At 724 Press Collective, we love bringing readers and writers together in creative ways. One of the most rewarding experiences we’ve joined was a Read-a-Thon Book Club & Sleepover hosted by Good on Paper (Houston, TX); it was a blend of community reading, themed discussions, and marathon-style accountability that makes reading feel both cozy and motivating!

**Good on Paper** is a female-owned and family-operated independent bookstore located in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, Texas.

If you’ve been thinking about organizing your own Read-a-Thon, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan, promote, and pull it off with style.

1. Define Your Why

Before you start, decide what your Read-a-Thon Book Club is really about.

Do you want to encourage friends to finally finish their TBR stack?
Spotlight underrepresented authors or a particular genre?
Raise funds for a cause while reading together?

Having a clear goal gives your event focus and keeps your community motivated.

2. Pick a Theme (or Go Wild)

Some Read-a-Thons thrive on structure, others on freedom. A few ideas:

Genre-based: Gothic novels, fantasy sagas, memoirs, or poetry collections.
Author spotlight: A month dedicated to one writer’s work.
Seasonal vibes: Cozy fall reads, spooky October picks, or breezy summer beach reads.
Wildcard: Everyone chooses their own books, but checks in with the group on progress.

**Tip:**

You can even bring themed goodies for your type of Read-a-thon like the wrapped books and sleepover kits by Good on Paper!

3. Set the Timeframe

Decide whether your Read-a-Thon will be:

A 24-hour sprint (great for virtual groups!)
A week-long challenge (with mini check-ins)
A month-long book club (blending daily reading with scheduled discussions)

Tip: Make sure the timeframe feels achievable. You want energy, not burnout.

4. Choose Your Platform

How will people connect? Options include:

Group chats (Discord, Slack, or WhatsApp) for casual daily updates.
Social media hashtags (Instagram/TikTok/Threads) for sharing reading updates publicly.
Virtual meetups (Zoom, Google Meet) for scheduled check-ins and wrap-ups.
In-person gatherings for local groups (libraries, coffee shops, or living rooms).

5. Plan Your Check-Ins

One of the best parts of a Read-a-Thon is accountability + community. Plan interactive touchpoints like:

Daily or weekly reading prompts.
Short “reading sprints” (everyone reads silently for 30 minutes, then shares progress).
Themed discussion questions or book polls.
Creative responses (art, playlists, mini-reviews).

6. Build Excitement & Share Progress

Promotion matters, even for small groups. A few ways to spread the word:

Create a reading challenge graphic (perfect for Instagram stories).
Post weekly progress updates.
Use hashtags like #Readathon #BookClubChallenge.

**Tip:**

Encourage members to share their “reading nests” (blankets, snacks, cozy corners).

7. Celebrate the Finish Line

Don’t let the end of the Read-a-Thon fizzle out. Celebrate!

Host a wrap-up discussion (virtual or in person).
Share everyone’s final reading totals.
Spotlight favorite quotes, reviews, or recommendations.
Maybe even exchange bookmarks, zines, or annotated copies as keepsakes.

8. Keep the Momentum Going

A Read-a-Thon can be a one-off, or it can spark an ongoing book club tradition. Poll your group to see if they’d like to keep meeting monthly or quarterly. The key is to balance structure with fun — enough accountability to keep people reading, but enough flexibility to keep it joyful.

✨ Final Thought: A Read-a-Thon isn’t just about devouring pages. It’s about building community around stories, sparking discussions, and remembering why we love books in the first place.

At 724 Press Collective, we believe that reading together is one of the most powerful ways to nurture creativity and connection. Whether your group is 5 people or 50, the energy you create will ripple far beyond the books you finish.

How to Plan Your Own Read-a-Thon Book Club