How to do a Book Launch, 12 Steps Plus 1

Today's my big day!!! Well, yes, it is my birthday (I'm a whopping 38 now), but the bigger news is that it's launch day for my new book, Sick & Tired! I've been preparing for this for weeks, maybe months, and did a lot of research on how to do a great book launch. The following is my compiled list of what I personally chose to do, out of the many ideas from Michael Hyatt, my publisher (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) and other sources of expertise.

For you, if you're doing your very first launch, don't feel you need to do everything. My list is what I chose out of the many, many ideas out there. You choose what works for you, and what you can afford as far as time and money. Don't feel pressured to do everything. God is ultimately in charge of how your book does, so if He's only given you a small amount of time and/or money, then He will provide through a small launch.

Hopefully this will help you have a resource of ideas to choose from when it's your turn.

Ready? Set? Let's go!

1. Pull 15-30 quotes from your book and post 1 each day for the weeks leading up to your launch (FB and Twitter). I'm paying for a few weeks of SocialOomph.com so I can pre-schedule, have posts rotate on a pre-determined time frame, and post to multiple accounts without me having to remember to do it every day.

2. Send out an e-mail newsletter with an excerpt. I finally got around to figuring out MailChimp. It was worth it-now I don't get spammed, and my newsletter has cool formatting and photos. (If you want to see some samples ideas, sign up for the newsletter at www.kimberlyrae.com and you'll get one every month. =))

3. Do a blog tour--I'm trying to start scheduling for that and boy, it's a doozie of a project to do on your own. I'm not sure if it's going to be worth it. (Update--I ended up letting this one go. It was too stressful and time-consuming. I have a few people that are going to post something near launch day, and am leaving it at that.)

4. Plan a big push for the launch date and ask people to wait to order it until that exact day. Then do some kind of giveaway or promotion so they'll want to order it that exact day (more likely to get on the bestseller list that way). I'm telling people if they order it that date and send me an e-mail letting me know, they'll get entered in a drawing for a giveaway.

5. Some people do a big launch party, but I don't see that as being effective for me in actually selling books to people who wouldn't have bought them already. Doing a book presentation at a library or church is usually quite effective, because once people listen to you, they feel they know you, and everybody wants to have a book by someone they know. =) However, for people who live locally, I don't want them to have to pay shipping, so to accomplish the same purpose without a heap of time and expense, I'm just planning to go to our local TCBY one evening, and will let everyone know that if they want to pick up books, I'll be there between such-and-such a time. (With my health right now, a big party isn't feasible, but this way I get some sugar-free ice cream, and no bad feelings if not that many people show up!)


6. Pray!

7. Pray some more! =)

8. Make a book trailer. Animoto.com does short ones for free. You just insert a couple pictures or blocks of text into a chosen theme and they do the rest. You can post this on your website, FB, etc. I highly recommend it. Makes you look like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. =) You can watch mine below.

9. Send out PDF copies to people in advance and ask them to read and send you a review via e-mail. Keep those e-mails, and on the day the book goes live, send them back, asking the people to post their reviews on amazon (I'm hoping this will be more effective then just reminding them to post a review and they don't get around to it because it takes time to write one on the spot). If they posted the review on the specified day, they get a free gift as a thank you.

10. They say that 20% of your marketing efforts end up with 80% of the results. The trick is to find that 20% and run with it, and let the 80% go. If you have people who have stuck with you and supported you, focus on them, asking them to help you spread the word, or just appreciating what they've already done. Mark down the marketing things that were successful and which ones tanked, so you're ready for the next time.

11. Let people know they can do video reviews on amazon. That's a major attention getter. I've only seen it done on one book, but it really stood out to me.

12. Make some kind of product that goes with your book that you can use as a giveaway, or to sell along with your book when you speak or whatever. (I made tote bags to give away. I also did a small companion book that's FREE today on Kindle Laughter for the Sick & Tired, as a free advertisement for Sick & Tired. Hopefully people will like it so much they want more!)

Whew, well, are you excited or overwhelmed? I find the list daunting to say the least, but that's why I've been working on this for weeks, a little here and there, so it's fun rather than stressful.

Now it's your turn. If you have questions, opinions, or ideas to add, have at it!

