Formulating the Game Plan – Part 2 of 2

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PHASE TWO

This is where you need to start comparing one publishing avenue to another. They are not created equal. Traditional publishers can offer publicity packages as well as publishing, while others will offer that as a value-added service for an additional fee.
With the book still in its infancy this is the perfect time to research publishers that share your vision for your book or decide on whether to go the self-publishing route. Research those companies and whether they offer value-added services.


This is a great time to find a graphic artist, or if you are creatively inclined, to design the book’s cover, yourself. Keep in mind all of the great elements that make a great book cover. Many elements of your press kit can be put together now, and have a professional picture taken of yourself (make sure to get a copy in color and in black and white).


This is the perfect time for creating lists of places that might enjoy having you come and speak, including writer’s conferences, organizations, and trade shows.
Create a list of topics that you feel comfortable addressing. For a complete listing of conferences, you can visit: http://writing.shawguides.com/ and click on the dropdown box that lists ALL conferences not just writing conferences.


Continue writing your book

Research agent/editors or publishing

Write query letter and send out (a LOT if considering traditional publishing)

Find graphic artist to create logo and design book cover

Start creating contents for press kit

Contact writer’s conferences for speaking engagements

Contact outside of the box venues for speaking/signing engagements


Phase Three

It is time to take stock of your own neck of the woods.
What typically goes on there seasonally?
Is there some way you can tie your book into local events? If so, create a press release around those events and reach out to area schools to see if they’d enjoy a visit from an author living in their town.
Make sure to schedule the visit for a time when your book will be out.


Once you’ve secured some events, make sure to have a calendar listing them on your website and post these events on your Social Media pages just before they are to take place.
This will give you additional topics to blog about on your website. Keep the blog posting up on your website and get even more social by joining forums and groups that are relevant to your book’s topic, genre or in the field of writing, publishing, or marketing a book.


Read all you can on Google AdWords, Facebook ads, and Social Media campaigns. http://www.wordstream.com/ has a wealth of free information about marketing ANYTHING on the internet.
Take the time to create 5-10 short Google AdWords ads as well as 3-5 Facebook ads. Don’t launch them, but have them ready to go, because soon, they…and your book….will be hitting the air waves.


Make list of local events to tie your book into

Create press releases

List all planned events on your website and Social Media Pages

Join Forums and Groups pertinent to your book’s topic

Create Facebook ads and Google AdWords Ads





Phase Four

Considering that the book has either just been released or is about to be. Now is the time to reach out to owners of various blog sites and offer to do blog tours, also schedule Twitter parties, a few webcasts, and don’t forget bookstores (if you have a printed version)!
Many schools and book groups LOVE to have Skype sessions LIVE with new authors.
Reach out to the forums and groups you’ve already made contact with and see if they would like to schedule something and don’t be afraid to ask if they know of a group or book club that would enjoy a LIVE session with an author.


Send out your press kit to local radio, television, and newspaper outlets. When you feel more confident in your interviewing skills, you will want to send a digital copy along with a short but sweet email to the following outlets on this list:


Radio

http://www.usnpl.com/index_radio.php


Television

http://www.usnpl.com/index_tv.php


Independent Bookstores

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_...


One last note, these four phases can take as much as 12 months or longer to accomplish so be realistic when putting together a timeline that includes the writing, publishing and marketing/promotion of a book.