By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Every great book deserves a successful book launch. The techniques used for the campaign are the writer’s opportunity to shine a light on a new writing project. Let’s face it; we writers are excited, passionate about our stories and subject matter. We embrace words, brainstorming sessions, hours to write, and constructive criticism. But there is one aspect of the writer’s life that can shake us to our core: Marketing and Promotion.
A writer’s goal is to place well-written books into the hands of readers. Entering the world of retail and appealing to readers takes creativity, imagination, and organization. The task can appear daunting, yet with the proper steps, the writer can complete the job effectively and efficiently.
What is a book launch?
A book launch is the culmination of all efforts by the author, publishing house, and those who are committed to helping a writer present the book to others. The process includes developing ads, banners, guest blog posts, speaking events, book signing events, radio and TV interviews, social media, and details according to the book’s subject.
Why create a book launch?
From the moment the idea of a book enters our hearts and mind, we consider ways to appeal to readers. We have a story to tell or information to present, and the world needs to know about it. Reaching readers is best done through careful planning in the months, weeks, and days leading up to and after the release.
Creating a book launch is a plus for the unpublished writer who wants to attract an agent or a publisher with professional savvy. The wise writer who has the foresight to detail a book launch is a joy for any agent or editor.
Writers who experience strong sales reap the benefits of detailed efforts. Some stats claim there were approximately 1 million books released in the US in 2017. That’s a lot of competition.
Who will take the action steps to create and complete the plan?
Writers are best equipped to lead out a campaign because they have their hearts invested. Although most publishing houses have a marketing and promotion team to draw readers to our books, the writer has a responsibility to work diligently with the publishing house. Together the writer and the team share ideas and schedule regular updates. Sometimes a writer hires a publicist to help with the process. Note, a publicist can’t guarantee sales, interviews, or a presence in a coveted magazine, but the person can pitch you and your brand to various media.
A street team is valuable to help launch a book. These special people have relationships with others whom the writer may never encounter. The street team can help obtain signings, book club reads, library appearances, speaking events, and encourage writers with their enthusiasm and encouragement.
When does the process begin?
A book launch begins when the writer has an idea for a book project and incorporates it into a proposal. He/she gets ahead of the marketing and promotion stress by developing a Task Timeline, an indicator of what needs to be accomplished in chronological order.
Where and How does a writer move forward?
Organization is key to establishing a book launch that showcases the book.
The following questions will help the writer comprehend the value of a book launch.
- What are the uniqueness and strengths of your writing project?
- Establish a list of objectives with your book launch?
- How have you focused on your target market?
- Can you cross-promote with other writers in your genre?
- What are your pitch angles?
- Are you active where your readers hang out online?
A blog post can’t begin to list the many steps of helping the writer present his/her book to the world. Neither can the post show you the value of a multi-tabbed spreadsheet to seamlessly accomplish the task. At the upcoming Mountainside Marketing Conference, January 18-22, 2019, I’ll be teaching a continuing class about Launching a Successful Book Campaign.
More great news! The conference will have many classes available to assist writers in branding, blogging, and social media.
Join us in January 2019. Find out more information and register now for Mountainside Marketing Conference.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. 
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
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