Oh, one more idea. I found out about Rafflecopter, a way to do a giveaway to reward people for spreading the word about your book. I'm going to add that here and see how successful it is. Click on any of the options and it puts your name in a certain number of times toward a giveaway. Cool, huh? Here goes!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Should You Ask God for Success for your Writing?

One week till my launch day for Sick & Tired. Next week I'll be posting on how to do a launch, and share the stuff I've done in preparation for this book to come out. Today, however, I went back to revisit an important post I wrote before my first book, Stolen Woman, was released. I self-published it, and was nervous, and of course I wanted it to do great, but I wondered if that was okay or if I was being selfish.
 
We writers who want to glorify God sometimes wonder about marketing and promotion. Is there a way to market our work without being self-promoting? Is it okay to want the book to do well?



This post reminded me how to think rightly about this whole launch and success and how to approach thinking about my writing in general. I think it will help you too, so I'm sharing it with you today. At the end, I'll let you know what happened with that book...

***********************************************************************

Well, as the days count down for the book's publication date, I find myself wrestling with my prayers.  Should I pray that the book is successful?  Should I ask God to sell a certain number of copies?

As I've been thinking through it, I decided that yes, I should ask for success--but only if I recognize that true success may not mean what I tend to think.

My self wants to think of true success as a book that goes big, sells thousands of copies, makes a heap of money, and gets me set on the road to a great-selling sequel.



But God doesn't see things the way man (or woman) sees. God's definition of success might be far different.  God may know that the world's success would end up hurting my family, or a lot of money would end up with me relying on myself instead of God.  I think that God's definition of real success would mean that I obey Him, that my book honors Him, that it goes out and accomplishes whatever purpose He has for it (and that purpose may be big or small in my own eyes), and that it draws me and others closer to Him.

I want God to use this to help rescue trafficked women and children.  I want God to take my book and use it show missions to teens in a non-boring linear biographical-type way.  I want God to sell enough copies that we can make a huge house payment and support missionaries and help people--and go out for pizza once in awhile!

But more than all that...I want whatever God wants with it.  If an offering is a true offering, it is given without any stipulations on its use.  So, as difficult as it feels, I pray God takes this book and does whatever He wants with it.  If it would not be good for me to be successful by the world's definition, then I pray that He keeps me from success--and don't think I'm super-spiritual writing that.  It's my way of committing "out loud" that I want what God wants more than what I want (even though I admit my flesh wants to beg and plead and whine to get God to bless this!).

Why?  Because ultimately, God knows best.  There are factors I can't even imagine that go into His decisions, and as He sees the beginning from the end, He should be the one allowed to make the decisions.  All I have is now, and my perspective is very affected by what seems best to me at this very moment--not what would be best from a lifetime perspective, much less an eternal perspective.

So here it is, in writing, that my book is an offering to God, and He can sell ten copies or a thousand copies or a million copies, and I will praise Him.  I'll work hard on my end of things, and the rest is all up to Him.

Whew, that felt hard, but good.  Like walking an extra mile on the treadmill--except I won't wake up with sore muscles tomorrow because of it!

*******************************************************************************

So did God give "success"? Here were the things I hoped for, and what has happened since that book's release in 2011:

I want God to use this to help rescue trafficked women and children. 
Because of the book, I've been able to start a speaking ministry. I train people about human trafficking--not just about the problem but how they can be part of the solution. Many people have become involved.


I want God to take my book and use it show missions to teens in a non-boring linear biographical-type way.  
I had a teenager write to me and say, "your book changed my life."

I want God to sell enough copies that we can make a huge house payment and support missionaries and help people--and go out for pizza once in awhile!
Over 6,000 books have been sold of the Stolen Series thus far, and they keep selling. We've made enough money from them to start putting our kids in Christian school, add to our missions giving, do improvements on our house, and yes, get pizza quite a few times!

However, the most important thing has been that God has used the books for His purpose. I've been amazed at what He has done. Now I pray He will bless the Sick & Tired series and give it His kind of success, whatever that means. I pray He will get His message of hope out to those who need it.

I love being part of God's work! It gives significance and purpose to what we do, and like the 5 loaves and 2 fish, no matter how small our work may seem, He can use it to feed multitudes!

Have you seen God do that with something you wrote? Add your story below:

Next Week: How To Do a Book Launch

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Book Signing at Chick-Fil-A--an even bigger fiasco!

I love Chick-Fil-A.  I love their ethics; I love their Diet Lemonade.

