Tag: book launch

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Guest Posts

Book signing 101

Guest posts

The release date of my first book was etched in my mind. I eagerly shared the news, and excitement filled me. This was the beginning of my journey as an author.

I decided to celebrate my book’s publication with a big party—a book signing. This would be a celebration. Not in a ‘look at me’ way, but I planned to enjoy this milestone and wanted those I loved with me.

I learned a lot along the way and want to share with other new authors what worked and what I would change.

Preplanning Stage

  • Decide what kind of celebration you want – big, small, fancy, intimate, casual – and where you’ll hold it – your home, the library, a rented facility
  • 1 ½ to 2 hours is a great time frame. A pre-lunch with coffee, tea, water, and a cake. Brunch if you want to feed your guests. I chose mid-afternoon and served finger foods and cupcakes.
  • A good rule of thumb for party planning is that you’ll get about half the number of people you’ve invited. I invited everyone! I put up flyers in area businesses and sent out press releases to the closest newspapers. Still, I knew almost everyone who came to my book signing.
  • Set a budget. I didn’t do this. Instead, I went into it willy-nilly and spent too much money.
  • Enlist help. My sister helped with food, my youngest daughter made a playlist and acted as photographer, and my husband took the money while I only had to sign books. One friend took care of the raffle items, and another manned the sign-in table and handed out swag bags.

Decisions, Decisions

I couldn’t decide what to wear. I’m a blue jeans or capris and T-shirt kind of person, but I wanted to dress up a bit for my very first book signing. My tip: be comfortable. If you’re not stressed about how you look, you will enjoy yourself that much more.

Raffle Items

When attendees signed in, they received a raffle ticket. My oldest daughter rounded up donations, and I ended up with fifteen bags to raffle off, plus one grand prize that held a bit of everything.

What to Take on the Big Day

You’re dressed and ready to go. The location is perfect; you’ve planned how to decorate it and what food to serve. Everything has been purchased, and you’re ready. Then panic sets in. What do you need to take?

  • Books – take a few more than you think you’ll need.
  • Change – and something to keep it in. Also a sign for how people can pay besides cash. QR codes for alternate payment options are helpful.
  • Pens – so you can sign the books! Take more than one, just in case.
  • Bookmarks and/or business cards. I also have postcards to hand out. They include the QR code for where to buy my book, a picture of the book cover, and the book’s blurb.
  • Food and drinks – do you need tablecloths, plates, cups, and silverware? We had charcuterie cups with food on skewers. I found the idea on Pinterest, and they were a big hit. We served mini soda cans, small water bottles, and sweet tea. We also had cupcakes and cookies that were donated.
  • Swag bags – attendees received a swag bag at the sign-in table. It contained a bookmark, a pen with my name and my book’s name, and a sticker with my book cover on it.
  • Newsletter sign-up sheets
  • Decorations – my book is about an empty nester who starts a birding group, so I had bowls of birdseed in the middle of each table. I bought small organza drawstring bags so people could make birdseed bags to take home. I also had pictures that were beachy or bird-themed. I displayed paintings that my oldest daughter did for my book.
  • Tape, permanent marker, scissors – these always come in handy

During the Signing

Enjoy yourself! Smile, laugh, sign books, talk to people. Be prepared to speak—just a short “speech” thanking everyone for coming and celebrating with you. You can also read a section of your book. I finished with a Q&A. Remember, these are your family and friends (and possibly a few strangers), and they came to be with you!

After the Signing

Be sure to clean up the area and remember that saying thank you goes a long way. Thank the people who helped, and send written thank yous to people who donated items. Emails are fine, but handwritten thank-yous are better. Why? They make a good impression and are professional.

Last but not least, what I’d change: AKA how to save money

Ask for food donations (cake, cupcakes) and raffle items.

I gave out bookmarks, but I will stick with the postcards. They’re less expensive, and I added a QR code to purchase the book. Personalized pencils are less expensive than pens; if I give out stickers, I will find a cheaper place to get them.

At my next book signing, which is with multiple authors, I’ll bring personalized pencils, birdseed and drawstring bags to make and take, a tablecloth, books and pens, a newsletter sign-up sheet, change and QR codes for other payment options, and my postcards.

Oh, and candy. You don’t have to serve food, but everyone likes a little something sweet.

