The To Do List & Book Publicity
I'm convinced that to get through the book launch process, you must be surrounded by fellow authors.
Thanksgiving was very quiet for us and I’m not sad about it at all. We did a lot of couch sitting, watching Christmas movies with popcorn, football and soccer games, reading…that was really what my husband and kids did. I partook in couch sitting but with my laptop in hand creating a media list for my book launch, writing captions for Threads, designing and ordering our Christmas cards, ordering gifts for all the nieces and nephews…the list went on.
I’ve interviewed Eve Rodsky and am completely on board with Fair Play. This weekend I read an ARC of Julie Chavez’s Everyone But Myself and it didn’t hit me until after I was finished reading it that I was also living a version of what Julie went through. We simply keep taking on more and never letting any of the balls that are juggling drop until we realize it’s too much and we haven’t done anything for ourselves. Yesterday, I decided that would change and made an appointment with my doctor because I need help with my weight management. I’m a stress sweets eater and with a book launch and the holidays, let’s just say the Halloween candy is almost gone. I asked a client to move a meeting so I could virtually see my doctor (other humans totally understand and are ok when you are honest with them!) and prioritized myself. After I finish typing this, I’m going to take myself for a 30 minute walk…maybe just on the treadmill in the garage, but I’m taking my iPad and catching up on some Real Housewives because I deserve it.
Book Publicity
The more I talk to my author friends who are all launching around the time I am, the more I hear that we’re all going through the same thing. We are working hard at getting publicity, some hiring a publicist, some getting them with their book deal, but we all have the fear that nothing will gain traction. My personal fear is that book launch day will come and I’ll be the only one who recognizes it. Yes, I’m putting that vulnerability out there because I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
So what am I doing about it?
I created a list of 25 media outlets and found journalists/contacts/book reviewers for all of them and their email addresses. I made notes about each person and today I sent out eGalleys to them all with key points about my book and some background on it. I’ll continue adding to my list and will send kind follow ups in a week.
I’ve recorded 15 out of the 50 video tips for counting down to the launch and wrote captions for each one for Threads. I’m posting a tip every day on TikTok, Threads and Instagram. Today was tip #6!
Tip 1: Purchase your name domain
I often hear that people (authors and entrepreneurs alike) haven’t purchased a domain. I’m a domain hoarder! At the very least, purchase your name domain. It’s usually very inexpensive.
Tip 2: Create your homepage
Start simple! Let people know where they’ve landed. Who you are, what you do.
Tip 3: Create your about page
This is where your headshot and bio will be to let the world know who you are and what your accomplishments are.
Tip 4: Create a contact page
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve landed on a website and there’s no way to contact the person. It can be a contact page, a button to click to send an email or your email address spelled out since it’s not recommended to put your actual email address out for others to scrape. Just make it easy for someone to get in touch with you!
Tip 5: Create a media/press page (this can be a placeholder for now!)
This is going to house all of your podcast interviews (and media interviews) because you’ll be needing a place for all of them once you’ve read How To Get On Podcasts!
Tip 6: Create a freebie/free resource (I’ll talk about how you’ll use it later)
This can be a checklist, tip list or resource list. If you’re an author, it can be a sneak peek at a chapter, book club questions, inside info on your setting.
I’ve been making lists for who to send physical galleys to and lists of people I know in the cities that I want to have a book signing so that I have an invitation list.
I’ve created my book media kit and am also pitching myself for podcast interviews.
I created song playlists that I reference in the book on Spotify.
Created social media templates for when reviews come in (2 so far on Goodreads!).
Ordered some items for my influencer book packages.
Made a list of bookstagrammers that I’m now following and will reach out to this week.
That’s what I’ve got so far!
Podcast Episodes
I’m behind by a week in writing this, so I have aired two podcast interviews since my last Substack. Last week was with
and we discussed the evolution and future of publishing. Jane is a complete wealth of knowledge and I was completely in awe of everything she shared.
This week’s interview is with Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note which made its US debut today! This book was a first for me…I cried in the middle until the end! Emma is so warm and kind. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to her. If you’re looking for a love story found while grieving, this is one that will have you crying, laughing and melting! It’s The Book of the Month pick and Target Book Club pick!
hit it out of the park with this one!
Ok, I’ve written a lot and put off hitting that treadmill for long enough. I’m holding myself accountable by telling all of you and I’ll even post a pic on my IG stories if you want to double check!
If you need any support on your author journey, please reach out. We need each other!
So helpful, as always, Michelle!