GETTING READY FOR MY BOOK LAUNCH

After twenty some years, six hundred and eighty-odd rejections, things are finally falling into place. Folks, this is it. Someone finally believed in me enough to put the effort into one of my stories. It’s almost launch time!

As I type this, I have a lot to think about. Things are slowly but surely (and don’t call me Shirley) coming together. By the time this article posts, the book will already be two days available on Amazon. Woohoo!

THE PRINTER

The book has long been done, edited and has been at the printers. There was a slight delay with some issues with the color balance of the cover. With that in the can, the book is now rolling off the presses. I ordered a case (26 books) for my own use and they should arrive soon.

There are certain marketing strategies involved also, but I’m not sure if I can go into them at this point. Sometime soon, there will be a book launch, probably at a bookstore or library, or some other venue, but my publisher hasn’t set that up yet (part of the reason I ordered the case of books).

VIDEOS

As part of the marketing, though a lot of writers don’t do this, my publisher recommended I create a video interview. The first version we trashed because of some issues with distractions in the background and the audio. I wrote a script and had my daughter interview me sitting next to my computer, which showed the book cover on both screens. Though it isn’t perfect, the second one is much better and gets the point across.

Through the company, we also produced an outstanding animated video which I’m going to put up right after I post this article. I was intimately involved in the process, though I had nothing to do with the programming of it. I love it! I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s awesome!

PUBLICITY PACKET

My publisher created templates for bookmarks, business cards and publicity sheets for the book. With those templates, I can go to a local printer and have them produced to give out at book signings and to shove into everyone’s face that I meet! Each of the cards and book marks has the cover of the book on them plus vitals. This info is essential to get the word out. I contacted a printer and am waiting for him to get back with me.

PSYCHING UP

For those of you keeping track, you will have noticed last week’s post about speaking in public. Well, guess what you are going to be doing if you ever publish a book? Don’t think you are going to just get a book printed and expect it to sell on its own without any input from you!

Think interviews, book signings, book launches, talking to people about it!

Speaking of interviews. When I announced the availability of my book on Amazon on my Facebook page, I was contacted by a radio show host. Guess what I’ll be doing soon?

Are you psyched up? Have you barfed in the bucket before going on stage? (I love that joke).

It’s coming, so get ready!

Happy writing!