Things sure have changed over the last several years. Self-publishing or Indie Publishing is becoming the “Norm”. And like all things there is a kind of checklist that most of us go down to get our books into the waiting hands of our readers. What would you put our your self publishing checklist? You would think the very first thing you need to do is finish your book. Well, that is true to a certain extent, however, if you would like a more active launch of your book there are several things you need to do while you are actually writing the thing.
Stuff to Do 4 to 6 months Prior to Publishing
- You have your book outlined and/or at least about halfway finished (for all you pantsers out there)
- You need to start getting people to your website. Create a newsletter, published every week or at least once a month, talk about the current story you are writing, your writing process, your characters. Generate some buzz!
- Gather some Alpha Readers (Critique Partners) to help you with the story development.
- Published on your social media pages a couple of times a week.
- You will probably need a good editor right about now.
- And you might want to have your book design concept figured out
Stuff to Do during the Month you are Publishing
- Get some “Beta Readers” to review your book before sending it out for it’s final edits.
- Get your Book Cover Design Completed.
- Complete your final edits and prepare your book for launch.
- Gather some Arc Readers that agree to read your book and post reviews during the week of the launch.
- In the meantime you will need to decide where you want to publish, which format(s) you want to publish, and get your ISBN(s) for each format. (Be on the safe side and register an ISBN for the ePub version of your book so you can “Go-Wide”)
- Upload your books as drafts or pre-releases on whichever publisher(s) you are using.
- Order printed copies of your books and mail them off to your ARC Readers.
- Registered your book with the Library of Congress and the Copyright Office. You can do that just using a PDF of your book (with ISBN and a copy of your Book Cover) and it is cheaper.
- Create a Book Trailer Announcing the Upcoming Launch.
- Send our a Press Packet to your local bookstores, newspapers, radio and TV stations if you have one close enough.
- When you “Go Live” make sure you have a celebration party with friends and family. Of course, if you are able you should have a big launch party and video it for your future social media posts. You can even “GO LIVE” on some of your social media pages.
Stuff to Do after you have Published
Take the weekend off!
- If you haven’t already book yourself on several blogs, podcasts, any news outlets that will have you and local book events over the next six to eight weeks.
- You will still have to keep up with your regular schedule of posting to your website and social media pages.
- Create or have someone create a couple of “Quotes from Your Book” videos and Posters (memes) to share when you post.
- Always answer any questions from your readers (The appropriate ones anyway).
Start on your next book.
PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE.
If you have any questions please us our CONTACT US Form.
