Have you ever done or said something, looked back, and thought, I could have done that better?

That was me after last week’s edition. And I had a choice. Move on and do better next time, or revisit the same edition and do it again.

 

Because so many authors underestimate how impactful a launch event can be, I chose the do-over.

 

So Welcome to Issue 11: The Do-Over Edition. 

This time, we’re breaking down the brilliance of the Kate Spade book launch for Occasions: Celebrate That and pulling out the strategies you can use to not just release your book, but to extend a clear invitation into your world, whether your launch is soon or someday.

 

Read on. Let’s dream up the kind of launch your book deserves.

 

 

Most authors “launch” their book by posting a graphic on social media, sharing a sales-page, or a 99-cent Kindle download link in hopes of hitting a list.  

I get it. After months and sometimes years of working on your book, when it's finally done, you just want to get it out there. 
 

But bold books deserve bold beginnings.
 

We’ve seen in past Book Report editions, from Rihanna to Roxie Nafousi, to Rupi Kaur, the authors and creators who leave lasting impressions don’t simply release their work. They build worlds with their words.

 

 

 

 

A signature launch event is intentional from beginning to end, from the invitation, to the partners you bring in, to the way your book comes to life in the room. Every detail should reflect your DNA and the DNA of the the book you’ve created.
 

From the INVITATION, Kate Spade sets your up for experience. 

 

 

 

When the day came, the lines wrapped around the corner and people waited for hours to get in, myself included, and it did not disappoint. 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW to see how Kate Spade brought their book to life with very intentional touches. 
 

What are some intentional things that Kate Spade did that you can do too?

01 | CREATE MOMENTS
Throughout the townhouse, Kate Spade created scenes visitors could step into. A messy desk stacked with books. A café corner. A bathroom with a tub overflowing with flowers and mirrors layered with affirmations. Every space felt intentional—and every space was photographable.
 

There were no lack of Instagrammable moments. And that matters because those photos equal free marketing. When people want to document your event, they help extend your reach.

  

But go further.
 

02 | CREATE CONNECTIONS
A signature event also creates connection, not just between you and your readers, but moments among the readers themselves. That’s the difference between promoting a book and building a world. When people connect with their own stories and each other inside your event, the book becomes a shared experience.  

03 | Leverage strategic partnerships
The quickest way to expand your world and deepen the experience is to collaborate. Whether it’s a brand, an artist, a chef, a florist, or a venue, the right collaborator will not only make your event better by adding depth, it will introduce you to new people and audiences. 

Rihanna had her launch at a museum. Roxie Nafousi had a launch at a restaurant. Rupi Kaur had an intimate picnic at the park. Your location is part of the mood. A living room, a gallery, a bookstore, a rooftop, a café, a garden, each space communicates something before a word is spoken.
 

05 | Consider Sound and Scent
Make your event a vibe by adding sound and smell. What's on your playlist? What scent is in the air?
 

06 | Create a Narrative Arc 
What journey are you taking your readers on. From the moment they walk in to the moment they leave, guide the audience through an experience.  
 

Is there anything from your book that you can bring to life at your event? Any metaphors?

 

These are some of the elements that lift your event beyond celebration and turn it into something larger, an entry point into your world that continues long after the night ends.

 

 

This week, I was reminded why maintaining a personal standard of excellence matters.
 

Not for applause or for anyone else.

But because it's personal.
 

I kept thinking about Beyoncé and the Run the World video. She saw two African dancers on YouTube and was drawn to the way they moved. She tried to replicate itby bringing in world-class dancers and choreographers and asking them to teach the movements. 

Nothing met the standard she had in mind.

So she didn’t compromise.

Instead, she searched until she found the original dancers. And when she did, she waited four months for visas so they could come to the U.S. and teach her and her team directly. 

That decision had nothing to do with anyone else’s expectations. It was about her commitment to her vision and her willingness to honor her own standard of excellence, even when it cost more time, money, and patience.
 

As I think about that, I'm reminded that whether you’re creating a book, building a business, or working on something quietly behind the scenes, it's up to you to believe in it and then to fight for it.

A personal standard of excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about integrity. It’s knowing when not to rush. Knowing when not to settle. Knowing when the long way is worth it.

 

And my encouragement to you is simple:
Do the work to your standard. Protect the vision you were given. And don’t let outside noise talk you into compromising something you know matters.
 

If you decide it's worth it, then it's worth it. Period.

With you in the making,

Unapologetic Press is a Creative Publishing House based in NYC helping authors design books and experiences that spark conversation, deepen reader engagement, and continue the conversation beyond the page.

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