A Debut Author’s Book Launch Primer

Edie here. Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to an author I met at a recent Christian book show. He writes for my publisher—Bold Vision Books—and I got an advance copy of his book and I LOVE it. I asked if he'd be willing to share some of the insight he's gained here on The Write Conversation and he said yes. So be sure to give him a warm TWC welcome!

A Debut Author’s Book Launch Primer

by David J. Marsh @MarshJDavid

First there’s the book. You’ve proofread your book so many times your latest idea of medieval torture is to read it again. You’ve read an advance reader copy and more changes have been identified—even as you’re sending copies out to influencers and your launch team. A release date has been set and the writerly truth rings true: no one ever finishes a book, they simply stop working on it.

Second there’s the promotion. You revved up your social media engine before you finished the book, yet no matter how many followers you have you feel inadequate. You’re producing content at a rate that often makes you feel like a used car salesman. You sense that you’re losing the reader you’ve imagined in a sea of analytics. You only want to know when you can escape all this craziness, go sit in silence, and write.

If this describes you, well done! You’re ready to launch your book.

But how do you do that? Here’s a breakdown that may be helpful as you work to make your book launch uniquely your own.

1. Plan the day. Your goal the day of release will be to boost release day sales. This will be a busy day. You’ll want to be prepared with social media posts, others who will share your content, and giveaways to support your increased online presence.
2. Plan the event. To cap off your virtual presence the day of release, plan to spend some time in person with your readers. Create an evening event the day of release with a reading and more giveaways. This event can be as large or small as you wish, but make it a celebration of the book.
3. Plan the follow-up. In addition to thank you notes to your launch team and volunteers, you’ll want to reach out to local and regional bookstores. Let them know you would be happy to do an in-store event. Be sure to thank your followers for joining you for release day. Invite them to readings. Offer to visit their book clubs. Create a plan to stay in touch with your new readership. Offer them new content on a set schedule that works for you.

Lastly, in the midst of launching your book, write. Ensure you stick to your regular creative regimen. You’re a writer. Enjoy the silence.

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David J. Marsh’s debut novel, The Confessions of Adam(Bold Vision Books), will be released on September 10, 2019. Learn more at www.davidjmarsh.com. 

Dave grew up steeped in biblical narratives. His mother read to him. His father was a pastor, a student of theology and biblical languages. Dave often asked his father to read aloud the scriptures in their original Hebrew and Greek. While Dave could not understand them, the music of these languages fascinated him.

In his debut novel, The Confessions of Adam, a re-telling of the universal and dramatic narrative that opens the book of Genesis, he has crafted a richly imagined story of creation and its aftermath.