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The Pros and Cons of Doing Public Readings

You’ve published your first book and are looking for ways to promote your writing and yourself. The first thing that comes to mind is doing a book signing event at a local bookstore. But, how about a public reading? Is your book suitable for young readers? Perhaps a school visit is a possibility. And, if you donate a copy of your book to their library, you’ll almost guarantee a return invitation when your next book hits the shelves. There are also senior residences to consider. Public libraries are also a good choice for public reading. Local writers' groups have an open mic night on occasion, allowing writers to read from their publications.

So, is it a good thing to do a public reading? Perhaps. Here are some of the pros and cons of reading your work in a public venue.

Pros:

Exposure – This is one thing all writers, all artists actually, crave, is exposure. Until we’re a big name, we have to take every opportunity presented to get our name out there. I love talking about my writing and taking advantage of any public venue is always a positive event even if it doesn’t sell any books.

Sales – Sometimes reading your work will encourage potential readers to buy your book. I always take lots of copies with me, just in case, and lug most of them home again after the event.

Interaction and feedback – People like to talk to you about your work. Let them. I often come home with more stories to write than I had before the reading event.

Awe and respect – For the most part, I’ve received positive feedback and there’s nothing better for a writer’s ego than to hear, over and over again, how great they are.

Cons:

Doesn’t pay well, if at all. Big-name authors will demand fees, but the little guys, like most of the rest of us, are lucky enough to be invited to read and talk about our work. I know everyone thinks we should demand a reading fee, but – and there’s always a big ‘but’ – people aren’t going to pay writers they’ve never heard about and they won’t hear about us until they’ve listened to us.

Time-consuming – I know I speak for many writers when I say I have to spend a lot of time preparing for a reading. It’s not so easy as to just walk in front of an audience and read your work. You have to choose what to read, decide if it needs an intro, be prepared for questions, and the list goes on.

Exhausting – As much as I enjoy reading my work in public, I do find it very exhausting; all the prep and the actual event can be stressful.

Interruptions – I remember one event where I did a reading in a seniors' residence. Halfway through my talk, someone waltzed in (quite literally) and started yelling at me that she couldn’t hear me and that I was talking all “stuff and nonsense” (her words, not mine).

So, which is better? Readings or not? I still enjoy my outings: public readings, book signings, and multiple other public events. I like to think that if I’ve reached at least one person in my audience, and connected with one like-minded soul, then I’ve made it all worthwhile.

 

Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Emily-Jane Hills Orford