I've been to a couple. They are quite fun in their own way. I took the time to sip on some wine and watch the pretentious people and the author obsessionists battle it out in a war of who can suck up to the writer more.
It's quite amusing.
What to expect? Page 2
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 16 2009, 6:15 PM GMTI don't write Jews. They already control the media, so I'm not giving them any more publicity.
*starts his 'bring down Tim' campaign*
But, but, Jews are the funniest people on earth! It's scientific!
Quote: Marc P @ November 16 2009, 5:52 PM GMTAll you need to know is that there is no such thing as a free launch!
The pun is mightier than the sword.
Quote: Griff @ November 16 2009, 6:19 PM GMTMy friend Rosy had some burlesque dancers laid on at the launch of her novel.
Which was weird because it was a biography of Christ.
Quote: Moonstone @ November 16 2009, 6:18 PM GMTBut, but, Jews are the funniest people on earth! It's scientific!
Ha! I think I go some significant way to disproving that theory! 
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 16 2009, 6:20 PM GMTHa! I think I go some significant way to disproving that argument.
I know and I thought of Sootyj as well just after I said it 
Actually Tim these 'I'm a shit comedy writer" jokes really don't work from someone on the verge of a career (fingers firmly crossed). Be a gent and leave at least something for us failures to laugh about! 
"Verge" is a very good word, Ian. One can quite easily slip back down a verge...
*waits for the phone to ring* 
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 16 2009, 6:59 PM GMT"Verge" is a very good word, Ian. One can quite easily slip back down a verge...
*waits for the phone to ring*
True, but you're still miles ahead of most!
If my phone rings it'll be the pizza place. Not quite as exciting
In fact my phone did ring a few minutes ago. It was my sponsor. 
Quote: Griff @ November 16 2009, 7:28 PM GMTI would really love a pizza company to ring me right now.
Do you really need a job that badly?
Quote: Renegade Carpark @ November 16 2009, 6:08 PM GMTThen do what Tim said above, but add that 'Being Jordan' and 'Harry Potter' should have won the Booker prize and not some feminist shit about Africans or whatever the f**k it was.
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 16 2009, 6:15 PM GMTI don't write Jews. They already control the media, so I'm not giving them any more publicity.
Quote: Griff @ November 16 2009, 7:28 PM GMTI would really love a pizza company to ring me right now.
Just ring them up, place an order, leave your number then put the phone down. They have to ring you back then to get your address. That's what I always do anyway.
Quote: Moonstone @ November 16 2009, 8:17 PM GMTJust ring them up, place an order, leave your number then put the phone down. They have to ring you back then to get your address. That's what I always do anyway.
Ian's bringing down the system from within.
I have been to precisely one book launches. I got a free book. It was fun. But there were people.
I always found press launches and the like teasingly boring. Lots of free booze and drink, but rubbish company.