visit my blog.
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Reblogged this on Historical Fiction Addicts and commented:
Some wonderful, simple tips to helo you have the best pu lic reading (and therefore promotion) of your book. Enjoy!
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Really useful tips. Thanks
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