Dear Beloved Reader,
You’ve slaved over the perfect version of your written baby. You’ve cared for it, let it go, then set it free. The sight of so many saying no—then one said YES. Already been to your lawyer and he signs off on the terms of the contract, and you go in prepared and thrilled.
A lot of authors think once they sign that contract that they’d made it. The book has only hit the first rift on the mountain your baby needs to go through on the publisher's end. But today’s post is about exactly what is your responsibility to see a successful release, conduct your marketing plan, and how to spread the word. There is a lot to cover. So, expect a few posts about each item mentioned in this welcome post!
With a reputable publisher, the time from signing to release is 8-18 months. The reason for this is all the different production people need to do on their end, each having a specialized task. You however have one job.
Get the word to the people. Start with the basics. You need a few things to start yourself off with.
1) Website
2) And/Or Blog
3) Instagram
4) Faceboook
5) Goodreads
Of course the more places you appear, the easier and higher your Google ranking will be, without having to do anything like pay for placement. With a lot of effort and dedication, the first page of Google will all be related to you and your book, with only putting in your first and last name in the search bar.
Even though I haven’t published anything since 2017 under the name Kayden McLeod, I dominate many pages. It wasn’t until the hockey player, Kayden McLeod, entered the league that we now share the rankings.
It is best to start with your own author packet. This should include:
1) Professional/Personal photo of just you
2) Well edited author bio
3) Cover (if available)
4) Tagline for book
5) Blurb for book
6) Select 2-3 excerpts, depending on book length. Read through twice. They are still unedited material. Don’t forget to update these at ARC/Galley time, so you are straight for release day
7) Character Interviews
8) Personal posts. Example: Why did you write the way you did? What inspires you? Hobbies. Favorite books. Book Reviews. What was your first draft like for you? The publishing process thus far and how it went for you
9) Do you have pictures and bios of your characters?
The better and fuller your author packet is, the easier your life will be later. Ideally, you will network with other authors are guests posts on their blog, mixing in your SEO with theirs, thus also giving another hit on Google.
Start with a website and/or blog—with or without your own domain. You can always change this later. Wordpress and Blogspot are good places for blogs, while Namescheap, Wix, and Weebly are all great cookie cutter website builders that are plug and play. You can display a “COVER COMING SOON” in the image part, and input your tagline, blurb, and excerpt on a book page. Create a bio/contact page. Keep it simple—then build on that. Link website and blog. Write a post or two on your blog, about anything you like. Remember, your ratio is 40% book promotions and 60% real world, real person content.
Another cliché promotion tactic is the fully automatic gun going off. You burst with posting everywhere, repeatedly, with precisely the same overused content. Many people get tired of authors plugging books in personal spaces. Do not message people with promo or go onto their page on their birthday and tell them to go buy your book—both have happened to me. This irritates people and is counterproductive to your goals.
Images! So important. Hire a graphic/digital artist, or use sites like 123rf.com and Envato Elements. AI generation for FREE promotional items (never on a something for sale or book covers). Royalty free stock assets are yet another post.
Start your building blocks day one, even if your book doesn’t come out for a year. You still have to sell yourself, your reputation and relationships. Never forget, supporting other authors is another building block. You aren’t on as island alone. There are many out there just like you. Never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Encourage them to make their own building blocks, where you can share each other’s successes and failures.
Next time let’s dig into tips and tricks of working up the rankings, getting yourself out there, and how to gain fans before the product is even in the first round of edits!
Thank you, as always, for your time!
Melissa A King
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