Jen Dodrill uses her faith and passion for healthy families to write novels that encourage and inspire hope. A retired Navy wife, former homeschool mom, and mother of five, her favorite title is Grandma. When she isn’t writing, reading, or drinking coffee, she spends time with her family in West Tennessee. Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released February 27, 2024.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap: February Part 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Ask an Agent Q&A with Bethany Jett

Literary agent Bethany Jett answers our questions about proposals, pitches, and the decision-making process. This behind-the-scenes peek into the submission process provides insight into how one agent evaluates proposals and makes decisions about representation.

Other aspects of the writing industry are also discussed such as writing under a pseudonym, marketing and platform, and proposing a series. Bethany also talks about Twitter Pitch Parties and Query Tracker/QueryManager.

Watch the January 31st replay.

Bethany Jett is an associate literary agent with the C.Y.L.E. agency, as well as a multi-award-winning author, and a marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. Her motto is “Teach as you go,” which she lives out as the co-owner of Serious Writer, a company that teaches and empowers writers and authors. Bethany is married to her college sweetheart, and together they’re raising 3 teen/tween sons and their Pomeranian Sadie.

Launch Party Lessons

In this episode of Writers Chat, author, M.N. Stroh, and the members of her launch party team: Brandy Brow, Josephine (Jo) Massaro, and Norma Poore, share their experiences planning and participating in the Tale of the Clans Launch Party. From the roles each played to the lessons learned, they offer practical takeaways and best practices for those planning their first book launch party.

Watch the February 7th replay.

The Heart of Writing with Larry J. Leech II

Instead of Samuel L. Jackson asking you “What’s in your wallet?”, what if he asked, “What’s in your heart?” What would you tell him? Your simple answer should explain why you write and why you write what you write. In this Valentine’s Day episode of Writers Chat, veteran editor and writing coach, Larry J. Leech II, plays cardiologist and discusses the importance of a regular heart checkup while on your writing journey.

Watch the February 14th replay.

Writing coach of award-winning authors, Larry J. Leech II has spent more than 40 years working with words. After a journalism career that included 2,300 published articles, Larry started freelance writing and editing in 2004. He has ghostwritten 30 books, edited over 400 manuscripts, and taught at numerous conferences nationwide.

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Kids Lit

How to Launch a Dinosaur

Kids Lit

Back in 2021, I relayed the long, long trail to sell a 181-word board book manuscript for publication. And I promised to describe the launch!

Triassic 

From dinos in my brain to in the book is like waiting to see a first-born child. Finally, the editor approves the illustrator, and How to Dress a Dinosaur has a cover reveal! Over the top cuteness, I put it on my website, Facebook, and find a launch group of other authors with 2022 releases.

Jurassic

Confidently, I contact local preschools, bookstores, and libraries for the Big Launch event. That’s when I’m informed that with a pandemic (I already had shots) going on no kid programs are being scheduled in March. And everyone is tired of Zoom.

In the meantime, I hire a virtual assistant and build a Pinterest board for dinosaur-related crafts, food, games, and costumes. Plus I order the cutest-ever dinosaur-themed dress.

Copies of my book arrive. I get so excited to tear into packaging I forget to take the usual “box opening” video. I beg family member for photos of any kids in dino costumes or with dinos and unearth my nephew’s dinosaur themed wedding!

I sneakily check all my area libraries to see if they have How to Dress a Dinosaur on order and, as a “local author,” request they purchase it. My launch group comes through with reviews on Goodreads. I start micro-watching the Amazon New Books page and get very excited when How to Dress a Dinosaur gets to number 11! This is going to be big!

Comet Strike

March 15! This is it! Launch Day!…crickets…

I read How to Dress a Dinosaur to one preschool outdoors on a blustery day in a heavy coat—which covers my cute dinosaur dress. Sigh.

Cretaceous

At last, a local bookstore is willing to live-launch How to Dress a Dinosaur on International Dinosaurs Day at the end of May! I bribe my teenage grandchildren to dress in blow-up dinosaur costumes. My own International Dinosaur Day is a real-time event with people who want an autographed copy! Book launches. Post pictures.

Cenozoic

I write an adorable sequel to How to Dress a Dinosaur and am informed the dino market is glutted. Time to move on to mammals…

Award Winning author Robin Currie learned story sharing by sitting on the floor, during library story times. She has sold 1.7 M copies of her 40 storybooks and writes stories to read and read again. Robin is thrilled to have finally launched  How to Dress a Dinosaur  (familius, 2022)!

