Preparing for Your Next Book Launch

For each book launch, I pull together a giant spreadsheet of marketing ideas. The previous one always gives me a good place to start. I also build a calendar that shows three months before the launch date and three months after. This helps me keep track of deadlines and marketing items.

I’ve expanded my spreadsheet over the years. Here are the key areas that I’ve added:

Media Outlets: I send press releases to local radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines.

Online Announcements/Calendars: Many of the local TV channels and websites here offer free event calendars. When I have book events, I post them on these sites.

Bloggers and Podcasts: I keep a long list of mystery book bloggers. Their calendars fill up fast. You may want to reach out to them 3-6 months ahead of your launch.

Blog Tours: There are lots of companies that do blog tours and marketing events. I keep a list of my favorites. If there is a date that you’re interested in, you may want to get on their calendars early. (As soon as you post that you’re an author, you’ll get bombarded with offers to increase your followers and promote your books. Do your homework. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.)

Other Blogs: I keep a list of friends and favorite blogs who offer blog spots to authors. I reach out about 3 months ahead of time to see if they have availability. Many do interviews, and other ask for a guest blog post. I do author interviews here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Message me if you’re interested. My calendar books up quickly. Right now, I have dates open for December and January.

Your Contacts: Make a list of all your contacts that will help you share your book information. Think about your book clubs, church, alumni associations, writing groups, neighborhood news, professional organizations, etc. This is a great way to spread the word.

Facebook Groups: I keep a list of FB groups. These are great places to post announcements/sales.

Hashtags: You can tell that I’m a list maker, right? I keep a list of hashtags by topics for Twitter and Instagram for promotional posts.

Book Clubs: Make a list of all the book groups/clubs that you visit with their contact information.

Libraries and Indie Bookstores: I send my contacts emails or a postcard when a new book releases.

What else would you add to my list?