- Show up early, not late.
- Ask the host how long she/he wants you to read.
- Be flexible. If there is more than one reader, don't demand to go first or last. Let your host curate the evening as she/he sees fit.
- Don't read longer than the time your host has requested/suggested (remember: leave the audience wanting more!).
- Be gracious. Remember to thank your audience/host/fellow readers/venue during your reading.
- If other authors are reading on the same bill, it is polite to stay for their readings, as well.
- Plug your book. It's okay to do this yourself if the host doesn't. It's why you're there (and your publisher will appreciate it). Mention the price.
- If selling your own book, decide on a book price for live readings. As an incentive, it can be a little lower than the list price, but don't shortchange yourself too much!
What would you add?
4 comments:
Makes me livid when I see a writer, whether established or new, ditch all but his or her parts of the reading. Seen it more than once.
Limit preambles and explanations, let your work speak for itself.
rehearse & decide on what you want to read ahead of time. i find it boring & frustrating when a reader flips slowly thru the pages & fumbles around while trying to decide what to read.
I would also suggest that the poet or writer mingle with the crowd (before & after) and not just sit at one table or his or her peers or family members) i.e. be sociable.
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