I received some fantastic news at the start of the month. My novel, The Sheriff, has been chosen as one of ten novels to be launched at the One Big Book Launch in London!

The One Big Book Launch (OBBL) is a joint venture between Completely Novel and Literally PR which allows ten chosen authors the opportunity to showcase their books at a high-profile event, gaining them exposure that they otherwise would not have been able to achieve if they were working alone. As one of the ten authors, I am feel very excited and privileged to be taking part in this event.

Here are five reasons why I am excited:

1. The Pitch - I will be given a window to pitch The Sheriff to the guests. I often talk about The Sheriff at the office or parties but this is the first time that the people listening will be from the literary industry.

2. Sales - I will be given a stand where I can sell my books to the guests. I had never bulk-ordered copies of The Sheriff before but the OBBL gave me the motivation to invest in buying some stock. I certainly feel a lot more confident about selling paperback copies now that I have been chosen for the OBBL and I must thank the organisers for giving me this encouragement.

3. Networking - I am an active member of the writing community in Birmingham but the OBBL will allow me to network with writers from across the UK. I expect we will share stories, tips and Twitter profiles before the evening is over! Equally, I may meet some agents, publicists and publishers for the first time. I have always been aware of the importance of these figures but meeting them in person will really help me understand the industry outside of Amazon.

4. Signing - there is a possibility that someone will ask me to sign a copy of The Sheriff for them. Signing my name in a book that I have written is one of those moments I have dreamed of from an early age. I am sure many first-time authors also share that dream. Hopefully I will get to exercise my signature a few times on the night!

5. Fun - more than anything, the OBBL should be a relaxed, enjoyable celebration of ten authors and the culmination of their hard work. I have five friends joining me and I hope to make many new friends before the evening is over.

The OBBL is on Wednesday 30th April at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon. Tickets have now sold out. 

After the soft book launch and the virtual book launch, you may decide to invest time and money in a physical book launch event.

Book launches can be a lot of fun. It is a celebration of yourself and your novel, and an opportunity to share this success with fellow writers and friends.

However, it is asking a lot for people to give up a slice of their social calendar for your book launch event so you need to make the book launch memorable, exciting and enjoyable. Also, your fellow writers may get invited to book launches every other week, in which case they might have certain expectations about the event.

So, here are five things you should provide at a book launch...

1. A Good Spread - hungry guests are not happy guests. Keep the nibbles and drinks flowing.

2. A Good Guest List - writers love meeting fellow writers because favours can be exchanged: "Review my book and I'll review yours!" Therefore put some effort into the guest list. Don't just invite your work colleagues and university mates - invite lots of fellow writers as well. You may also want to invite illustrators, publicists, editors and other creative types. Make this an essential networking event by revealing who is attending on your Facebook event. If the list is good then your guests will not want to miss out.

3. A Centrepiece - there has to be an 'event' at the event to bring everyone together and make sure all eyes are on you, the author. The centrepiece could be a warm welcome from yourself, a reading of the novel, an interview hosted by one of your friends or an open Q&A panel if you are feeling brave.

4. A Gimmick - your guests will need conversation starters to bring them together. Keep these fun, communal and related to your book. For example, the Pigeonwings book launch in October 2013 had a 'Make Your Own Halo' crafts table, which tied in with the angelic themes of the novel. There was also an angel-themed quiz.

5. A Merchandise Table - never forget, you are there to launch the book so have lots of copies available. Make some money! And you don't just have to sell your latest book - sell your previous book too. You may also wish to sell something to those who already bought the book on Kindle so have some other merchandise available: magnets, badges, fancy dress, t-shirts, all decorated with the artwork from your front cover.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your event. Feel free to send me an invite!