
## The Email That Changed Our Book Club

Our book club had just finished "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. Someone joked, "We should just ask him to explain the ending."

On impulse, I sent an email to the address listed on his website. I figured it would disappear into a void.

Two weeks later, we got a reply. His publicist was organizing virtual book club visits, and we could sign up.

That 30-minute Zoom call remains the highlight of our book club's five-year history. And it taught me that connecting with authors is far more accessible than most people assume.

## Why Authors Actually Say Yes

Here's what I didn't understand before: authors genuinely want to connect with readers.

Writing is solitary work. By the time a book reaches readers, the author has been living with it alone for years. Meeting people who've actually read and thought about their work? Many authors find that energizing.

Plus, from a practical standpoint:
- Word-of-mouth matters for book sales
- Book clubs buy multiple copies
- Engaged readers leave reviews and recommend books
- Virtual visits require minimal time and no travel

## Where to Start

### Direct Contact
Many authors list contact info on their websites. Try:
- The "Contact" page
- Links to their literary agent
- Publicist information
- Social media DMs (especially Twitter/X for many authors)

### Through Publishers
Publishers often coordinate author appearances:
- Visit the publisher's website
- Look for "Request an Author Visit" pages
- Check if they have a book club program
- Contact their marketing department

### Social Media
Many authors are active online and responsive to readers:
- Instagram (book community is strong there)
- Twitter/X (authors often engage directly)
- Goodreads (author profiles sometimes list availability)
- TikTok (BookTok authors often do virtual visits)

### Through Bookstores
Local indie bookstores sometimes facilitate connections:
- Ask if they can help coordinate
- Check if authors are doing local events you could attend
- See if they have author contacts from past events

## Crafting Your Ask

When you reach out, include:

**Who you are:** Brief description of your book club—size, how long you've been meeting, location

**Why this book:** What made you choose it? Genuine enthusiasm shows.

**What you're hoping for:** 15-20 minute Zoom call? Written Q&A responses? Phone call?

**Flexibility:** Offer multiple date/time options or ask what works for them

**Modest expectations:** A short virtual visit is easier to say yes to than an hour-long in-person appearance

### Sample Email

> Subject: Book Club Visit Request - [Book Title]
>
> Dear [Author/Publicist],
>
> I coordinate a book club of 8 members in [City] who recently read [Book Title]. We had such rich discussions that several of us said we wished we could ask you questions directly.
>
> Would you have any interest in a brief virtual visit with our group? We're thinking 15-20 minutes via Zoom would be wonderful. We're flexible on timing and could work around your schedule.
>
> If a live visit isn't possible, we'd also be thrilled to send a few questions for written responses.
>
> Thank you for [something specific you appreciated about the book]. It sparked conversations we're still having.
>
> Best,
> [Your name]

## Who's Most Likely to Say Yes

### Debut Authors
First-time authors are often eager to connect with any readers. They might have fewer requests and more motivation to build an audience.

### Midlist Authors
Authors who aren't household names but have solid readership often engage enthusiastically with book clubs. They value the support.

### Authors with New Books
During launch periods, authors are doing promotion and may be more available/interested.

### Local Authors
Authors in your geographic area might be interested in local book clubs, especially for in-person visits.

### Authors Who Seem Engaged Online
If an author actively responds to readers on social media, they're probably open to book club visits.

## Making the Most of Your Visit

### Before
- Prepare thoughtful questions (not things easily Googled)
- Designate who will ask what
- Test your tech setup
- Brief everyone on the format and timeline

### During
- Express genuine appreciation
- Ask specific questions about the work
- Give the author space to elaborate
- Don't try to prove how smart you are—just be curious
- Respect time limits

### After
- Send a thank-you note
- Leave reviews mentioning the discussion
- Share on social media (with permission)
- Tell other book clubs about the experience

## Questions Authors Love

- "What was the most challenging scene to write?"
- "Did the characters surprise you as you wrote?"
- "What research went into this book?"
- "Is there something readers often miss that you wish they noticed?"
- "What are you reading right now?"
- "How has reader feedback surprised you?"

## Questions to Avoid

- Anything invasive about their personal life
- Demanding they explain symbolism (they may not want to define it)
- "When is the sequel coming?" (often contractually sensitive)
- Arguments about their creative choices
- Requests for free books

## What If They Say No (or Don't Respond)?

It happens. Authors are busy, and not everyone is doing visits. Don't take it personally.

Alternatives:
- Look for recorded interviews or podcasts with the author
- Check if they've done Q&As elsewhere you can read
- See if they have author notes in the book or on their website
- Try a different author next time

## Virtual vs. In-Person

Virtual visits have become normalized since 2020, which benefits book clubs:
- No travel logistics
- Easier for authors to fit into schedules
- Works across any geographic distance
- Recording possible (with permission) for absent members

In-person visits are wonderful but require more coordination. Start virtual, and see where relationships lead.

## This Could Be Your Club

The barrier to author connection is much lower than people think. Most of us assume we're not "important enough" for an author's time. But authors need readers like we need books.

The worst that happens is they don't respond. The best? A conversation your book club will talk about for years.

Ready to try? On Readfeed, our community shares tips and success stories about author visits. Your club could be next.


Think author visits are only for big events? Think again. Learn how small book clubs successfully connect with authors for memorable Q&A sessions.

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How to Get Authors to Visit Your Book Club (Yes, It's Possible)

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