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for May, PArt 1

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

The Dos and Don’ts of Book Launches with Bethany Jett

Bethany shares her expertise in what we good-naturedly call “drinking-from-the-firehose” presentation that includes tips on building a following on Instagram using ads, focusing on “national days” to soft-sell your book, and planning a long-term strategy. We dabble in related areas such as getting reviews, providing special giveaways for your launch team, and so much more. If you have a book that launches this year or are still in the writing process, this is an episode you’ll want to watch a couple of times.

Watch the May 4th replay.

Bethany Jett, founder of Serious Writer, Inc. and co-owner of Platinum Literary Services, is a multi-published author who launched two books almost simultaneously last year. Additionally, she works with clients to create book proposals that include creative marketing sections and assists clients with their own book launches. You can connect with Bethany on social media or at www.bethanyjett.com

Split Time Fiction with Melanie Dobson and Morgan Tarpley Smith

One of the great things about writing is it never stays the same. In this episode of Writers Chat Melanie and Morgan discuss a relatively new genre, split time fiction (also known as dual time or time slip fiction). They share great ideas on how to bridge the past to the present by using an object like a ring or a book. Fans of this genre love reading about two or more parallel stories taking place in different times. Whether you’re simply curios or have written in this genre before, there’s something for you in this episode.

Watch the May 11th replay.

Melanie Dobson loves any excuse to explore abandoned houses, travel to unique places, and spend hours reading old books and journals. This award-winning author of more than twenty novels enjoys stitching together both time-slip and historical stories including Memories of Glass, Catching the Wind, and her Legacy of Love series. Five of her books—including two Legacy of Love novels—have won Carol Awards for historical fiction. You can connect with Melanie on social media or at www.melaniedobson.com

Morgan Tarpley Smith writes inspirational fiction that transports women to faraway places and weaves past and present to explore questions of truth and faith. Besides writing and traveling to over a dozen countries, her interests include hanging out at coffee shops, listening to records, and researching genealogy. She works as a newspaper reporter and lives in Louisiana with her husband and son. You can connect with Morgan on social media or at www.morgantarpleysmith.com

Join Us

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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Writing for YA

Do’s and Don’ts When Forming Your Launch Team

Congratulations, your book baby is now ready for release! What comes next? It’s time to celebrate your book release with friends who are ready to shout out your book news on social media.

As a blogger, writer, and voracious reader, so far, I have been on nearly twenty launch teams. I’ve gathered some wonderful ideas and went through some “growing pains” with friends as they crafted their release teams.

Take a deep breath, and exhale. We’re here to make sure your launch team is everything you hoped it would be… and so much more.

What Not to Do

Any timeline suggested is a guideline, not written in stone dates to adhere to. If you are early, start working on what you can. If you’ve passed a “deadline” you can probably catch up (although some scrambling might take place).

Don’t #1 Where’s my tribe? Two or three months before your launch, place an all-call on your social media, website, author blog, and newsletter asking for launch team members. Give them details of what they will need to do if they become part of your team. Not everyone will be able to do what you require.

Don’t #2 No spending limit! You’ll want to have a budget that fits your financial needs for contest prizes both within your launch team and on social media at large: books, branded author items, possible postage, etc. We all love those cute paperclips or notepads, or any office supplies in general, so please remember to keep an eye on your wallet and get creative about your prizes.

Don’t #3 Accept everyone (more accurately, choose wisely). Are the interested persons tech savvy? Do they have all the large social media outlets in regular rotation on their computers and/or phones? Have they written reviews before, created memes, recommended books to friends? The more your team is promotions oriented, the better the reach will be to interested persons. AKA, your readers.

Don’t #4 No GPS? We’re ready for a party. But where is it located? This is a huge event in your writing life, celebrate with your new and longtime friends on Facebook by creating a group. Helpful hint-have several trusted and knowledgeable author/writer friends serve as administrators or moderators on the page along with you. You’ll have “more eyes” on the page when questions or comments arise from launch team members.

Don’t #5 No Guidance. For some of your group members this might be their first time on a launch team. It’s okay to have newbies, sometimes they are the most enthusiastic! But you’ll want to set parameters for the launch team such as participation expectations, how to post reviews to booksellers websites, where they can post, and when to name a few.

The Fun Stuff

Okay, you know what not to do, now what about the things you Do need to take care of?

DO #1 Create a fun atmosphere for your group. Your team is part of a community. Create a fun, vibrant, place for them to visit and chat. Let them get to know you and each other better through this group.

