A Tic-errific Book Launch!
Every writer dreams of their first book launch. I, for one, couldn’t wait to color coordinate my one-day cover with matching decor and cutesy color schemes.
Every time I’d attend a book event at my local bookstore, East City Bookshop in Washington DC, I would think…
Some day—this could be me. On June 6th, 2026, my debut dream became a reality as I celebrated the release of my first picture book, Tic-errific Me, at my favorite bookstore with my favorite people.
Tic-errific Me, illustrated by Cait Brennan and published by Free Spirit Publishing, is part of the new Disability Books for Kids Series, which explores visible and invisible disability in the first person, as seen through the eyes of children and written from firsthand experience.
Six months before my release date, I sent an email to East City and we chatted about getting me on the calendar. They quickly created a landing page for the pre-order campaign so I could start sharing and promoting. About six weeks before the event, a link went live on Eventbrite so attendees could reserve free tickets.
I couldn’t wait to start planning! I began with a checklist of all my consolidated notes from over the years, and advice from fellow writers, alphabetized of course!
My Book Launch Checklist:
Antique wooden blocks spelling “TIC-ERRIFIC ME”
Balloons?
Back Matter game enlarged on a foam board, + game pieces & large dice
Blue outfit to match my front cover🙂
Bookmarks
Bookstand/display of author copies
Coloring sheets + crayons/markers
Cupcakes & themed cupcake toppers (+gloves, plates, napkins, & cupcake stand)
Disability Books for Kids copies for display
Flowers?
Gold frame with my logo and QR code of where to buy printed
Possible fundraiser with Tourette Association of America?
Themed signature + special signing notes (or book plates/stamp on Etsy for signing)
Stickers and bowl to hold them
Updated business cards on Canva with front cover
Other optional ideas: Temporary tattoos, stuffed animals, color-coordinated fake flowers, pencils, photo backdrop, etc.
I read over notes from friends and previous webinars that advised me to think about seating, accessibility, technology like a microphone/speaker, signage, parking, other food/drinks, maximum capacity, swag, if I want a guest speaker or person to lead a Q&A, and noise ordinances.
I took advice from those that said to avoid Fridays because of life, and Mondays/Tuesdays because journalists don’t work on those days—on the off chance press is able to attend.
I practiced my “debut” signature with my iPad on Procreate until I got it exactly how I wanted—especially because it’s advised to not use your legal signature and come up with some sort of sketch/drawing that is themed, as well as a cute little catch phrase.
It was surreal to personalize notes in books and sign them!
My current students and families, past students and families, family, friends, coworkers, principal, guests of the bookstore, and many others attended.
At over 50 people, we sold 42 books! My heart was and still is so full!
Thank you to my fabulous team at Free Spirit Publishing, Amy at East City Bookshop, and everyone who attended, pre-ordered, wrote a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or GoodReads, supported on social media, sent love from near and far, and brought me flowers and sweet little presents. Shoutout to my girl Brooklyn for the beautiful, personalized sunflowers for my display table! <3
I genuinely couldn’t have done this without my village.
I love each and every one of you so very much. Thank you being part of this journey!
xox
—A