What happens at a book launch?

Question: What happens at a book launch!?

I know this is a bit of a weird question but I am going to a book launch in a few weeks and I was curious about what these events are usually like!. I have never been to one so I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what to expect!? How formal is it!? Do they have speeches and presentations!? Is it relatively short or is it likely to go on all evening!?
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

(1) Guests arrive at bookstore; at University President's home; at "fancy-schmancy" hotel ballroom; at the "it" nightclub!.

Depending upon the "status" of said author, guests may be cleared to enter said premises by P!.R!. hacks!.

(2) Guests head to the bar - "open" or "cash" based on said author's status!.

(3) Guests get a bit lubricated, albeit "snacking " on hor doeuvres!. If the author is important, said hor doeuvres are both "passed" and "tabled!."

(4) President/CEO of publishing company calls attention by tapping an hor doeuvres fork against his/her glass!. Speaks!. Praises the editor, the team at the publishing company and the author, "this century's leading light!."

(5) The editor for the author praises the team at the publishing company, the author's agent (if he/she has one) and finally the author ("One of this century's leading lights of literature, etc!.")!.

(6) The author says a few words!. Thanks everyone!. Feels a bit awkward being in the spotlight !.!.!. raises his/her glass!. "Cheers to all!." He/she scampers to a corner with close friends -- all of whom can't wait to "split" and "down some drinks" at their favorite bar!.
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First you come in early to set up the catapult!. Then you gather up books and stack them next to it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Hit it with a bottle of champagne and hope it breaks!. If not your book will sinkWww@QuestionHome@Com