Pre-launch buzz: How can I when book is unpublished?

[Nelou]

Hello there,

I am about to publish my first novel, and everywhere I look people are saying I need to advertise before I publish.

I looked into Goodreads advertising, and the first step requires me to add my book. How can I do that when it's not published yet?

Same goes for giveaways. Everyone raves about pre-publication buzz, but if I haven't published the book, how could I have paperback copies to give away?

Thank you for your help in advance, I'm really at a loss at this point.

[Felicity]

Hi Nelou , Congratulations on completing your first novel, a great achievement. Marketing is indeed something else as I found with my first. I hadn't even thought about pre publication promo or giveaways. This time I am better prepared and have already built up a following and started sharing extracts on line and also on Goodreads.Facebook is a great tool for expanding your fan base. I have a competition with giveaways planned for February and hope that this will get the ball rolling with reviews because this is what you need.(upfront) the giveaway copies will be distributed once it is released. Also there are a host of free ad sites out there so pre launch advertising is made easy. Createspace was my choice for paperback and they are extemely supportive. Hope this is helpful. facebook.com/felicitysnowdentitles Good luck.

[Nelou]

Wow Felicity, thank you so much for your kind words and all the great information!

You are right, pre-publication buzz is also something I myself have recently stumbled upon.
The giveaway in February sounds like a great idea, seeing as to apparently Spring and Autumn are the best times to launch a new book.
I will add you as a friend so I can support your progress and enter the giveaways.

Again, thank you for writing back, I really appreciate it!
And good luck with your next book!

[Nelou]

Felicity wrote: "Hi Nelou , Congratulations on completing your first novel, a great achievement. Marketing is indeed something else as I found with my first. I hadn't even thought about pre publication promo or giv..."

My gosh, sorry I didn't know I'm supposed to click 'reply' before commenting back. Please see the previous post :)

Much love.

[Jaclyn]

Hi Nelou. Congrats on completing your book! As mentioned in the response to your Feedback Group post, all requests of this nature should be placed in the Librarian's Group.

I'm closing this thread but please feel free to start another if you have any other non-librarian queries or comments!