Launching a Book

I wish I could tie a red ribbon around my book and smash a bottle of wine. Isn't that what they do when they launch a ship?

Okay, so my book isn't a ship, but it is important that I do this launch properly.

"What? No, we won't tell anyone that I was supposed to do this before I published"

"What about the date?"

"Are you saying that I should wait until the month that would be more appropriate? Shhhh, don't remind me."

Alright, I'll admit I'm doing this all wrong, but since it's my book and my party, I think I'll do what I want.

So here's what's going to happen.

• Marketing has started 3 months out so people know about the event.

• I'm planning the decorations and games already.

• I'm even going to attempt to make a haunted house cake. (Or I'll buy one.)

• Other food and beverages will be provided.

• There will be prizes and goody bags.

• I have wonderful support from the staff at the Gadsden Library.

• I'm going to practice reading my book out loud so that I don't stutter.

• My books will be on sale for $3.00 less than the online book price.

If you are a seasoned author who has already done a launch party, can you give me any advice on what else I can do?