Remember that there are several important tasks to have underway well before you launch (start now). Then, starting 6 to 8 months pre-launch, you’ll need to plan your strategy, create some materials, and start promoting.
Be aware that no one does all these things for their launch. Think of these this tasks as a menu of possibilities rather than a to-do list.
Plan:
- Know yourself, and decide on your launch goals
- Develop a marketing plan
- Consider a promotional partner
- Plan your author events and book your venues
- Set up pre-launch communications
- Plan your big launch event; recruit a team to help
- Be sure you will have enough copies of your book on hand
- Schedule social media updates for launch week/day
- Prepare your presentation
- Make a list of things to bring to your launch party
- Recruit friends to help at the big event
Create:
- Media kit
- Video trailer
- Flyers, postcards, posters and swag
- Give-aways and special offers
Promote:
- Send out Advance Review Copies (ARCs)
- Implement your strategy for reviews and blurbs
- Initiate long-lead PR projects
- Get your audience engaged with your book
- Take advantage of short-lead press opportunities
- Ramp up social media presence
- Send media kits/review kits
- Set up your author accounts
- Consider a Goodreads giveaway
- Update your website
- Announce and invite (6 weeks out)
- Distribute flyers and postcards