Timeline for a book's promotion

   

Aloha from Karen!

The release date and first few weeks of a book’s shelf life are critical to get a buzz going and start sales momentum. Plan out your book’s promotion as early as possible. You should already have some of the plans laid out in your book proposal , so start with finalizing and implementing those ideas.

For my next book, I have plans that combine blogs, store events, media, and a book club. I also hope tolearn enough to do a book trailer for U-tube. Whatever you are dreaming about, start implementing the ideas as soon as possible.

     Don’t wait until the book is released to start promoting it. Talk about it to everyone as soon as you have your book contract.
     Consider what can be done at each stage and plan your timeline. You probably can't do everything suggested, so choose which ones will reach your audience most effectively and do those first. Here are some ideas:

4 weeks to 6 months before release date:
    Pre-blog about each chapter of the book.
    Create radio pitches
    Prepare your bio
    Write the book description (this may be in he proposal)
    Create an information sheet for the sales reps (may be needed several months before the release)
    Solicit expert endorsements
    Write promotional copy for book jacket and catalogue
    Create a press kit
    Create suggested media questions
    Write press releases
    Plan a release party/events
    Send a release notice to your local papers and offer to be available for a profile
    Update media contact/influencer list
    Design web pages for the book
    If you want to hire a publicist, do it now
    Present excerpts to magazines
    Create a speaker/expert sheet and send to meeting planners
    Schedule speaking engagements
    Create a contest to sponsor
    Create a Top Ten list for your book’s topic
    Write and submit articles on your book’s topic
    Start scheduling a blour (blog tour)

0-4 weeks before release date
    Have galleys sent to reviewers (larger ones may need this several weeks earlier if possible)
    Contact major TV and radio stations
    Send out post cards with book cover to influencer list, friends, stores, etc..
    Finalize and print press materials
    Create a U-tube book trailer
    Open up book’s web pages
    Send out Top Ten list
    Attend a local media gathering and let reporters know your area of expertise

Once you have review copies
    Send release copies with press kits to media
    Follow up with phone calls/emails to media to schedule interviews
    Send out press releases
    Start your contest

On release date
    Stage release events
    Start the blog
    Upload the book trailer to u-tube and your web site

After the release
    Send out press release about your release event
    Write article son book’s topic
    Keep scheduling interviews and sending out more review copies
    Schedule teleseminars
    Keep posting blog entries (it's much easier if they are already written)
    Compile promo sheet of interview quotes and post n your web site/blog
    Visit other blogs on your topic and post comments with a link to your site

   
   

Comments

[Jean Wise]

Karen, you are such a great teacher. I keep an electronic file folder of marketing info and this one will be in it for sure. Thank you for your great advice.
Jean Wise
www.wordchicks.blogspot.com

[Sheila Clover English]

Karen, this is wonderful. I am so happy I came across this blog! I certainly will suggest it to my author friends.
As a side note, booksellers are more likely to take your book video if you submit it to them 6-8 weeks in advance.
You can get a free ebook that will tell you how to make a trailer. You'll find it here-
http://www.cosproductions.com/Resources/Index.html

Thanks again!

[Marla Alupoaicei]

Karen,

Fantastic article! Thanks so much. For a relatively new author like myself, this info is invaluable. Thanks again and blessings!

Marla Alupoaicei
Leap of Faith Ministries

Jean, what a great tip! We do need to think about the time others need our materials to make an impact.