5 Tips for Rocking Your First Book Club

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5 Tips for Rocking Your First Book Club

Looking for a fun, engaging way to share your love of books and meet new people? Then a Book Club is for you! Before you get overwhelmed at the prospect of starting one, there are a few things to keep in mind while organizing your Book Club so members can get the most out of the experience…and have them looking forward to the next one!

Here are the 5 tips for rocking your first book club meeting:

Create a Guest List.

Like any successful event, it all starts with a guest list. Think about who you’d like to invite and then write the names down. The more diverse the group the better, as it will lead to an interesting and engaging discussion.

Decide When and Where.

Will you be hosting the Book Club in your home? Will you be heading out to a local bookshop or restaurant? Morning or afternoon? Is there a theme (i.e. A tea party where you’ll review Pride and Prejudice)? Brainstorm your ideas and watch your Book Club take shape!

Save The Date.

There are a ton of great (free!) e-vite sites out there, or you can use good old-fashioned email to send out your invites. Be sure to include the who, what, when, where, and time…and then ask them to RSVP (so you have an estimated final number in case you’re picking up food and drinks for a more festive feel). Also, don’t get discouraged if a few people drop off a few days before the Book Club (typically events can have a drop off rate of anywhere from 15%-40%). But if you have to guarantee numbers, you’ll want to make the RSVP date at least 3-5 days before you have to have final numbers to your chosen venue.

Structure Your Book Club Discussions.

First, welcome everyone as they arrive and be sure to make the introductions between Book Club members (if they don’t know each other already). You can start your Book Club by thanking everyone for attending and introducing yourself, then go around the table so everyone can follow suit. You’ll want to have a few general questions about the book you’ve chosen to get the conversation started, but it can also happen organically – which is amazing! The first time I attended a BooknBrunch Book Club we talked about the book for the first little bit and then everything else. And because of that, it was an even more amazing experience than I had imagined it would be!

Thank You, Come Again.

Be sure to thank everyone for attending and share how much you’re looking forward to the next Book Club. You could even create cheap and cheerful goodies for each guest (a bookmark or a postcard with an inspiring quote come to mind). And be sure follow up via email and include a survey so that members can choose the next book to read and then review. With websites like Survey Monkey, you can easily create a quick poll, and your book club guests can vote anonymously.

Inspired to host your own book club? It’s easy AND you can earn extra cash! Here’s your chance! Learn more about becoming a BooknBrunch host here.

Andrea Querido

Andrea Querido is a 40-ish book-loving, introverted word nerd who’s passionate about connection, self-care, personal growth, creating community and, of course, books!

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favourite brunch spot: Anywhere I don’t have to cook.

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