We had a lot of fun writing The Cowboy and the Vampire together so it’s no surprise we have a lot of fun talking about it — plus we have oversized egos — but we also both suffer from stage fright. As a result, “podium events” like book readings are terrifying. Thank goodness for book clubs. Low key, friendly and replete with free drinks … it’s like flying first class. And like most people who generally fly economy, we are so grateful. Every author should be so lucky.

Given our aversion to public speaking, we focus on book clubs and have become by default minor experts in the burgeoning field of author/book club relationship management (ABCRM; what’s a specialty field without an acronym?). Like any good experts, we’re going to share our brief but extensive knowledge about why book clubs are so valuable, ways authors can connect with book clubs and share a few tips for the actual event.

Why book clubs?

This one is easy. Book clubs are great way to meet new readers and network with fans and sometimes, the guest list can be surprising. At a recent book club, we met the mother of an A-list(ish) actor and asked (begged?) her to press a signed copy of The Cowboy and Vampire directly into his hands and tell him what a great movie it would make. We’re still eagerly waiting for that follow up phone call. It will come, we know it!

The book club venue is also perfect for feedback. Book clubs are made up of people who love to read and enjoy talking in-depth about their experiences as a reader. They are also critics. In essence, book clubs are focus groups with cocktails. (Note: Book club charters, apparently, require the consumption of alcohol … thank goodness.) For writers, what could be better than hearing directly from readers? The input will make the next book better. We changed a few plot points in the sequel Blood and Whiskey based on what we heard from our book club friends, and were surprised to hear about parts of our book we had thought were inconsequential but actually scored big with our readers.

How does one find a willing book club?

Sadly, there’s not (yet) a personals site for “Book Clubs looking for authors with benefits.” Finding a book club is all about marketing and taking advantage of whatever channels are available. We connected with one wonderfully fun book club through Clark’s work. They made cowboy and vampire themed food and drinks (many, many drinks) and we stayed for almost two hours laughing and talking about our characters and how we can stand writing together.

We found another great connection at an art festival event, chatting with the event organizer who ultimately bought five copies and invited us to her book club. From that, we spent a lovely two hours in a beautiful home beside the Clackamas River drinking whiskey and talking about vampire-induced murder. (Note: plan for the long term. Books about cowboys mean whiskey will be served, vampires mean red wine. Sorry young adult authors.)

How does one seed the invite to a book club?

Book clubs are social events so don’t forget the ever present essential social media. “This book is perfect for books clubs: may include author appearance” can go a long way on a Facebook page, website, book blog or out and out paid advertising. The same holds true for book signings and author events. “Book Club friendly” would make a great sticker on the front cover of the book, or perhaps a T-shirt. Or better yet, a shirt that says “Take this author home with you.” Some publishers of course include book club questions inside a book, pretty much making it obvious.

Geographic proximity is also a factor. Except for authors of J.K. Rowling stature, it’s difficult to jet across the country for a book club appearance, no matter what food or quantities of whiskey are being served. Our current outer limit is about 40 miles. Technology is pretty advanced these days, though, and we’re thinking a 30-minute “video drop in” might be pretty easy to arrange with Skype or an iPad.

One last thought. We think there’s definitely role in all of this for Writer’s Groups. Members would definitely benefit from support in this area.

A word on etiquette at the book club event

• Provide study questions in advance. In the rare event that members don’t have much to say, questions help keep the conversation going. If possible, avoid yes or no questions.
• Have some great stories ready to tell. Share details about writing, the creative process and the next project.
• Enlist their help. Book clubs are all about grassroots campaigning. Let them know how important it is to get reviews and ask them to share their thoughts online in a review or via Facebook and Twitter.
• Stay in touch. Take a picture with the group and then offer to email it to them. Then save the contact information and provide updates.
• Bring something: food, wine or marketing freebies.
• Leave them with an “ask.” What’s the last thing they should remember? “Please tell one friend about how much you liked this book.” “Post a review.” “Watch for my next book.” Whatever it is, use it on the way out.
• But most of all, have fun. Book clubs are an amazing opportunity for writer and reader to directly connect and isn’t that what it’s all about?

And in keeping with our own advice, we’d be happy to stop by and talk more about all of the many things we know about ABCRM at your next writing group or book club, or more importantly, about The Cowboy and the Vampire. As long as you live within 40 miles of Portland, have Skype or keep decent whiskey on hand.

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