by Lou Belcher

Created on: February 16, 2009

Just published: Preparing for a book launch.

Once you have a date for the release of your book, you need to begin to prepare for the launch of your book. Here's how:

1. Prepare business cards with the name and the cover of your book on one side and your name and contact information on the other. Some writers substitute bookmarks or post cards for business cards.

2. Put up a website if you don't already have one. Announce the launch date of your book on the website and be sure before you go live with it that you are ready to take orders for your book. After all, you want everyone who sees your launch to have an opportunity to buy your book. Be sure to make the launch of your book obvious on your website. Don't hide it on an obscure page that people may not see.

3. Set up a blog. Get some chatter going on the Internet about your book by creating a blog about your book and like topics to drive traffic to the purchase sites.

4. Write several versions of press releases for the launch of your book. Make a list of all appropriate newspapers and magazines and send a press release announcing the release of your book to each. Make it easy for the writers at those locations by sending a jpeg of the book cover and a photo of you. Include in the press release several quotes by you. The easier you make it for them to write an article by lifting information from the press release, the more apt they'll be to publish something about your book.

5. Also, send press releases to local and national talk radio shows. Include similar information as in other press releases, but also include a list of questions to make the interview easy for the talk show host.

6. Book signings. Call or write book stores in and out of your own area to set up book signings and talks to launch your book. If you have a favorite bookstore, schedule your initial book signing with them. Do this because most of your friends and family will attend the first book signing. It will, therefore, probably be the largest and you'll want to give this honor to your favorite.

7. Marketing a book takes lots of time and energy. You'll do yourself a favor if you systematically attend to all the details and plan well for a big launch. Months later, someone will buy your book because they remember the publicity surrounding its launch.

8. If your book hits a niche market, such as cooking, gardening, etc., be sure your mailing list of press release include every cooking store or gardening center in the area that might have an interest in the book.

You've heard the phrase "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." It will serve you well to remember this when launching your book. Try to cover as big an area and as diverse an area as you can and your launch will be more successful.

Learn more about this author, Lou Belcher.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.