My #1 Publishing Secret: The Power of a Strategic Plan

Every author I know has secrets: Secret writing tips, secret favorite reads, secret marketing advice. You name it, folks have it. 

Granted, I’m a big believer in transparency. I wouldn’t be where I am today without other writers and publishing professionals sharing their insight with me, so I always try to give back. 

So what’s my #1 publishing secret?

I keep a strategic publishing plan.

Even though I don’t have a book deal, I spend a significant amount of time preparing for that day. I mean, who wants to get caught off guard when their dream finally arrives? Not me! I AM READY. 

I have notes on pre-order campaigns, ARC teams, library/school visits, and more. Whatever publishing situation that I aspire to be in one day, I take notes on it. In fact, my publishing plan started as a folder of book promos that I wanted to emanate one day. Then I realized the images needed context and organization, so I created a document that outlined when the images would need to be made and how. Over time, my plan grew to include tips and tricks I heard at conferences or just stumbled upon online. Now it’s 1,000 words, ten pages long, and I add to it every week. 

For those interested in creating their own plan, mine starts with instructions on what to do from “When You Get An Offer” to “Six Months Post-Publication.” My organizational methods might not work for you, so I encourage you to experiment. However, the key is to collect information in an organized fashion, so that you have a template ready to go as you progress through your publishing journey. Imagine not having to Google “What should my pre-order campaign look like?” the second pre-orders go live and instead already having a plan in place. My plan includes helpful article links, examples of those who’ve done it successfully, and extra tips I hear at conferences or online. I also have a miscellaneous section. The best part? I can always add or remove information as the market changes.

Overall, creating a publishing plan is not only exciting, it also feels like manifesting success. 

Here’s to using my plan in the future! 

How do you plan for your publishing journey? I’d love to hear about the tips and tricks you include in your future goals.

~SAT