Running a reading series for poets and fiction writers can be fun – and a great way to promote local, as well as national, talent.
How to Begin:
The host must first decide what kind of reading they want to host. There are events that only feature writers, performances that have open mics or poetry slams and series that also offer musicians as part of the bill. Some are formal and others are casual. Some take place every week while others happen every month. Choosing the one that suits a flexible schedule and varied tastes is best.
Picking a Venue:
It's important in choosing a place to run a reading series that one, “finds an owner who really wants to have a...reading in their place -- not just to build traffic,” according to long time host, Larry Jaffe. The venue can be a cafe, a bar, a library, a college or university. The event can even take place in your home.
The key factor is finding a supportive space. Ask whether there's a sound system. Check if the owner will provide a bar tab to invited guests. See if the host is responsible for clean-up. Think about whether silence is essential or if it's not so important if the latte machine starts up or a stranger walks in off the street. Feel comfortable with the chosen venue and the guests will too.
Getting the Performers:
Start with friends and acquaintances who are local artists. Ask them to perform. The word will get out and soon people will be eager to read at your series. Apply to the Canada Council or The League of Canadian Poets for more well-published authors or those who aren't in the immediate neighbourhood. The Writer's Union of Canada is another option. Be aware that they charge hosts a administrative fee.
Once word spreads about your series, publishers will contact the host to set up events for authors on tour. Open mics are another way to find performers. Let ten people sign up per event. Give them three minutes each. Pick the best of them to be feature readers at a later date.
Promoting the Event:
Place free ads in local newspapers. For a small fee, the university radio station will play your ad for up to two weeks prior to the event. Mary Dalton, a poet who has run events in Newfoundland reminds: “Create a poster for each reading, including a brief bio of the author and post widely 7-10 days before the reading.”
Establish a list-serve through a sign up sheet available at each event. Use such sites as MySpace and Facebook to promote the series. Ask for RSVPs to better plan the set-up of the room and the number of refreshments.
Being a host:
Be prepared. Obtain introductions from the performers at least a week in advance. Practice. This way mistakes and a feeling of discomfort will be lessened. Ask the performers when they arrive what arrangements suit them. Standing or sitting? A lectern or a chair? Provide water. Let them know what the refreshments are, if there's a bar tab, where the washroom is.
Organize the event so there's a break in the middle. The audience likes to stretch, get drinks or buy books. Set up a book table and get someone to run it efficiently. Pay the guests, either through grants from the funding bodies or through donations at the door. Be friendly and respectful. Thank the performers sincerely at the end of the night. Both writers and the audience will remember this enjoyable series!
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