Book excerpt: Author events are a great way to build excitement and interest in books and reading. Now you can successfully plan and host author visits. This guide covers every step from why you should hold author events and how your organization can benefit to such logistics as selecting an author, choosing the type of event and venue, publicity, set-up, escorting, crowd control, and managing the autograph line. Filled with practicial tips, proven techniques, and anecdotes, this book will inspire you and get you through your author events with flying colors. Author events are a great way to build excitement and interest in books and reading. With this guide in hand, you can easily and successfully plan and host author visits. The primer covers every step. It begins by explaining why you should hold author events and how your organization can benefit. It then goes on to such logistics as selecting an author, choosing the type of event and venue, publicity, setup, escorting, crowd control, and managing the autograph line. Filled with practical tips, proven techniques, and engaging anecdotes, this book will inspire you and get you through your author events with flying colors.