Book Launch Basic Training

What exactly is a book launch team? And furthermore, how do you launch a book? 

Well, I'm glad you asked. 

Think of it as a birth. A baby coming into the world. Fresh and new. Most times with a cry. And of course, with (adoring) parents. And grandparents. And siblings. And a host of friends and family who are waiting with bated breath for the delivery. 

Do they keep it to themselves? Of course not. It's a time to rejoice and share the news with others!

Birth = Launch 
Delivery = Release
Announcement = Launch Team

Easy-peasy. Or is it?

Let me tell you how it works, and let YOU be the judge, okay?

So, in my cover reveal, there's a bit of mystery, to build excitement. Kind of like a gender reveal. Hah! I never equated those two until now. . .

But once the book releases, the author wants everyone to know: 

- what the book is about- summary and hook - without giving too much away.
- it's available for pre-order and where.
- what makes the story stand out.
- who would enjoy the book most. Contrary to some people's opinion, every book is NOT for every reader.
- something about the author and her journey to publication.

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But an author can't launch her book in a vacuum. She needs help!

Isn't that a cool movie? I love BookBrush!

The first task on a launch team member's list is to read the book. Duh! Who wants to share a book they've never read? And how do they read a book that has not been released yet?

The Author gifts them an ARC (advanced reader copy), usually an e-book, since the physical book has not been printed. No money needs to be invested on a book launch team. That's the best part. There are many ways to help an author out, even without a social media presence.

​How?

The first and most important way is to write an honest review, ready to post the day of the book's release. Reviews generate more sales, and bring your book closer to the top of Amazon's 'suggestion for your next read' list. Librarians will be more willing to invest in your book if they see it's had many good reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, etc.

What makes a great review?  More on that in a later post . . .

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Here are other ways to share a book AFTER you write and post the review:

​-call your local and school library and request them to purchase the book for their collection.

-purchase the book as a gift for your child, grandchild or friend's child. Promote reading!

-take a photo of yourself with the book, or on a location similar to the story's setting (The Heart Changer takes place in the Syrian desert), and share it on social media with a link to Amazon, the book's publisher or other online store.

or . . .

- Share it by good ole' word-of-mouth!

If you join my team, I will make it easy for you to share on social media by making 'memes' or images with my book cover and quotes or endorsements for you. And best of all, my precious team will be the first to receive book swag, be entered into a prize giveaway, and if desired, a signed copy of my book! There will also be an opportunity to win prizes along the way as you engage with me on FaceBook or Instagram Live on April 26th, the day my book baby is sent into the world!

Most of all, you will have touched a debut author with your willingness to come alongside me and support The Heart Changer, a middle-grade historical fiction I pray will touch thousands of lives with its message of hope. Here's the Amazon and Barnes & Noble pre-order link if you haven't seen it.

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Will you be that person to join my launch team?

If so, sign up below - I promise to help you every step of the way!