So I was really excited about the opportunity to do a book signing at the Chick-Fil-A nearest our house--about 45 minutes away.  I had set things up at least a month in advance with the Marketing Director, had brought promotional materials three weeks ahead of time, and the night of the signing I showed up ready to sell lots of books.

I was ready.  They were not.

I walked in with my banner and approached the counter.  "Hi!  Can I speak with whoever's in charge tonight?"

A very nice guy who looked like he was still in college came over with that "Can I help you?" face on.  I looked around, looked at him, then said something like, "I'm scheduled to do a book signing here tonight . . .(his eyebrows went up) . . .and . . . (his eyes went wide) . . . I bet you had no idea I was coming."

Poor guy.  I waited uncomfortably while he called the marketing person, talked with the staff that was there, etc.  I was quite ready to leave--it looked like it was their slowest night anyway, and I'm guessing the promotional materials never made it out of somebody's office.  Quite surprising.  I am definitely not criticizing Chick-Fil-A.  I still think they're awesome; this was just a glitch somewhere.

Anyway, just as I went up and offered again to reschedule (anything to get out of this uncomfortable situation!), they started setting up a table for me.  I really didn't want to stay if it hadn't been promoted, but then the manager guy said some people had called in about it, so I didn't want to leave if people were expecting me to be there.

What to do?

Eat free food.  That was a great start.  They were very nice and gave me my supper for free, and some Diet Lemonade, which if you've ever been to a book signing, you know it's a great thing to have a drink of something in your hand to make you not look quite so bored sitting there waiting for someone to show up.

I sold 2 books.  Uugh.  It's embarrassing admitting that to you!  Blame it on the glitch, the major storm that came through, maybe my book stinks, who knows?  I did get to talk to some really great people (like a commander on the police force who has actually gone in and dealt with trafficking groups, who just "happened" to be there eating supper that night--pretty cool!), and like I said I love the Lemonade, so the evening wasn't wasted.

About halfway through, the manager guy left for awhile.  He came back in totally soaked.  One of the ladies said, "It wasn't raining when you went out there, was it?"

"No."  He smiled.

The lady looked over at me.  "Well, your name's on the marquee now!"

Poor guy again!  I didn't mean for him to get all soaked on my account. Though I have to say it was pretty neat having my name on a sign for all the world to see (or at least all the people driving through the pouring rain not wanting to stop and buy my book.  ha ha).

What did I learn from this fiasco? Double-check things before you show up! And if you are going to have a fiasco of a book signing, you might as well do it in a place where people are nice and feed you. =)

The thing I find funniest about the whole situation is that the photo above is a great marketing tool for me. I post it sometimes and people think it's really cool that my name is up on the sign at Chick-Fil-A, like I'm a great writer or something. Looks can be deceiving! =)

What about you? Have you had any book signings yet? Have I scared you away from every having book signings? ha ha Share your story below!

Related Posts: My First Book Signing-a Fiasco!

Next Week: Should You Pray for Success for Your Writing?

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My First Book Signing--a Fiasco!

My very first book signing was on a Saturday, and it almost didn't happen.  I went up the mountain to downtown Blowing Rock, where I'd scheduled with a shop lady to set up outside her little store.  Unfortunately, she being new did not know the rules that basically said I couldn't do that.  Another very nice shopkeeper told me about the rule, and yet another not-so-friendly shopkeeper emphasized the various rules I was apparently breaking right at that moment.

So...my husband helped me pack up and we got ready to drive home.  So much for my exciting first book signing.  Not to mention it was a drizzly, dismal day and looked like it was going to rain.  The weather was appropriate for my mood right then.  To top it off, the heavy humidity brought some kind of allergen with it and my asthma flared up for the first time in months.  I had used my inhaler, since I was planning to do the book signing outdoors, so by that time I was really shaky, which I do not like.

So there I was, disappointed, shaking and trying to find the library because it was my last chance at having any kind of book signing that day.  Found it, and they happened to be having an outdoor book sale that day.  Providence!  I asked some nice lady who asked some other guy if I could set up my little table near their setup and they agreed.  Things were looking better, until I drove around to the parking spot they'd saved for me and there was this tiny elderly lady sitting in a folding chair in the parking space.  I waved at her to show her that I was the one she was saving it for and she scrambled out of the way, not smiling.  I got out and started setting up when the same lady asked me, "Who are you?" in a tone that implies, "What in the world are you doing here, young lady?!"

