u/Ggppmm_13

I have a book coming out in August, and I’m trying to figure out how to organize a small local launch event. My publisher is in another city, so I’ll already be doing a main launch there, but they’ve suggested I could also do a smaller event where I live.

I like the idea, but I’m not sure how people typically handle the logistics for something like this.

For example:

• Bookstores usually ask how many attendees to expect, but I have no good way of estimating that in advance.
• I’m unsure whether it’s appropriate to “gauge interest” by asking people directly (it feels like it could put pressure on them).
• And I know not everyone who attends necessarily buys a book, so knowing how many copies to order feels hard to estimate.

For people who have organized book launches: how do you usually estimate turnout and plan bookstore logistics without over- or under-shooting?

People who recently started tenure-track positions: does anyone else find that stability feels somewhat strange or almost suspicious?

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I've noticed something odd: while grad school rewards change, relocation and constant reinvention, the stability of a tt job sometimes feels “off," like my brain is always thinking of the next big move.

I sometimes find myself daydreaming about changing cities or institutions, even when I know my current situation is objectively very good. I’m curious if others experience this, and if so, how you’ve managed this disconnect.