image by geralt
This is the fifth entry in the series in which I share the tasks and progress on my book-marketing plan for my second book. Gift of the Magpie came out August 15, but this and all my diary posts share my activities from two weeks in the past.
Among other activities, my prior posts covered my setup, recruiting influencers, guest posting, a book launch party, a newsletter, and blog interviews.
Sometimes Things Don’t Go as Planned
Although many activities have snags, I’m reporting only the major ones.
Book Launch Party
image by stevepb
My proofs finally came, but were so delayed I couldn’t order and receive books by my party date. This’s why I pray and why I hadn’t printed and assembled 120 invitations with the wrong date.
I called my venue contact, my helpers, and my friend who will provide live music. So far, all have the second date available.
I updated the online places I report my scheduled events, such as my website and drafted newsletter. So many things to remember!
Tasks Performed This Past Week
Book Proofs
I received three advance reader copies. Between my husband and I, we found eight errors.
Tip: Don’t think you can find all errors yourself. John didn’t see two I noted, and I missed one he spotted.
Influencers
Because of delays, I sent my sixteen influencers the most current PDFs of my book. This allowed them two full weeks to read the book before the release date.
Tip: Pad your schedule with time to have fun and respond to questions and comments your influencers have.
Online Promotion
Facebook Party
image by geralt
I signed up for a half-hour spot on the Facebook Party hosted by my state chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Tip: Look for Facebook parties hosted by writer organizations you belong to. They usually have a following of readers and do the setup work. Although they promote the party, share it on all your social media outlets.
Tip: I added the party details to my Goodreads Author Page. Goodreads makes it easy to invite readers to the party.
Tip: Throughout the year, look for quality items on sale that you can use for giveaways. I’ll give away a book, a bracelet, and a heart-shaped sticky-note dispenser.
Amazon Ad
My publisher offers to co-fund and place Amazon ads. I signed up for one to begin on my release date.
Guest Blogs
I sent items needed for a spotlight on a popular author’s blog, and once again requested guidelines for a guest post due next week.
Keeping Me Straight
The Little Things
Tip: I leave spaces on my to-do schedule for small projects that I remember later. For example, adding my new book cover to my email signature hadn’t made it to my weekly list. Also, when someone asked me about my books, I realized I hadn’t replaced my old business cards with my new ones in my purse.
Tip: Daily check the outstanding tasks you’ve typed in red in your marketing spreadsheet. As I did this past week, you’ll sometimes need to remind people to send you information you need to satisfy your commitment to them.
Book Marketing Diary – Entry 5: Facebook party & other actual promotion activities. Click to tweet.
How successful have you found Facebook parties for sales and author recognition?
Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy is she wrong.
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