It’s pretty amazing to walk into a bookstore and find just the right book. Actually, that’s one of my favorite things! I digress. But did you know how much work an author does BEFORE a book hits the shelves (or virtual cart)?
Today I’ve invited author Kim A. Larson to share what she is doing to prepare for the book launch of her debut picture book, Goat’s Boat Won’t Float. I love learning from authors. This post is chock full of great ideas. Be sure to read to the end to learn about 2 opportunities for a chance to win (one deadline is tomorrow). Let’s go!
Welcome, Kim!
Hi, Angie!
When Angie asked me to talk about what I’ve been doing to prepare for my book launch, I was reminded of the importance of being part of a writing community—and the KidLit community is the best! So it is with gratitude that I acknowledge that most, if not all, of what I’m about to share I learned from others.
When I received my book contract, the first thing I did was update my website. I had self-published a devotional-style Bible study prior, so I wanted my website to look like that of a children’s author.
Next, I tried to find a co-marketing group. The ones I approached wisely told me I couldn’t join until my publisher had hired the illustrator and announced my book in Publisher’s Weekly. The reason was for my benefit. If my book got bumped into the next year, the group may no longer be active.
Once my book was announced, I couldn’t find a co-marketing group with an opening. So, I started one with two other authors (seventeen months before our release dates). As our guide, we used the PDF booklet Starting a Book Co-Marketing Group in 5 Easy(ish) Steps by Kirsten W. Larson. It’s free when you sign up for the Soaring ’20s Flying High Picture Book Debuts newsletter.
My experience with a co-marketing group wasn’t stellar. Not everyone participated and I spent a lot of time organizing it. But I made many new friends. Some groups work out well, like the “Soaring ’20s,” which is still going strong.
Self-promotion is hard for most authors, so after I shared the sale of my book on social media, I didn’t post anything more about my book for another year. By then, the illustrator had finished the book’s cover, and I was within six months of its release date. Some publishers do a cover unveiling post. If yours doesn’t, you’ll want to do one yourself.
Ten months before my release date, I emailed the KidLit bloggers I follow and asked to be on their blogs. They joyfully said, “Yes!” Some even offered an extra post, like Angie. I also subscribe to authors’ newsletters. Here I learned of podcasts and radio opportunities. My spreadsheet of scheduled blog and podcast dates filled up quickly.
I would say that organization is an important part of this process!
Around this time, I applied for a grant through my regional arts council. I proposed that I would read my book and present at area schools, with the grant paying for my mileage and time. The application required confirmation from the schools, and this was much harder to get than expected. Before the deadline, I had seven schools confirmed—and I got the grant!
Kim, can I just say, “Wow!” You really hit this with tons of hard work. I love that you applied for a grant!!
To prepare for school visits, I purchased Kim Norman’s book Sell Books and get PAID doing Author School Visits. I also joined her Facebook group: Kim Norman’s Cool School Visits for authors & illustrators. Many other authors offer wonderful advice on their websites, too.
Thanks, Kim, for the resource suggestions!
From their examples, I created a book order form, a school contract, a sell sheet for librarians and retailers, and an online Google form for teachers to evaluate my performance. In addition, I designed bookmarks and thank-you cards. Some publishers provide book swag, but mine didn’t. They created a teacher’s guide, and I made activity sheets for kids. I also watched several SCBWI webinars on school visits and learned what to include in my PowerPoint presentation.
I also hired DerbyMonsterQuilts on Etsy to make adorable plushies of my book’s characters to bring along on my school visits.
I LOVE the plushies! Perfect!
Once my book was available for pre-order, I changed my name on Twitter/X to include this fact. By then, I had a PDF ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of my book. I contacted other authors who had soon-to-be-released books and asked if they’d like to exchange ARCs and post reviews on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. (Amazon doesn’t allow reviews until a book is released.) You’ll want to set up Goodreads and Amazon author pages if you don’t have them.
A few months before the release date, I scheduled book signings at my local and hometown indie bookstores. I also asked my local library to buy my book—and they did. Later, I contacted newspapers and magazines and shared my press release. As the questions for my blog tour rolled in, I prepared my answers.
Finally, I put together a social media campaign and created social media giveaway posts that would begin two months before the book’s release. This pushed me to tackle MailChimp and finally send a newsletter. Here I shared my first giveaway opportunity: one newsletter subscriber will win a signed copy of my book (US only) on August 21, World Goat Day! (I plan to do future promotions around other holidays, like National Turkey Lovers Day.)
A week before my campaign started, I posted that I was looking for people to join my Launch Team. Many friends and family members signed up, agreeing to review my book and boost my social media posts. (One team member will also win a signed copy of my book.) If you want to hear about the other four giveaways—and for more chances to win—follow me here:
Again, I want to express my appreciation to the KidLit community—and especially to Angie! She is a wonderful writer, encourager, and critique partner. Thank you, everyone!
I am blessed to be one of your critique partners, Kim. I learn SO much from you! Thank you for sharing your journey and process. And wow, you’ve given us so much great information!
Goat’s Boat Won’t Float will be released on October 1.
Friends, you still have one more day (until 8-21, TOMORROW) to subscribe to Kim’s newsletter to get in on her first giveaway.
In addition, Kim is offering a free critique of a non-rhyming picture book manuscript under 700 words or a 30-minute AMA Zoom meeting to one lucky winner.
*To enter, please comment below.
*For extra entries, share this on social media and let me know in the comments.
*Please leave your email so I can contact the winner after the drawing.
Thanks for stopping by friends. Best wishes on the giveaway!
Love, Laughter, and Life 