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How to Plan a 1-Hour Author Reading & Presentation That Engages Your Audience

Shanna P. Lowe


As an author, few moments are more exciting than standing in front of an audience, ready to share your story. Whether you're presenting at a bookstore, conference, or even a virtual event, an author reading can build a personal connection with your readers and leave a lasting impression. But how do you make the most of that precious one hour?


Here’s a tried-and-true schedule to guide your event, helping you balance a reading with interactive moments that keep your audience engaged and excited!


The Perfect 1-Hour Author Reading Schedule


1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin with a warm welcome and set the tone for your event. This is your chance to introduce yourself and your book.


  • Welcome and Overview (2 min): Start with a heartfelt greeting, thanking your audience for attending. Give them a quick rundown of what to expect during the presentation.


  • Introduction of the Book (3 min): Share a little background on your book, such as what inspired you to write it or why the story is meaningful to you. Touch on themes or topics you think will resonate with your audience.


  • About the Author (5 min): Talk about your personal writing journey—how you got started, what motivates you, and any fun or interesting anecdotes related to your book. This helps your audience connect with you on a personal level.


2. The Reading (6 minutes)

Now comes the fun part: reading from your book! Keep it brief but impactful.


  • Choose a passage that really captures the essence of your story. Make sure it gives the audience a sense of the plot, characters, and tone while leaving them eager for more!


3. Interactive Presentation (12 minutes)

After the reading, dive deeper into your book's themes and character arcs. This is where you truly bring your story to life and give your audience more context.


  • Discuss Key Themes and Development (6 min): Talk about some of the themes, conflicts, or character journeys that make your book unique. Connect these ideas to broader topics that your audience might find interesting, like friendship, love, or overcoming challenges.


  • Engage the Audience with Q&A Style Interaction (6 min): Pose a few questions to the audience about the themes you just discussed. For example, “What would you do in this character’s shoes?” or “Has anyone here faced a challenge like this before?” This interaction keeps the energy high and the audience engaged.


4. Audience Q&A (20 minutes)

Now’s the time to open up the floor for questions. Whether people want to know about the plot, your writing process, or the publishing journey, this is your chance to connect on a deeper level.


  • Encourage your audience to ask about the book, the writing process, or even your experience as an author. Be open and approachable—you never know how your insights might inspire an aspiring writer in the crowd!


5. Wrap-Up and Call to Action (7 minutes)

End on a high note, leaving your audience with a clear next step.


  • Thank You and Where to Buy the Book (2 min): Wrap up by thanking your audience once more and sharing where they can purchase the book—whether it’s available online or at a signing table after the event.


  • Final Words of Encouragement (2 min): Leave your readers with some inspirational words. This could be related to writing, pursuing dreams, or simply thanking them for being part of your literary journey.


  • Invite to Book Signing or Meet-and-Greet (3 min): If possible, host a quick meet-and-greet or book signing session. Personal connections made during these moments can turn casual readers into lifelong fans.


Ready to Host Your Own Author Reading?

With this schedule, you’ll be able to host a professional and engaging event that gives your readers a deeper look into your book and your writing journey. Planning ahead ensures you balance the fun of reading with meaningful interaction and leaves your audience wanting more.


Want more tips for building your author brand, writing, and connecting with readers? Join The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge for expert advice and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way.

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