Book releases have changed over the past ten years or so. What was once the primary responsibility of the publisher’s marketing team has morphed into the author’s responsibility. What was once covered with editors/agents emails and flyers to brick-n-mortar shops is now vibrantly alive through social media.
To keep myself on track, I’ve compiled a list of what-to-do’s for my upcoming book launch. Am I arrogant enough to think I’ve covered it all? Nope, not even close. But I work better with a list, and as I reminisce of Bloggers’ Thirteen Thursday, I decided to start with that number.
1) Complete final editing & formating review of manuscript – check and recheck.
a. Visit with establish authors for last minute insight.
2) Format through
Sigil & check all formatting through
Calibre – underway.
a. Visit with technical support staff.
3) Compile list of teasers from manuscript for social media releases – check and recheck. (More may be added at future date.)
a. Read, review, & assess current teasers used in social media.
4) Decide on title – check and recheck.
5) Class on tagline; complete tagline – check and recheck.
a. Finding valuable resources on taglines is the first step to #5.
6) Work with graphic artist on book cover, tweak, analyze, confirm pixel requirements, file specifications, generally make myself crazy and then decide on the final version – check and recheck.
a. Select a brilliant graphic artist. I was incredibly lucky as one of my nearest & dearest friends is said graphic artist.
7) Resize final book cover to several sizes for social media release. Add release date – check and recheck.
a. All on my own & invested the due diligence in Paint.
8) Begin primary release of book cover with release date – underway.
9) Write book dedication – still in process.
10) List book reviewers and design spread sheets for monitoring – underway.
a. Research a viable resource list that is consistently updated and then visit each potential reviewer’s site to find those that are the best fit. Thanks Melanie Rockett
11) Complete all necessary documents, dates, & pricing structure for release with Amazon – underway.
a. Going through the specifics for a 3rd time. Comes from having an attorney in the family.
12) Determine possible author interviews, set dates, schedule return favors as needed – underway.
13) Update all Romance Writers of America
information to reflect current release – pending.
a. Spoke with Houston office and followed their specific advice on how to update member profile.
Finally – The reality is that there’s more to cover. So, brainstorm on all the things that I’ve forgotten to do; try not to hyperventilate; make the next list; and get on with the release.
