Anatomy of a Book Launch - Part 1
Welcome to my three part series, in which I’ll share the anatomy of my book launch—the specifics, the what’s and the why’s—all in the spirit of paying it forward. I figured, why not share the details. Anyone out there who’s either launching in the near future or will launch one day, could use this as a reference*.
September & October (or 4 months before launch day)
This may be obvious but, be sure you’re everywhere you can be online: goodreads, twitter, Facebook, etc. However, make your presence mean something. I’d rather have a strong/genuine presence in a few key places than be all over the place with a thin/weak presence.
Here are the things I worked on, ordered, and organized in September and October:
*By “reference” I mean just that—something to refer to. I am in no way suggesting this is a list of musts. Do what you’re comfortable with and what fits into your budget.
September & October (or 4 months before launch day)
This may be obvious but, be sure you’re everywhere you can be online: goodreads, twitter, Facebook, etc. However, make your presence mean something. I’d rather have a strong/genuine presence in a few key places than be all over the place with a thin/weak presence.
Here are the things I worked on, ordered, and organized in September and October:
- Worked with Teen Book Scene to have an “early buzz building” blog tour. I can’t sing their praises loudly enough. Visit their site and you’ll see why.
- Researched bloggers who review books and emailed them with review requests. I focused on those with 1,000 or more followers.
- Took out a free Craig’s List ad to announce the launch of kmwalton.com
- Contacted my local big city library (Philly) about getting on their author list.
- Decided upon my book launch venue and got it officially booked.
- Designed and ordered promotional cards at Vistaprint.com – My family and I have handed out 200 to date!!
 |
| The front & back of my promo cards - so you can see what I chose to put on there. |
- Designed and ordered car door magnets from Vistaprint.com – two live on my car, otherwise known as “The Cracked Mobile”. My mom and one of my younger sisters offered to put one on each of their cars. I figured, the more people who see my book cover, the more it increases the chances they’ll see the book “out there” and pick it up.
 |
| The magnet on my salty car door. |
- Attended lots of YA book signings at my local bookstores—a great way to network and introduce myself.
- Joined Rachael Harrie’s Write Campaign and participated in a few blog hops—all in an effort to get my name out there.
- Attended Philly Lit Night – the West Chester edition. Again, a great way to network and meet fellow writers.
- If you haven’t done so, visit MG/YA author, Lisa Schroeder’s website and read her post titled: Timeline and Checklist for YA or MG Book Release
*By “reference” I mean just that—something to refer to. I am in no way suggesting this is a list of musts. Do what you’re comfortable with and what fits into your budget.
