#157. 10 Surprising Lessons From My First Book Launch
Sep 3, 2024
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Discover ten surprising lessons learned from a first book launch, including the awkwardness of asking for Amazon reviews and how crucial marketing strategies made a difference. Dive into behind-the-scenes insights about balancing social media with engaging ARC readers and influencers. Uncover the emotional challenges faced, especially dealing with disappointments from others. Plus, learn why celebrating milestones is essential, no matter how low-key the celebration may be!
Asking for favors during a book launch presents emotional challenges that can impact an author's experience and success.
Managing a comprehensive marketing plan, including securing reviews, is essential for authors to effectively promote their own books.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Asking for Help
Asking for favors during a book launch can be unexpectedly difficult. Despite being prepared, the speaker faced discomfort when requesting support from friends and influencers, highlighting the emotional challenge of following up with those who didn't respond. Feeling like a nuisance added to the struggle, demonstrating that even seasoned authors can experience anxiety in such situations. Ultimately, although uncomfortable, the effort to reach out for help proved essential for the launch's success.
The Importance of Reviews
Securing reviews for a new book serves as a crucial element in its marketing strategy, aimed at creating social proof. Despite a goal of obtaining 100 reviews, only 50 were acquired during the launch, which was below expectations given the free copies distributed. The quantity and quality of reviews greatly influence potential buyers and affect how the book is promoted on platforms like Amazon. This experience underscores the need for authors to actively manage and solicit reviews as part of their promotional efforts.
Marketing Responsibility Lies with the Author
Authors are often responsible for their own marketing efforts, regardless of whether they have a publisher. The speaker shared their experience managing all promotional activities, from outreach to content creation, emphasizing that, despite publisher support, the heavy lifting rested on their shoulders. This highlights the common misconception that publishing itself guarantees effective marketing. Embracing this responsibility can lead to success, as seen through various promotional tactics that proved effective during the launch.
Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—and I learned soooo much about book marketing.
Tune into this episode to hear the ten surprising lessons I learned from my first book launch, including things like:
[03:10] What I learned about asking for Amazon reviews—and how asking for favors was the most uncomfortable part of the book launch process for me
[04:30] A look behind the scenes at my marketing plan, including how I balanced things like social media, emailing my list, and working with ARC Readers and influencers
[07:50] What moved the needle for me and made it possible for my book to become anAmazon bestseller and the #1 New Release in the category
[12:00] The hardest part of the book launch for me emotionally—and how I dealt with people who didn’t show up for me like they said they would
[15:30] Why it’s important to celebrate afterpublishing a book (and what my celebration looked like—spoiler alert: it was very low-key but still fun!)
If you want a peek behind the scenes to hear what worked, what didn’t work, what I’m glad I did, and what I’d do differently next time, you’re going to love this episode!
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