DO #2 Prizes. Everyone loves prizes! Have meme or video creation contests centered around your book, photo scavenger hunts for objects, colors, something that appears in your novel, and even your website. Remember, the prizes don’t have to be pricey. Get creative.

DO #3 Show your appreciation for them being part of your group. Tucking some bookmarks in the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) you send to them and writing a “thank you” note are simple things you can do to build the team relationship further. Other things that can be done are sending some chocolates, a few “while you’re reading” tea bags, or an author branded item. Even is they are reading your ARC digitally, you can still send some of these goodies to them.

Do #4 Keep the sizzle in social media. Your 10-day countdown Ask your top ten performers to create a meme to post on their assigned day so all the launch team members can share it on their social media. You can tweak the posting timeline to suit your needs. It is an exciting way to celebrate your upcoming release, whether it is a 10-day countdown, or 3 or 4-day countdown. It is totally up to you.

Do #5 Have a release day party on Facebook with your team members. Let them know how much their participation means to you. All of you deserve to celebrate on this special day, and it’s a great way to thank them for the work they’ve done to promote your book.

When book launch time arises for you, have fun, remember to breathe, and celebrate because you did it! Congratulations! All the best to you and your future book launching teams as you bring your book babies out into the world, one confident step at a time.

Stacy T. Simmons helps writers of Christian fiction in her role as president of ACFW-DFW and at her blog, Fueled by Faith and Caffeine.

Stacy writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Thirty-three years of marital bliss is a great contributor. By day, she is an office manager for an insurance agent. By night, she is happily working on her manuscript, or her blog, Fueled by Faith and Caffeine. Her home is filled with family and a menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.” Connect with Stacy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. She loves to interact with her readers.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #17 – Prepare a successful launch

I think writers must contemplate individual words much more than the average person. If that weren’t true, I’m convinced we would see hordes of people staring into space much more often. The word launch conjures up everything from ships sailing to teens leaving for college. But for a writer, the word launch encompasses those same concepts and so much more. The day a book launches is the day a dream becomes reality. But to give that dream the best chance to reach its full potential, just like an adept captain or a diligent parent, we must prepare in advance for the big event. Here are a few tips to get your book ready for launch.

1) Rally your tribe. Enlist as many launch team volunteers as you can. As the clock ticks closer to your release date, keep your team engaged through emails and/or by forming a private group, through social media, just for them. Use group posts to generate excitement and to remind your team about important tasks. You can do this in fun ways, like offering weekly giveaways or posting teaser excerpts or illustrations from your upcoming book.

2) Get the word out. It’s likely that you have potential readers out there who have never heard of you or your book. One way to find them is to use your launch team and other connections to introduce yourself. Social media is a great tool for this kind of word of mouth exposure. When a reader first sees a friend’s post about your book, they take casual notice. Then they hear about your amazing book from another source—and it cues their mental radar. But when the potential reader hears about the book a third time, it puts them into action mode.

3) Consider a virtual launch party. Covid has made face-to-face book signings and launch parties almost impossible. But no fear, there are multiple resources available to help you engage with your anxiously awaiting public—via the internet. Online social gatherings and conferences are becoming the norm, and fortunately, we can glean from the experiences of others who have gone before us. Facebook Live, Zoom, and StreamYard are great forums for a launch party. The first place to start is by doing a Google search for online launch parties, specific to your genera. Notice the platforms used, check for what worked and what did not with other parties, then steal your favorite ideas and create the party of your dreams to celebrate the birth of your book baby.

Technology has become the bridge between writers and their audience during this social distancing season. If you find yourself lacking in the tech skill to prepare your book for launch, know that you are not alone. But don’t let that intimidate you. Network with other authors for information and take full advantage of YouTube tutorials to educate yourself. Together, we can do it! Check out the link in the resources below for more information.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
How Do Writers Create Book Launch Content?

How to Throw a Virtual Book Launch Using Facebook Live:

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-throw-a-virtual-book-launch-using-facebook-live/

My FB Author Page and My Launch Party Invite:

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

You Released a Book WHEN?

lighter look at a writer's life

I released a book during a pandemic. What’s new with you?

I waited years upon years to see a book with my name on the cover. That dream came true on April 7, 2020 with the release of Adventures in Fatherhood, a 60-Day Devotional co-authored with good friend (and fellow A3 columnist) Holland Webb.

