Mapping Out the Optimal Book Launch
Posted on 28 February, 2024 by Acu Track
Every book and its target readers are unique, so a one-of-a-kind book launch plan is required. It needs to consider the marketing and PR aspects as well as the nuts-and-bolts issues like printing and book fulfillment – who will pack and ship the orders you receive online? Ensuring the setup is arranged correctly can have a beneficial effect from the start. If you have misfires affecting customers, your sales growth can slow down. Book launch programs rely on many factors that are coordinated to work well together. The marketplace competition today is more intense than ever, requiring organization.
One of the big decisions to make is about touring. Or you can go in person if time and budget allow – and you have a publicist to plan it for you. The other option is making virtual appearances, which you may also choose to do as an addition if you go to some cities in person. Many authors today do blended tours with some in-person and some virtual appearances. You can make virtual stops in hard-to-reach places (think international markets) and open new groups of fans to meet and communicate with. The online world knows fewer boundaries, and it has been a game-changer for many authors' books.
If your budget allows for professional marketing support, it's nearly always a wise idea. Even if you follow a highly organized "DIY" approach, it would have a tough time rivaling what a publicist can accomplish. They have years of experience and a list of media contacts to get the ball rolling. Today, it increasingly includes well-respected online outlets with influential audiences. Traditional media now have companion websites, so print or TV coverage always ends up being circulated online with no additional effort on your part. Remember to post on your social media with links to your coverage.
Timing matters in launching your book, and considering when the most significant opportunities exist is good practice. Your work may have seasonal appeal, so you want to launch before the season begins. If your work is season-less, you may consider being a contrarian and launching when few others do. Specifically, you might try late summer or during December. Both are times when you have your pick of publicity hits that might be tougher to get in busier months. People surf the internet daily, and the media has pages and shows to fill. Making yourself available when the market is slow can leapfrog you ahead.