Guest Speaker Dana Neal speaks about Event Planning for Authors and Writers

Today we have a guest speaker, writer and event planner Dana Neal. Today she is speaking to us about event planning. When she contacted us to be a guest speaker and wanted to speak about event planning, I thought this would be great. So many of us writers and authors get book signings, speaking engagements and book release parties together. A few tips wouldn't hurt. Read her interview below to see what she had to say about the topic.

Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been in event planning?
Dana Neal (DN): I have been an event planner turned stylist for almost 9 years.

DW: Do you believe it's important for authors or writers to hire event planners?
DN: Yes! Having an event planner alleviates stress for the author/writer. The planner can focus on the style and presentation of the event while the writer works on the "meat and potatoes" of it.

DW: What are some mistakes that authors or writers make when preparing thier own event?
DN: They either think too far out of the box or they choose something too simple. A writer knows what they want to portray, but they need to have a planner help them bring that vision to life. Most writers only think about how THEY look, but the concern should be the presentation of their book, the theme of the book, then the author.

DW: What are some key steps in having a successful book signing? How do you get people in the door?
DN: Keys for having a successful book signing are very simple; *get away from the book stores--invite the manager or owner to the book signing; rent a hall or conference room, have a small reading and presentation about the writer and book *think platinum event and not just book signing--this allows for more creativity on the part of the planner i.e. decorations, table displays, reporters, radio personalities, etc. *Promote the event all over--schools, coffee shops, restaurants, online, have a giveaway, or a sale during the event, etc. People will attend book signings of local authors, if the book has a theme/topic they are looking for.

DW: As an author what has been your experience in planning your own events?
DN: *I have yet to plan my own book signing! Yet, planning my own events has given me a birds eye view of how serious I am taken as a business woman. I started in events and have added writing to my professional resume. It is hard work to do both, but organization and planning are essential.

DW: How do you set the atmosphere at any event?
DN: *Depending on what the author wants the atmosphere is set by the decorations and the place. Last year, I styled a book signing event for Author Gary Ford and he wanted simple elegance, vendors outside of the room for the signing, he wanted white decorations, etc...it was very appealing and simply elegant. (you can view the photos on the web site: http://www.essenceofawomanevents.com/*For other events, the decor and the venue ambiance help set the atmosphere..the loving attitude of the planner (ME) brings the comfort and joy!

Writers/Authors, if you are looking to present a platinum book signing and you have a great budget, then hire an event planner. Anyone can have a book signing at a book store. The book shelf background sets the atmosphere. Yet, if you want people to look for your next book, then you have to think outside the box. As a writer, you are already working on the book and what to share at the signing; allow an event planner to help bring a grand vision to life. Never take on more than you can chew or in this case write!

You know, I thought this info was very helpful. We've never spoken about event planning on The POV Lounge yet, it's a very important subject. Authors and writers actually do plan events. You know I'm a do it yourself type of person. I'm not for hiring someone else to do something I know I can do but hiring an event planner does seem like the better way. They can bring so much more to the event than we can. I thought Dana's Advice was right on point.

Before we end today's blog...
Be a Guest Speaker on The POV Lounge. Do you have some tips and advice on writing, marketing, editing, publishing, etc. We want to hear your advice and tips. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson