So many people have asked about writing a book, so I thought it was time to share. This was when I self-published my Life Lessons of an Ironman Triathlete and my Rulon Rules: Strength Training & the Triathlete.Â
Kudos to you for finishing your book! Itâs a considerable effort to be commended but not celebrate too much. Thereâs still work to do.
Hereâs the thing about publishing: sales donât just happen. You have to market your masterpiece, and that starts with a launch.
The biggest mistake you can make when coordinating your book launch is waiting too long. The day you send your book to print is too late. The best book launches start weeks or even months before your book hits the shelves.
Think about it. There are dozens of moving parts to coordinate, and leaving them until the last minute is a recipe for disaster. So instead, give you and your team plenty of time, and youâll enjoy a profitable, stress-free launch.
Now is not the time to DIY it. You have enough on your plate, just trying to get the book ready for publication, so let someone else handle the details. If you already have a project manager, this is a great time to put her to work. If you have a VA who can step into the role and help coordinate the rest of the team, thatâs also workable. But either way, start putting your task list together and get them scheduled:
Landing page creation: Consider giving away the first chapter of your book before publication to build a buzz (and your mailing list)
Social media outreach: Teasers are perfect for getting the word out about your upcoming book. Donât be afraid to âleakâ your book cover, create social graphics with quotes, and share your enthusiasm with your tribe.
Reviewer outreach: Getting reviews on the listing is critical to your bookâs success, so now is the time to reach out to beta readers with a review copy so they have time to read it before you go live.
Interview schedule: One of the best ways to get the word out about your upcoming book is to make the rounds of podcasts, blogs, and live events.
Blog and email: Donât neglect your audience until launch day. Be sure to inform them about your upcoming book by blogging and updating them on progress through email.
This is the most important thing you can do during your book launch. Enthusiasm is contagious; the more fun you have with it, the better the buzz youâll build. So plan to step outside your comfort zone a bit to get others talking.
Facebook events: If there were a good reason to schedule a Facebook event, a book launch is it. Consider setting up a live video feed the day your book launches so you can share your thoughts with your fans.
Book trailers: Another video thatâs well worth the effort is a book trailer. These short commercial-style videos are great for getting the word out about your book, like a movie trailer.
Host a book signing: If you live in or near a large city or already have a large following, consider hosting a live event. A reading, some hors dâoeuvres, and a few signed books are all it takes, and your fans will love it.
Of course, you donât have to face the trouble of launching your book formally. But if you do, youâll enjoy a much better start to your new publishing career. Not only that but done right, book launches are great fun. Thatâs something you certainly deserve after all your work.
Ready to Launch Your Book Like a Pro?
Youâve done the hard partânow itâs time to share your masterpiece with the world. Whether youâre gearing up for your first launch or need fresh ideas to amplify your next one, Iâm here to help.
Letâs craft a custom plan to ensure your book gets the attention it deserves.
