5 Tips To Support Your Book Launch

With a new year and a fresh outlook, now is the time to build your book’s marketing plan. All new releases – whether it’s a self-published book or a sure-to-be bestseller from Margaret Atwood – require a plan. During the communications planning process, it’s extremely important to consider high-level aspects such as your target audience, your marketing objectives, and your budget.

After you have determined these key aspects, you’ll need to focus on the specific tactics (i.e. Where/How should I spend my money to get the biggest return on my marketing efforts?) that will support your book launch plan. So, with this in mind, here are 5 tips to support your book launch in 2016:

1) Conduct a review of your existing website

If you are not launching your book until October, does this mean you should be putting all marketing and publicity efforts on the backburner until a few months prior? Absolutely not! It’s best to use this time to grow and review existing channels, including your author website. Is your website branded properly? Are you collecting email addresses and sending newsletters? Have you checked to ensure that all of the links work? If you’ve answered “no” to any of these questions, you’ve got some work to do!

2) Ensure you have an attractive book cover

We have all been browsing at our local bookstore when a particular book practically jumps off the shelf at us. This is the result of a great book cover! Before you begin to put your book launch plan into action, ensure that you have chosen a genre-appropriate and eye-catching book cover. Without an attractive book cover, your book launch plan may be at risk.

3) Give yourself enough time to receive book reviews

It’s no secret that book reviews are extremely important when it comes to promoting and, most importantly, selling your new book. As many reviewers are overwhelmed by the number of review requests they receive, you will need to give them at least 3 months of lead time. If you need assistance obtaining book reviews or managing the book review process, contact one of our book marketing experts.

4) Prepare or update your press kit materials

You may not believe your book will be the next 50 Shades of Grey, but you never know! That’s why it’s best to prepare or update your press kit materials prior to contacting book reviewers and media about your new book. Your press kit should contain an updated author biography, photograph, and lots of information about your new book.

5) Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in social media

It’s no secret that social media has drastically changed over the past several years. With constant updates to trends and policies, even the most astute social media marketer can be left feeling dizzy. However, in order to support a successful book launch with your existing social media channels, staying on top of the latest developments is critical. Our Social Media Services are great places to start!