Launching a self-published book requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the book reaches the right audience and generates sales. Here’s an ideal launch plan for a self-published book:
- Establish Your Author Platform: You should establish your online platform (long) before launching your book. Create a website about yourself that highlights your expertise and showcases your work (a website is also absolutely necessary in this day and age, just for general reputation management purposes). Use social media platforms to connect with your target audience and build relationships with influencers in your niche. I basically talk all about this in “Funny You Should Ask: How to Market a Book.” Author platform is key! Do not proceed without it!
- Build an ARC team: Build a team of people who will leave reviews for your book when it first comes out. Encourage them to share your book with their networks and leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. This is sometimes known as an ARC team, “ARC” being an “advanced review copy,” which you would send to people in advance.
- Choose Your Launch Date Carefully: Choose a launch date that is at least 2-3 months in advance, so you have enough time to plan your marketing and promotional efforts. Consider launching your book during a relevant holiday or event, or tying your launch to a news event or trend.
- Get Your Head Around Setting a Budget: Determine how much money you’re willing to invest in your book launch. Plan your budget carefully and prioritize your spending on the most critical aspects of your launch. This is going to come in handy when you go to spend money on paid advertising.
- Get Reviews: Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers in your niche and request reviews for your book, or join Pubby to get reviews.
- Leverage Social Media: Use social media to promote your book launch. Create engaging content, share teasers, and host giveaways to generate buzz around your book. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
- Monitor Your Sales: Keep track of your book sales during the launch period and adjust your marketing efforts accordingly. Use analytics tools to track your website traffic, social media engagement, and book sales. We recommend KDPChamp for monitoring book sales on Amazon.
