From Edie: Do authors really need a book launch team? Tammy Karasek shares why launch teams matter for both self-published and traditionally published writers, plus practical tips for creating a successful book launch strategy.
Do Authors Really Need a Book Launch Team? What Every Writer Should Know
by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam
Every writer, no matter if they choose to independently publish or go the traditional publishing route will need to know the answer to this question—now that my book is finished, how do I let people know it’s available?
Too often I hear people say they think it must be hard for self-published people to get the word out about their book and that it’s so easy for traditionally published authors because they sit back and let the publisher handle it all.
To both comments, I say: Nope.
Since 2012, I’ve been on, helped with or managed over 400 launch teams. I’ve been part of three styles of publishing—self-published, hybrid published and traditional published. I can tell you, no matter the type of publishing you choose for your book, the majority of the marketing and launching will fall on the shoulders of the author. You can’t fight it, so don’t waste the effort.
Instead, know it’s coming and prepare yourself for it. One marketing piece you’ll need to know about is a launch session and team. Whether you’d like to learn something about the method of how to launch your book or what to expect if you hire a professional to do the launch for you, guess what? You’ll still need to know a few items to do for yourself. Or at least be aware of to ask the launch manager you interview to hire if they do this particular item or not.
8 Tips to Jumpstart Your Book Launch
1. No matter how you will publish your book, you’ll need a launch session and a team.
2. You need to work with a launch team six to eight weeks from the launch date, but no less than six for an effective launch.
3. Decide ahead of time if you will do any incentives for the team so there is ample time to order, create or have them ready to use once a winner is chosen.
4. Interact with your Launch Team throughout the session, but not by asking them to do a task every single day of the launch session. Not too much and not too little, either.
5. As of this posting, Facebook Groups are still a viable place to interact with a Launch Team. There are others emerging, but in my experience, they are not as successful as a team within a private Facebook Group. At least not yet!
6. As soon as you have a book cover, create your graphics and schedule them into your Launch Team Facebook Group so they are ready to go. This is even before you have selected your team. This way, when it’s go time, you’re graphics are there and ready to post when ready
7. Join AND PARTICIPATE in a launch team to get a feel for the activity load. In other words, as a team member, were you asked to do something too often, or was there much work involved at all. Middle ground is the key.
8. Bottom line, have fun during your own launch and your team will pick up that enthusiasm and run with it.
While I’m known as The Launch Team Geek and run my own launch team management business, I’m aware that I can’t possibly manage all of the teams I receive requests from. But I’m a sharer at heart and decided to write a book that gives you my process of how I run launch teams for my clients. The book is Launch that Book and available on Amazon.
If you’re a writer, know a writer, or need a writerly gift for a friend, this small book is packed with a lot of information to help anyone launch their book.
Happy Book Launching!
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Don't miss Tammy's Latest Book:
Stressed over the details of how to launch your book?
Launch that Book will take you from stress to success in getting your book into the hands of those who need it. Tammy Karasek walks authors through a pragmatic management approach as she educates, equips, and encourages in getting the most mileage out of the book launch process.
Learn step-by-step
- how to gather a team
- exactly what to do with your team
- when and how to say farewell
Plus, so much more.
Tammy writes romance—with a splash of sass. Her book, Launch That Book, re-released December, 2025. She’s also published in several compilations: Sustaining Life’s Victories, The PAC Method for Writers, and Cool-inary Moments. She’s also a regular writing team member for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference Blog, The Write Editing, New Mercies Café, and The Word on Wednesday. Contact: HTTPS://WWW.TAMMYKARASEK.COM.
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