The point of my blog is to note my progress and what I know and have researched about self-publishing. I don’t want this to become just facts and information that I get from other books or online. I really intend to keep this on a personal level – and keep in mind that this is what I am doing. Others have probably done different, better or worse. Just sayin’.
So now what am I doing? Well, I am really focusing on the pre-launch stuff. There seems to be so much to do and every time you talk to someone, you get another idea and add it to your list. I have attached my ‘to-do’ list so far. Just click here: To Do What I have highlighted, is already done. The list grows everyday and by the time I post this again, it will be twice as long – guaranteed. I will be the first to admit, this isn’t a very good system but at least it is a system. You need something to keep you focused and moving forward. I promise to develop a checkpoint of some kind for my authors so you feel like you have a handle on things.
My pre-launch consists of first – creating a website and blog. You have to direct people somewhere once you get their attention so a website has to be first. I went to wordpress because Mira (my work) had used it and I felt a bit more comfortable. There are other options for blogs and free sites (godaddy, blogspot, etc). I will actually be blogging about setting up a blog. LOL. Definitely start with what is free. You can get to all that fancy stuff later once you have made a few bucks.
Social Media – Wow. I have 2 small kids, a full time job and now this book. Who has time for this social media stuff? I am lucky to flip through facebook at 9pm for 10 minutes before I fall asleep. Anyway, this is the most challenging for me, by far. I have done the following (and will get more in depth with social media once I figure them all out) – Linkedin, facebook, twitter, reddit, tumbler and digg. I know nothing about reddit, tumbler and digg. Luckily, my brother is one of those guys that read a lot of articles about anything and everything so he is a pro with this site. I handed this job over to him so let’s see how it goes. I know that on my blog I instantly saw about 9 hits come through reddit. He also said that people see things on this site way before facebook and other sources. The point of this rant was – don’t be afraid to ask for help!
I have also done the layout on postcards and business cards. They need to look similar to your book cover – same colors, fonts etc. This is what building your brand is all about. You have started a business now with your book, so treat it like one. You should always keep business cards and postcards on hand. Leave them anywhere you can w/o being too obnoxious. Don’t be afraid to spread the word. There will always be opposition to your success. Most great people faced this when they started. Ignore the haters and move on.
This is getting long so I will end on that note.
There are many other things to do pre-launch and that is all based around the genre and nature of your book. Be sure to check out my previous manuscript and cover blogs – just look to your right under ‘recent posts’. My next few blogs will be on ISBN, barcodes, LOC and copyright. Be sure and hit the little follow button on the top left of your screen.
As always, I appreciate any comments, suggestions or feedback. If you have a blog topic you want me to cover – send it over.
…and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.
real answers real authors 
Jill–you’re on your way -YAY. And you are so right. Treating your book like a business and a brand is SO important. Keep going!
Thanks Constance!
Jill this is great! Treating your book like a business was great advice. I have not thought about that so I will be keeping up with your blog, This social media stuff is hard for me to fit into my schedule and I am just getting into it with the help of my children and grandchildren do this like breathing! So I am trying to take advantage of my free tech help! I have not marketed the book I published with Mira almost two years ago! I can’t believe how the time has gone. So I have begun another book and I will follow your prelaunch and plan to do the same. Congratulations and all the best.
P.S. I do have a blog site! I have a pretty good start!??
Hi Mattie,
I appreciate you checking out my blog and hope that the info helps! What is the link to your blog? I will be sure and follow it.
Hi Jill the info does help and also encourages me to continue to write and publish. My blog is oasisofprayer.blogspot.com/
It’s refreshing to see a writter be positive about marketing and branding for once. Good luck with your endeavours. You seem to know what you are doing…
Thanks Cassandra! I am still figuring it out but all the positive comments are a big help!
Thanks Jill. I have never used a system like you shared with us here. However, I sort to do what I could in pre-launch mode to let others know I was writing a book and how they can review it and purchase it (i.e. I created a low cost website). I also made a flyer with a copy of the cover on it for distribution. Thanks for the tips, though I don’t know all of what you shared on your checklist – – It gave me enough information and guideline to figure it out (one item at a time). Thanks, Karen
Jill. Your prelaunch advice and general comments will be a valuable part of your eventual book, I predict. One thing you might speak to is timing. Most authors are so wrapped up in the writing, then the publishing, the prelaunch stuff gets shortchanged. So, the question is: (see next reply)
At what point is the author too early and when is he/she too late to start the prelaunch?
Good question John! I think it may be different for each author and type of book. Some may need to start 6 months out but typically, I think 2-3 months is good and doable. Of course – start telling friends and family as soon as you have the idea to write a book 😉
Jill your comments are both interesting and useful – Will follow your progress – I have been lackadaisical about marketing my book, but your progress to date has inspired me to get going – keep writing !!
Thanks Aubrey – I appreciate you checking out my blog and an glad that it is helpful!
Great article. My advice on social media would be to focus on one or two. It is better to be really good at one than mediocre at all. Plus, you don’t want to burn yourself out. I highly recommend using Google+ and its communities. There are less users so you will stand out more and you rank higher in search results. In less than a month after starting blogging I switched to Google+ and saw 160 hits in a day.
Thanks Carson, awesome comment! When you say google+ and its communities – what communities are you referring to? I post on google+ but that is the extent of it.
Pingback: Prelaunch Marketing – great idea! | Little Ebook Reviews
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it.
I have got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you
post…
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult
time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different
then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
I am using wordpress. It is just the free version. I did purchase the URL at $18/year. You can play around with the background/images quite a bit on the free one. I am still debating on how I want mine to look. I am never happy 🙂