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…
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!
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!
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!
Fantastic work! Look forward to reading. Enjoying your tweets.
Thanks for the comments Sylvia and Fiona!
Hmmmm, I’d definitely give you an A+. Congrats!
Thanks Jessica! I’m going to try to keep the momentum going! Appreciate the encouragement
Excellent, to the point, short, informative. Loved it, and thank you.
Thanks Sandra! Glad you found it helpful!
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.
Thanks so much Jules! I look forward to hearing from you when your book is published!
Sounds proactive to me! Post a followup and let us know how much traction these efforts get after a little time, if you could!
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.
Thanks Loretta! You are so kind and we appreciate the support!
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
Hi Trish — I will shoot you an email with the info! Congrats on Fisheyej! What a cool title.
That’s what I’m talking about. Way to take matters into your own hands. Super impressed & inspired.
Hi! I’d love the information about the press release service too. And thanks for sharing this great information!