Book launch and literary evening on the Seine

The Seine and literature share a long history, from the second-hand booksellers along the quays to the novels that have made Paris their setting. Launching a book on a boat places its release firmly within that tradition.

For a debut novel, an essay or a beautiful illustrated book, a launch evening brings together readers, friends and family, booksellers and journalists for a special occasion.

A setting that serves the story

The boat offers an intimate, elegant setting well suited to listening. Depending on the tone of the book, you can play on a hushed, literary-salon atmosphere or a livelier evening cruise, with the illuminated quays as a backdrop.

The running order of a successful evening

• welcoming guests at the quayside with a drink;
• a few words from the publisher, followed by a reading of extracts by the author or an actor;
• a discussion with the audience, or an interview led by a journalist;
• a signing session during the cruise, with copies sold on board in partnership with a bookshop.

Choosing the right boat

For a small circle of friends and industry contacts, a yacht is enough and reinforces the intimate feel. For a launch open to the press and to readers, a barge with a lounge, a sound system and a dedicated signing area is the better choice. A moored boat also works very well if you'd like guests to arrive gradually over the course of the evening.

Extending the event

Photo or video coverage of the reading then feeds into the communications around the book on social media. The visual setting of the Seine provides striking images, easy for the publisher, booksellers and the media to share.