Stage 5: Launch Plan
While an author's book is going through the publishing and development process, we are actively preparing to launch the book. We place importance on making the media and blogging world know about an author and their book before it's actually launched, so we do our utmost in all areas to make this happen. Here we give a brief list of work we can conduct on an author's behalf.
1. Pre-Launch
Set-up task list for Author
Determine publication date
Decide book formats
Identify primary markets
Create book landing page/web site
Clarify message/branding
Set-up social media sites
Recruit your book launch team, friends, family, professionals
Join book groups, clubs, associations, communities, online book clubs
Find promotional channels, groups, organisations associations, conferences, that may help promote book
Reach to other bloggers, authors as potential partners
Set up Amazon Author Central account
Announce release date
Create media kit/press kit
Schedule media interviews - radio, tv, online, newspapers
Post teasers on blog, web site, social media (Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Google+)
Set up giveaways
Set up book signings
Set up target blog tour, guest posting campaign
Develop book trailer
Contact local libraries - to carry book
Find editors, journalists that cover author's local area - notify of book launch
Activate pre-launch blogs
Create social media posts and teasers - images, quotes, excerpts
Attend media appearances, interviews, readings
Press release to journalists, bloggers, editors
Announce release date on social media (Google+, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads)
Announce video trailer to social media groups
Check local newspaper for event page - submit information to local papers
Visit local book stores - introduce yourself, tell them about book and availability
Visit local library, introduce yourself, ask to get involved in their events - and ask if you can do promote your own book
Create author bio - post to website and social media accounts, particularly Amazon Author Central
Create offline marketing materials, business cards, bookmarks or postcards
Join Google, LinkedIn and Facebook Groups
2. Launch Day
Post a pre-written launch announcement on blog
Send book launch announcement to family, friends, and other interested parties
Make an announcement on social media
Check your buy now buttons, that they're working!
Update social media with reviews and endorsements
Continue to post pre-written announcements on social media accounts
Celebrate and have a bit of fun!
3. Post Launch
Help the author plan a local bookstore event - signing
Encourage, ask for reviews
Write follow-up for author site, thank everyone who has helped, for their support
Encourage the author to send handwritten notes, gifts for partners, those who have helped - we do the same for distributors who have worked particularly well
Conduct follow-up interviews to ascertain the level of interest in further copies of the book
Ongoing marketing and distribution - actively seeking new avenues to promote and distribute an author's book
We don't give up! We've invested a lot, and realise this is the author's dream, so we do our utmost to keep readers, distributors, booksellers and the media interested in the book.