When you get a book contract, you have hopes, plans, and dreams about the book release. At a writers conference last year, I even attended a workshop on “How to do a Book Launch.”

A month before the release, I received a case of books from the publisher. I scheduled a book launch party in the town where I live. I contacted venues about having one in my hometown, about an hour away. I made plans to do something special with my friends at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the event where I met my co-author and where the idea for the book was hatched. I had even planned a fatherhood-themed costume for Genre Night.

And then, just like that, everything closed, all events were postponed or even cancelled (For the record, BRMCWC was rescheduled for mid-November—watch out, pals), and my day job was shifted to home.

So long, hopes, plans, and dreams. It was nice knowing you.

Seriously, people were suffering around the world with a terrible medical condition. My concern over releasing book during this time paled in comparison. My heart hurt for people dealing with the medical and financial ramifications.

The main thing I learned is that God is not surprised at the current state of our world. He is sovereign and still has a plan; He knew the book would be released in such a time as this. Rather than drop back and punt, I decided to pivot. God gave me a different, renewed vision of what a book release could look like in quarantine.

During that workshop last year, there was extensive talk about online book launches through various social media outlets. At the time, I thought, “Ehhh, maybe.” In April, when the book released, I thought, “Sign me up!”

Our publisher supplied us with spiffy social media memes and videos, along with a plan on how and when to share them. My co-author and I planned, filmed, and posted our own book release chat. I filmed and shared videos highlighting various stories from the book.

Holland and I realized that two more friends, Michelle Medlock-Adams and Jake McCandless (both of whom we met at BRMCWC), had books releasing the same day. I came up with the idea of hosting a “Book Release Pajama Party” through Facebook. Hey, we’re all living in our pajamas these days, so why not? It turned out to be a great time full of laughter, snacks (we all provided our own), and lively book discussion and readings. It was great fun, and something we likely would have never even thought about in normal times. I think we started a trend.

Releasing a book during a pandemic taught me the value of my “tribe.” My fellow writers, my friends, and my family have been extremely gracious and supportive—sharing information, hosting me and my co-author on blogs and podcasts, and sending messages of goodwill. God has shown Himself through the kindness of His people.

I leave you with two thoughts:

  1. Adventures in Fatherhood is available and would make a great Father’s Day gift, Mother’s Day gift, or Quarantine Boredom Buster. http://bit.ly/AdventuresInFatherhoodBook
  2. Look for my next book, Quarantine Conundrum: Releasing a Book During a Pandemic, coming soon.

That last one is just a joke. Sort of.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate–all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.

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Guest Posts

Add POW to Your Writing Resume

Is writing a competitive business, or a complimentary one? As hard as it is to admit this, I have to tell you it is inherent in my nature to be jealous. Someone might look like a better writer; another might seem to get more opportunities. How does a writer drop the green eyes of envy and adopt Christ’s attitude, in order to serve other writers? Here are three ways I’ve learned to be proactive in adding POW to my writing. First, let’s define POW.  

POW: Promote Other Writers, as in a lifestyle of service to others. When I highlight another author’s quality, I set them apart. I connect others to their topic, and I celebrate the art they bring to the world.

Three ways to Promote Other Writers:

Book Reviews

Book sales thrive on reviews. Your opinion doesn’t have to be positive or negative, just truthful. Don’t attack a writer’s opinion. Do look for ways the book helped your outlook on the subject. Reviews bump a book higher in ranking on retail sites and provide readers insight before buying books. Reviews bring a written work in front of a new audience, to highlight its value to the marketplace.

As a reviewer, I receive physical copies of books to use as giveaways on my blog, thereby building my own readership while helping other authors build theirs. It’s a win-win situation.

Two examples:

Bookcrash is a review site run by CIPA, Christian Indie Publishing Association.

AList Bloggers is run by Adams PR Group.

Book Launches

When you sign up to participate on a Launch Team, you agree to help launch the author’s work into the book world. The time frame coordinates reviews with publication dates, media interviews and press releases. Watching the process of another’s book launch teaches you how to connect with your own readers with giveaways and conversation starters.

Two examples:

Waterbrook/Multnomah Book Launch Team.

Blog About, run by the Blythe Daniel Agency.

Memes: a photo with a quote becomes an easy way to promote.

Authors have multiple tools at their fingertips to aid in the creation of memes. The saying may come from a pull quote in the book, or the author’s tagline. It may be a theme or a scripture. The author’s link is added for reference. When writers share each other’s memes on social media, we link arms to pass the word around the internet. Social media notices memes more than a quote without a picture, and that visual creates an easy opportunity to create a buzz around a book.

Two tool for making memes:

Pixteller

Canva

Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us of the attitude Jesus adopted in His tenure on the earth. He didn’t flaunt His status, but served God’s purposes. As we humble ourselves in order to promote other writers, we are serving the Lord, too.

Remember that green-eyed monster we talked about at the beginning of this conversation? When you’re busy helping other authors, there’s no time to be jealous of their success. It turns into a chance for a party instead, as you celebrate their work and accomplishments.

Continue the conversation: What can you do today, to Promote Other Writers?

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon. 

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

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Guest Posts

How Do Writers Create Book Launch Content?

Congratulations on having a book to launch! Now to accept the challenge of creating content in today’s world of social media. So what’s next? Need a little help figuring out how to work smart—effectively and efficiently?

If so, the tips below are also exercises for the writer to consider before deciding topics and where to post information, blog or guest blog.

Not every writer creates the same content for social media.

Readers of various fiction genres and types of nonfiction have particular topics of interest and needs that a writer can fill. We writers have unique talents and expertise. Savvy writers discover their audience’s sweet spot.

Jot down the answers to the following:

1. What is my genre?

  • Describe your genre as though it were a character.

2.  What is my brand?

  • How is it different from any other writer brand?
  • How is my brand the same?
  • What social media platforms suit my brand the best?

3.  Who are my readers or target audience?

  •  Be specific
  • Develop a few paragraphs that characterize the reader.

4.  Where do my readers/followers/target audience hang out?

  • Join in the platform conversations and be a part of the group.
  • Make notes of the areas of interest.
  • List how I can address reader needs that apply to my brand?

We are making progress. By understanding who we are, we are better equipped to offer valuable content according to our skills, knowledge, and brand.

Let’s continue listing ways to enhance a book launch through social media.

5. What is the perfect way for others to find out about my book?

  •  We’ve all heard word of mouth is the best technique to learn and hear about a product. How can I make this work for me?
  • Research blog sites that meet the criteria established above. Request to guest blog. Incorporate a book giveaway. Use your social media platforms to drive traffic to the content and giveaway.
  • Provide valuable information for all blogs that meets reader needs.
  • Create social media posts and link all to the book’s website. 

6.  What is something my readers don’t know about my brand, book, or me?

  • Be real and humorous. Make it fun.
  • Did I learn something in the research process?
  • What did I learn about myself in writing the book?

7. What are the topics about my book that I could feature on social media?

  • List more than will ever be needed
  •   Acquire social media skills and learn how to master them.

8.  Develop social media content for my various platforms

  • List social media content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest
  • Use only royalty-free images such as pixabay.com
  •  Consider scheduling tool such as buffer.com or hootsuite.com
  •  Customize memes according to social media platform specifications – adobe spark    

Are you ready to create dynamic content to launch your book in the wonderful world of social media?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for March, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Book Launch Team with Lindsey Hartz

If your book is finished and you’re thinking about a book launch, whether you are traditionally published or self-published, this episode of Writers Chat is definitely for you. Lindsey shares a wealth of information on choosing a team, having influencers, and the difference between the two, plus several valuable resources.

Watch the March 5th replay.

For more resources and information on a successful book launch, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.

BIO

Lindsey’s background is in corporate marketing, with degrees in business and project management. As a marketing consultant and book launch strategist for authors and publishers, she creates and implements marketing campaigns for new book releases, backlist books, courses, membership sites, and ongoing communications and marketing strategy for the author’s business as a whole. To get in touch with Lindsey, visit www.lindseyhartz.om

Book Launch Reality, with Victoria Duerstock

In this episode of Writers Chat, the theme of a book launch continues, as Victoria gives us an insider’s view of the process. She in the middle of a book launch herself, with the debut of her solo project, Heart & Home: Design Basics for Your Soul and Your Living Space.

Watch the March 12th replay.

Enjoy fun tips and ideas shared in this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.

BIO

A multi-passionate creative and entrepreneur fueled mostly by coffee, Victoria Duerstock pursues her dreams with verve and intensity. Wife and mom of three, Victoria divides and conquers the never ending to-do list while working to maintain her sanity and pleasant demeanor. Her debut solo book releases April 16, 2019. For more information, visit www.victoriaduerstock.com

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.