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What I Did to Launch My Book in its First Seven Days

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It’s here!! My book The Indie Author Revolution is finally in print. I can’t help but cringe just a little that my words will be read by at least a few people (mom, dad, hubby, grandma) and I no longer have it on my computer screen to scrutinize in private.

 

I always tell authors I work with that this is the real work — marketing your book. There’s no break from writing and publishing — you’ve got to get your book in front of as many people as possible from the beginning.

 

I’ve advised hundreds on what to do. Confession: now that it’s my turn, I can’t say that I’d give myself an A+ in my first week of marketing, which officially ended today. I’m going to share what I’ve done so far and I’d love your feedback. What grade would you give me?

 

1. Had a launch party at a local independent book store (Sold about 50 books)

2. Released a press release to media through a publicist (didn’t go very far)

3. Also used a press release distribution service (I loved it — got more than fifteen requests for review copies from reputable reviewers, one radio interview confirmed, produced a great connection that lead to a feature on a cool website, and a few online interviews are also in the works. Send a shout if you want info for this service.)

4. Sent out more than fifteen books thanks to the above mentioned service

5. Introduced myself to local bookstores and arranged signings.

6. Began blog tour outreach (I’m scheduled to guest post for four blogs I love and respect)

7. Set up a sponsorship on another fantastic blog that speaks to my book’s audience

8. Launched my Amazon Author Central page

9. Contacted family and friends who weren’t at the launch requesting (shamlessly) their support and purchase of my book (Thanks dad!)

10. Promoted my first Indie Author Summit event (Next Thursday, Oct. 11, click here for info)

11. Entered my book into a Goodreads Giveaway program (Enter here)

12. Also bought an ad on Goodreads

13. Mailed review copies of my book to the four large newspapers in Minneapolis with a handwritten note (my publicist made first point of contact)

14. Wrote this blog (counts right?)

15. Finalized the media kit (haven’t sent it out yet though)

So there’s that. On my to-do list for next next week:

 

  • Buy one more sponsorship from a leading website geared to my book’s audience
  • Update my website for the book
  • Finish the book trailer
  • Post audio from my radio interview on my book’s website
  • Push friends and family who bought the book to post their reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads
  • Write those guest blogs!
  • Ask my amazing Wise Ink readers for their advice to keep the revolution going!


What am I missing??? Look forward to keeping you posted on my progress…

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34 Comments

  1. I love this post so much! I’ve been bashing my head trying to figure out what to do for my book launch and this is so amazingly helpful!

    Thank you!

  2. Hi Allie!

    Yup! I know the feeling. Glad this post was helpful. One little reminder for you: there’s no magic formula. Just have fun with it. Best of luck of to you!

  3. Dara,

    This is great! Congratulations! I find your post very timely and helpful, as having just moved to Phoenix, I’m feeling like a fish out of water. You’ve helped me recognize which direction the river is flowing. Keep going! Best of luck!

  8. Thank you for sharing your experience. These are great ideas and I think I’ll save your list for when I am lucky enough to be published.

  9. Sounds proactive to me! Post a followup and let us know how much traction these efforts get after a little time, if you could!

  10. Congratulations Dara on your book launch! Nice people deserve nice things to happen! I sincerely wish you all the best in your success.

    Thank you for the checklist and your feedback on their outcome. Most importantly, I appreciate this friendly community of Wise Ink and your willingness to help other writers/authors succeed.

  11. Hi,

    Would love the name of the press release distribution service that you used. Sounds like you got some great visibility! I just published a book (“Fisheye: A Memoir”) and am looking for ways to create visibility. Thanks for your info! and congrats on your book!

    Trish Thorpe

  13. Hi! I’d love the information about the press release service too. And thanks for sharing this great information!

  14. I just discovered this GREAT blog post! I’ll be releasing the second Flower Girl World chapter book early next year and these are great tips. I’d love the information on the pr distribution service too. Thank you!

  15. GOSH – well done you! And so much of it involves paying out money – it’s good to see your mixture of traditional and new digital PR. Silly question, but is your book on general release in bookshops then? Or mainly online?
    ps and I would love the info on the PR distribution service too thanks!
    good luck with it!
    debs
    x
    ps my steamy Hawaiian Affair just came to end of first week of paperback (eBook a month on amazon) and it’s kind of running out of – er – steam… so this is timely! lol x

  16. Hello and Congratulations! I hope things are barreling along for you and your book! I would also love to know the name of the press release distribution service that you used. I am about to launch a new anniversary edition of Long Live Earth, a children’s picture book (giveaway on now at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18524763-long-live-earth) and would be very grateful for the info if you are able to share… thank you in advance!
    Meighan

  17. God bless you for the information, i really want to lunch a text book on economics

  18. Great Post! Could you let me know more about the Press Release Distribution Service? Thanks! I will be releasing my book, Theandropia: Definitive Moment, on November 29th 2013. Its a YA, SciFi, Romance. It will be available as Print on Demand and ebook through Amazon and Smashwords.

  19. Just discovered your website! Love it! It’s very informative, supportive, and one that I will keep exploring.
    Now…for the question: will you share your photo source? (I especially love the YAY! in block letters.) They are wonderful. (I will be setting up social networking soon.)
    Thanks so much-
    A. Kane

  20. Hello,

    Just found this site and it’s pretty darn cool with some great insight and tips on writing and publishing.

    Loved this article as I struggle with the marketing side of being a self publisher.

    You mentioned in Step 3 that if we wanted some info on the PR distribution service you used, to give you a shout. I just shouted…did you hear me?

    If you would please, could you email me that info on this service?

    Thanks,

    S.Brandon King

  21. Hi Dara,

    I’m self publishing my first novel, AVERSION, on Amazon next month and would love to get the information on the Press Release Distribution Service you used.

    Thank you for the very useful post!

    Eric Monsky

    • Hi Eric!

      Please email me separately, and we can chat about your needs! My email is amy (at) wiseinkpub (dot) com.

      Thanks!

      Amy

  22. So how did you do? I am so curious.
    I am launching my campaign to take over the childrens picture book world right now. My sale date is 9/9 and I have the proof in my hand. Surreal.
    Love your tips. I am so thankful.
    http://turkeyandmrbear.com

  23. Hi,

    I’m self publishing my first novel, divine roosters and angry clowns, in September and would appreciate the information you had on the press release service you used.

    Thanks for your help.

    Frank

  24. Just found your wonderful site – Really enjoying the depth of information.

    Although, I have yet to actually publish my photographic coffee table book, I am already planning the marketing strategy – would also love to get the information on the press release distribution service (#3).

    Appreciate your help!

  25. Thanks for your useful post. I have just written a memoir titled Not My Spine and could do with the tips you provided. Could I also have the name of the press release distribution service that you used.

    Regards

  26. This is all so helpful Mell. But boy did u do a lot of work! I like writing a lot. I’m fact I really just have to do it. The best is when my muse enters me and I can’t stop. Not sure about having the intense effort needed for marketing. Still, I am inspired. Will pull my finger out and follow your lead. Can’t wait to read them. jim

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