Oh dear.  Come to find out, she was the person in charge, no one had told her about me, and seems she thought I was trying to run her over--or something unhappy like that.  Well, that wasn't a good way to start the day.  I remembered that verse in Proverbs about how a gift in the hand pacifies the king, so I brought a copy of my book over to where she was whispering about me to a friend, and I apologized for not asking her first (not like I knew I should, but oh well) and I wanted her to have a copy of my book.  Well, she said it wasn't necessary, but I said I wanted to, and finally she relented to accepting it for the library.

I set things up, then spent a few hours moving books farther under the canopy when it started sprinkling, chatting with people about my book and life overseas and such, and selling 12 copies.  Definitely less than I'd hoped for, but considering the weather, the broken rules and the unhappy lady, I was very thankful I'd sold any at all!  I got to meet some wonderful people, and 3 of the people I talked to had heard or seen something about my book before.  That was cool!

This was at a different outdoor book signing--the day of my first one, I was too busy trying to avoid disaster to take a photo!

In the end, I made some friends, sold some books, and the elderly lady turned out to be a very nice person who wished me luck and even gave me some free books for my kids.  (And I learned a lesson or two about finding just the right person to ask--which I will hopefully do ahead of time next time.)

Second book signing, here I come.  I'm excited about the possibilities, and I will try very, very hard not to offend whoever knows the rules or is in charge, or anybody else if I can help it!

Tune in next week to hear about my book signing at Chick-Fil-A that was even more of a fiasco!

Today's Guest, Marketing Expert Rob Eager! Sell Your Book Like Wildfire

I have to admit, a lot of the blogs that come to my inbox end up deleted before I ever read them. Not Rob Eager's Monday Marketing Tips. I open his posts, read them, and implement the valuable advice he gives. From his book I've learned about not just trying to sell something, but rather providing content that meets a need, that people will value and share. I'd say more, but he has given me permission to share one of his great posts today, so I'll let him speak for himself... 

Giving Valuable Interviews:

Congratulations to WildFire Marketing client, Valorie Burton, for her appearance on the Today Show last week with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. If you want to land more media interviews like Valorie, what steps can you take? Consider these five points:

1. Don't push your book.

Media producers don't care about your book. They care about audience ratings. So, provide producers with good ideas for an interview topic, rather than a plug for your book. Show how your expertise, and the message of your book, relates to current events, such as national headlines, holidays, and recent trends. For example, if you've got a new book about reducing stress, don't write a press release that promotes your book. Instead, write a press release that explains a little-known fact about stress. Then, offer yourself as an expert who can help.

2. Share interesting statistics.

Producers love interesting statistics, because they give a radio or TV host the ability to grab an audience's attention by saying, "Did you know...?" In addition, providing interesting stats helps define you as an expert and enhances your credibility. But, make sure your data relates to the average listener. For example, an appealing statistic might be "Over 110 million Americans take medication for stress-related causes each week." If you write fiction or don't have statistics available, consider using a fascinating, real-life story, such as "Boston woman has a nervous break-down while Christmas shopping."

3. Provide attention-grabbing ideas for interview topics.

Media producers appreciate authors who do some of the work for them. So, create a press release based on a clever topic that would appeal to their audience. Give the producer a mental image of what your interview would sound like. Using our previous example about stress, you could offer topics, such as "How to Beat Holiday Stress and Shopping Madness" or "Don't Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas." Providing good topic ideas helps media producers take the guesswork out of booking you for an interview.

4. Concisely explain your expertise and value.

After you capture a media producer's attention, explain how you're expertise will enhance their program. Producers want guests who can entertain and provide good advice. So, describe how you help other people overcome similar problems mentioned in your opening statistics. Then, mention the title of your related book, and list 3 - 4 bulleted statements explaining the type of results you create for people. For instance, one of your statements might say, "Learn how to create a plan to prevent and cope with holiday stress." This information helps a media producer feel like you'll be a worthwhile guest.

5. Send a catchy press release.

Combine the previous four steps into a press release that starts with a memorable title. Just like a book gets judged by the cover, your press release will get judged by the title. So, give yourself time to come up with several creative ideas. Shoot for phrases with 7 words or less. Then, show a few title ideas to some friends, and ask which one is the easiest to remember. Also, if you email your press release to producers, use the title in the subject line. For example, you could say, "Interview Topic: Holiday Stress Busters."

