Debut Author: 5 Basics for a Successful Book Launch

No matter how well prepared, you can easily be overwhelmed when your debut novel releases to the public. Suddenly you’re swimming in the deep, exciting, and unfamiliar waters of promotion. Not sure you can sustain the frantic pace. But absolutely certain you must keep up if your book is to succeed in a highly competitive marketplace.

Over time, I noticed the following had the greatest impact on the launch of Her Deadly Inheritance.

5 Basics for a Successful First Book Launch

Blog Tour: When my novel debuted on January 2 last year, the usual week-long blog tour had already been scheduled with a guest blog or review and book giveaway appearing each day. Either you ask or volunteer to be a guest on someone’s blog, or they ask you. The blogger gives you a topic to write on or interview questions to answer. It’s fun, but be prepared. You may find, as I did, more and more requests and opportunities coming in.

Guest blogs have a big impact on sales and are a great way to connect with readers and fans. You not only write these blogs but follow up with any responses to them left on your host’s site. Though a lot of work, I didn’t refuse any and was astonished to find my first blog tour continue into February and beyond–every one a blessing. So I encourage you to “go for it.”

Facebook Book Launch Party: Just as Paige Boggs (assigned to me by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) helped me with setting up the blog tour, she set up and oversaw and advised me with this online launch party. She also ran the prize giveaway portion. Guests accrued points to win prizes. I couldn’t have done it without her.

My job was to:

• invite the guests
• come up with several fun discussion questions
• set up the prizes for participation
• and emcee the event.

The party became so lively that Facebook kicked me out three times, thinking I was spam. The last time I couldn’t get back in, so Paige took over and awarded the prizes while I stayed tuned in by e-mail. The 3-hour party went on without me for another hour-and-a-half–well after the prizes had been awarded. SO … make sure you have help and be prepared for surprises.

Local Book Launch Party: What an amazing event. This time family and friends pitched in to make it a success. My friend Deb Zarter helped me brainstorm the theme (“Fourth of July in January” because of the novel’s setting), and gather door prizes and decorations. I picked up ideas on how to run a party and what refreshments to serve by participating in one. Another friend, Susan Baganz, held a party six months earlier to launch Pesto & Potholes.

I designed and purchased a large poster for our church foyer, sent out announcements in my annual Christmas letter, posted info on Facebook, and let all my friends and family know.

Five days before the party, I fell horribly ill for three days, but the Lord provided. My dear friend Jackie Kotloski drove me around on Friday to order the cake and pick up other items I needed. On Saturday, flowers arrived from Sue Marlene Kinney and Becky McLafferty. I received them not only as love from these two dear and thoughtful friends, but as if the flowers were also a gift from the Lord & Jim in heaven. I cried for joy all the way to my hair dresser.

Back home with the last of the needed refreshments purchased, I wondered how I would ever get the 100 star cookies frosted, the fruit and veggies cut … and again the Lord provided. The phone rang. My sister Shelly Zraik and her daughter Nicole had driven from the Toledo, Ohio area to surprise me. Before we went to bed that night, everything was ready.

The party itself was a great success. Even with 30 degrees below zero windchill factor, about 100 people showed up to celebrate and buy books. Everyone who received a door prize was delighted with it, and I was blessed to have someone from each of my family and friend groups represented. God is good. Expect him to help you prepare and celebrate, to bless and even surprise you

Social Media Scramble: In the midst of all this, I scrambled to answer every Facebook and e-mail message. Each of those who sent them was excited and encouraging. Acknowledging them was a privilege.

Speaking & Book Signing: Not everyone enjoys speaking but it is a great way to connect in person with readers and fans. Yes, I get nervous before each event. Ask Deb Zarter or whoever else acts as my helper. But once I start sharing my heart with my audience I’m fine. I think it helps, too, to arrive about an hour ahead to set up my book table, freshen up, and then reserve the last half hour to greet guests as they arrive.

I usually speak and answer questions for 45-60 minutes and then Deb or another helper sells the books while I visit with guests as I sign their books. A helper can also act as a traveling companion–much nicer and more fun than driving alone.

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Dear Reader, what fun, huh? And what a lot of work! But every bit of it is worth the time and effort invested. I hope I didn’t overwhelm you, and if you have any questions, I’d be glad to answer them if I can. God bless you all.

~ Beth