Lynda Pflueger has written nine biographies for children. Her books have been favorably reviewed by Kirkus, School and Library Journal, and Booklist. George Eastman: Bringing Photography to the People is the most recent title in A Spotlight Biography series and is now available in both paperback and ebook format. Learn more about her at LyndaPflueger.com

 

What fun! I loved talking about one of my favorite people, George Eastman, the founder of Kodak.

The Book Launch Party for my newly released biography—George Eastman: Bringing Photography to the People—started with a slice of his favorite lemon meringue pie.  Eastman never seemed to get enough of it. He often prepared it himself and always ate at least two big slices.

Then I shared some interesting tidbits about Eastman:

• His goal for his company was to be “the largest manufacturer of photographic materials in the world, or go to pot.”
• He created his company’s brand name Kodak.
• His company’s success was based on his four business practices:  mass production of goods at a low cost, international distribution of goods, extensive advertising, and excellent customer service.
• He donated the majority of his wealth to educational institutions and other charities before his death because he felt that men who left their money to be distributed by others were “pie-faced-mutts.”

I knew his adventures in Africa would appeal to young people (grades 5 and up), my target reading audience. In 1926, a year after he retired from Eastman Kodak, Eastman packed his bags and set out for Africa. He stayed with Osa and Martin Johnson, two wild life photographers at their campsite in the Kedong Valley near Nairobi. His cabin was built alongside an elephant trail and several times a day, the large animals passed by, giving Eastman an opportunity to photograph them. I read a passage that showed what an interesting person Eastman was.

After my talk, I handed out bookmarks and sold and signed books.

Tips from eFrog Press

Book Launches will vary based on the genre, the location, and the personality of the author. Here are some key elements to consider no matter what kind of book you are launching!

• Get the word out early through social media, organizations you belong to, and the press.
• Have food and drink—even better if it relates to the book.
• Allow time for mingling and try to connect with everyone before speaking.
• Keep your talk short, focused, and interesting. Rehearse and time your presentation.
• Read from your book. Nothing sells a book better than good writing. Don’t just talk about your book—read from it!
• Set up a display table with copies of all your books and related items. Lynda Pflueger displayed antique Kodak cameras (see photo above). She also displayed a poster-sized version of her cover.
• Do a giveaway or drawing for your book and related items.
• Be prepared to sell (have change, receipts, credit card processor, and maybe a helper) and sign (have a great pen) your books.
• If the group is small enough, follow up with a thank you email. Lynda Pflueger included Eastman’s yummy recipe for lemon meringue pie.

For more details, read related posts:

Your First Book Signing: What Every Author Needs to Know

How to Give a Bookstore Reading in Nine Easy Steps

Preparing for Your First School Visit

Please Share Your Book Launch Experiences