To help support authors and spring book releases during a time of quarantine, many bookstores are now offering virtual events. It’s great news for authors, but it may also leave you with many questions. How do online events work? What should you expect? How do you get people to attend a virtual event? Just remember you’re not alone, hundreds of other authors are in the same boat!

To guide you on how to host a great online event, we’ve created a list of helpful tips that will prepare you for this virtual adventure!

Connect with the bookstore beforehand

If your event will now be hosted online, your bookstore will contact you! Don’t fret, they will have everything prepared. Typically, online events will be the same as an in-store event, with a discussion of your book, reading, or Q&A. Some stores may do it differently, but they will give you the rundown on what to expect. Connect with them and ask questions, they’ll be more than happy to guide you!

Share the event link

Now that your event is online, you’ll want to make sure to inform your audience to keep them up-to-date on what to expect. It’s just like letting them know which store it’s going to be at, except now you’ll provide a link. Let them know the platform, the time, and of course, the bookstore! (Important tip: many bookstores will have a registration that guests must go through first. Having them register early will allow you and the bookstore know how many people will be attending the virtual event.)

Master your platform

Remember: practice makes perfect! Once you know the platform you’ll be using (Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live, etc.), make sure you create an account and know how to work it. Take some time to learn the functions, because the more comfortable you feel, the less likely you will run into technical difficulties.

Link the bookstore to buy copies

This is still an event at a bookstore. So, when your audience would like to purchase the book, make sure that the link is to their website!

Know your time zones

Be sure to remember that some of your guests will be in a different time zone. To avoid having a guest go online too early or too late, make sure to share the correct times. If you’re not sure which one they’re in, you can always include the time zone abbreviation to let them know how to calculate, or provide the time in multiple time zones.

Check your Internet connection

No one wants to get dropped mid-stream, especially when you’re in the middle of answering a question! Double-check your internet connection before the event. Of course technological mishaps might happen, but being prepared will always help!

Check your audio equipment

You’ll want to make sure your microphone on your computer or phone is working well enough for people to understand you. Test out speaking into the microphone from different distances or on different volumes to find the perfect one.

Find a comfortable spot

If you’re doing it from your home, make sure that you pick a good spot. You may not want to do it in front of a dirty backdrop or by a loud tv. Select a nice place that isn’t too distracting and that is comfortable. Do a practice video in the room to ensure it’s still a good spot to stay connected to the internet and that there isn’t an echo.

Remember to have fun!

Hosting a virtual event is new to a lot of people, so don’t overthink it and just have fun! This is your time to share your book and connect with your audience.

What are some of your tips for hosting an online event?