How to Prep for Your Book Launch with Sober Sexpert Tawny Lara
Sep 13, 2023
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Tawny Lara, known as The Sober Sexpert and author of *Dry Humping*, shares her insights on launching a book without alcohol as a crutch. She discusses creative ways to drive pre-orders, like making swag from her book announcement. Transitioning to sober dating, Tawny emphasizes the importance of humor and vulnerability in relationships. The conversation also touches on the benefits of outsourcing during a book launch and the emotional realities authors face, reminding listeners to leverage community support for success.
Effective book launches involve early marketing strategies, including cultivating a following and creating promotional merchandise for pre-orders.
Building a supportive network of peers and utilizing resources like virtual assistants can streamline the launch process and enhance resilience.
Deep dives
Emerging Author Program Overview
The Emerging Author Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring authors to access high-quality publishing services at a fraction of the typical cost. Participants receive comprehensive training through a course that details proprietary methods and personal coaching to facilitate implementation without feeling overwhelmed. They also have the chance to publish under an established imprint, which helps them avoid the negative connotations often associated with self-publishing, aligning their work with the standards of traditionally published bestsellers. This program emphasizes the importance of being ready to invest time and effort to effectively launch a successful book.
The Importance of Strategic Marketing
Successful book launches require well-thought-out marketing strategies that begin before the book is even written. Authors must build a platform to demonstrate their marketability to publishers by cultivating a following and sharing valuable content related to their expertise. The podcast highlights how marketing can include organic growth, such as engaging storytelling about personal experiences, and creating pre-hook promotions, like merchandise to celebrate milestone announcements. Establishing an effective marketing plan is crucial in ensuring a book reaches its target audience and gains traction.
Innovative Promotional Techniques
Authors can deploy creative marketing tactics to generate excitement about their upcoming books. One notable example includes changing a social media profile name to encourage pre-orders, which subtly promotes the book during everyday interactions. Additionally, hosting virtual events and leveraging social media channels effectively enhances visibility while keeping the promotional momentum alive. Engaging with the community through initiatives like advanced reader exchanges and social sharing on platforms like Goodreads can further amplify word-of-mouth promotion and visibility.
Building a Support Network
Creating and maintaining a supportive network is vital for authors during their book launch journey. The podcast emphasizes the significance of connecting with writers' groups, hiring virtual assistants, and actively engaging with peers who can assist with marketing efforts, production logistics, and emotional support. Collaboration through sharing responsibilities, such as bartering services or initiating joint promotional events, helps streamline the workload and fosters a sense of community among writers. A strong support system enhances resilience in the face of challenges and elevates the success of the book launch through shared experiences.
This was recorded months before the book's release because I wanted to get a sense of what she was doing at this stage of her launch...turns out, a lot. In this episode, we talk about the ways she's incentivizing pre-orders, why she got a shirt made of her Publishers Marketplace book announcement and how outsourcing can help with a book launch.
Tips galore in here...as well as some good motivation to start the launch work early!