Belong to a book club? Then likely you’re on the lookout for ways to enhance your gatherings. Here’s one: Why not invite an author to join you? As one who’s been on both sides of the invite–as inviter and invitee–I can tell you that it’s easier than you might think.

Here are 6 tips for making it happen.

1. Schedule early. Be in touch with the author and get on her schedule well ahead of your book club event — at least a month, if not more, particularly if your author’s book is a new release. Most authors feel honored to be asked and are delighted to accommodate, whether in person or online chat, but schedules can fill up fast.
2. Set expectations. With both your club and the author, discuss ahead of time how the meeting will flow. When will it start and end? Will refreshments be served? Do you want the author to do a reading or simply be prepared for discussion and Q&A? Also, if your meetings tend to run long, be respectful of the author’s time and allow her to bow out when her part is done.
3. Prepare questions ahead of time.  Ask for the reader’s guide, or visit the author’s website to see if she has questions to download (like mine, here). While you’re there, explore the author’s site to learn more about her and her work. The more information you have ahead of time, the more you’ll be able to engage the author, making your gathering more interesting for everyone.
4. Encourage members to buy the book. I’m a big fan of libraries and thrift-store bargains, but for this occasion, it’s a courtesy to the author for book clubbers to buy her book. If she’s visiting your club in person, ask her to sign members’ copies. Also consider asking the author to bring books to sell and sign. Authors will often offer their books on these occasions at a discount, and what book lover doesn’t appreciate a personalized, signed copy to keep or give as a gift?
5. Likewise, encourage club members to read the book. While most clubs don’t insist that everyone read the book for every meeting, if the author is taking the time to meet with you, consider it a special occasion. Besides, members will find discussion much more meaningful if they know what the book is actually about!
6. Give technology a trial run. Both you and the author will want to feel confident about the technology you’re using. I’ve been in the unenviable position of scrambling at the last minute to ensure everything was working–and then in the downright embarrassing position of having it fail. If you are connecting online, or if the author is running a PowerPoint presentation or requires a mic, make sure you both know how it all works before the meeting starts. Take a page from my book and don’t leave any room for the tech gremlins to wreak their havoc.

And then, relax and enjoy a memorable experience! You’ve set the stage for what promises to be a gathering that both author and book club members will appreciate for years to come.

After words:

Has your book club ever invited an author to join them? If so, what was memorable about it? If not, whom would you like to ask?