Before you finish your press release, be sure to include your contact information. Then, send it via email to media producers whose programs fit your book's target audience. To grow your database, combine your media contacts with other authors you know and create a shared master list. And, don't be afraid to follow-up with a personal phone call. Remind the producer of your value to their audience, and focus on the results that you can provide.

 Rob Eager's book is excellent. I highly recommend it.

Check out his
Website: www.StartaWildFire.com

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An Agent Asks: Why Do You Write?

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference.”   Robert Frost

Today's guest is my very own agent, Diana Flegal, or Hartline Literary Agency! Not only has she gotten me 3 book contracts already, but she is warm and approachable, quick to help, and quite frankly, I like her because she isn't scary! (I don't know about you, but the idea of meeting an agent face-to-face was terribly intimidating to me, and the first one or two I met, I felt like I was going to the principal's office.) 

Here are some words of encouragement from Diana for you:

 

It is important for writers to ask themselves why they are writing, to have a personal mission statement. Going against the established way of doing things can get you labeled as rebellious when in fact you're just different. In Christian circles, it can be tough to map out your own path, and walk in your unique giftings. 

I have a propensity to think outside the box and therefore am drawn to those that do so as well. As an agent, I tend to like authors that do not write to the market.  Their stories are compelling, interesting and written well. But they are different.

In a recent post discussing digital changes in the publishing industry  David Stearman wrote in response: “I’ll have to admit that I’ve been exposed to some low quality writing since the advent of the eBook. But I’ve also been exposed to some really great stuff that might not have made print in the fear (of financial loss) ridden world of traditional publishing. There’s more opportunity out there for all levels of authors now, and hopefully, as in the past, the cream will eventually rise to the top of the bucket.”

I am grateful for the small presses that have contracted and published these authors. But in todays drenched market, it is challenging for these authors to find their readers and their sales can be discouraging. We repeat our teacher and mentor Michael Hyatt’s words: "writing may be queen, but platform is king" (especially true for nonfiction authors), and our efforts intensify to up our social media stats and we find and share articles of those unknown writers who have "made it big" to encourage one another. Yet low sales numbers have many authors asking if it is time to throw in the towel.

This is when we need to remember God’s mathematics and our mission statement.

Luke 15:3-7 ESV/ So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Luke 15:8-10 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

In God’s economy, it is all about the one.

And that one then often multiplies when they tell another.

Ask yourself why you are writing.  For fame? Fortune? Influence?

Or are you writing because you are a writer and that is what you have to do.

Writers write.

Writers with a smaller platform can still find their readers online. Consider blogging and offering your chapters in downloadable content in installments.  Be willing to start small. Write articles for online magazines. Is there not a magazine in your genre? Start one.

But write for that ONE. Chances are you’ll be read by many more.

Stay encouraged. Hone your skills and write on!

Diana

Does the Bible Give Submission Advice?

So you're a writer. When you need advice about sending out submissions, or even about writing in general, you likely look to the internet, to writer blogs, to other writers.

How about the Bible? Does the Bible have anything to say that will help us be better writers and submitters?



Sure does!

Here are several verses I was given way back when I first started writing. I wish I could remember who compiled them so I could give them credit, but I don't, so we'll just give the credit to God for writing the Book in the first place. =)

These verses helped me direct my efforts; I hope they help you, too!

Should you Brave Sending Out your Work?
Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.
Ecclesiastes 11:1

Should You Send Simultaneous Submissions?
Give a serving to seven, and also to eight,
For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.
Ecclesiastes 11:2

Should You Give in to Writer's Block?
He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap.
Ecclesiastes 11:4

Submitting and Being Rejected, Should You Keep Trying?
In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
Ecclesiastes 11:6

What Should You Write About?
 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:26 

Should You Market Your Own Work?
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
Psalm 26:7

Should You Believe in What You Do, Feel Confident About Your Writing?
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night. 
Proverbs 31:18

How Should You Feel about Your Goals for the Future?
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
^{Proverbs 31:25}

A Final Motivation
This will be written for the generation to come, 
That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.  
Psalm 102:18

Have any to add? Share here! And Happy Writing!