How to Create a Launch Team to Help Promote Your Book
Are you a first-time author about to publish your book and feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of promoting it all on your own? You’re not alone. Many authors share this concern, but there’s a solution that can help you maximize your book’s launch and minimize the pressure on yourself. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create a book launch team to support your journey into the world of book promotion. This post was written by Karissa Murray from Smith Publicity, an award-winning book publicity and marketing firm.
What is a Book Launch Team?
In simple terms, a book launch team is a group of individuals organized and mobilized with specific responsibilities for promoting your book before and after its publication. By enlisting the help of your friends, family, colleagues, and followers, you can tap into a network of resources that can benefit both you and your team members. The key is to invite people who have a genuine interest in your book’s subject matter and themes, as their passion and excitement will be instrumental in effectively supporting your launch.
How to Choose a Book Launch Team
To form your book launch team, start by identifying individuals in your life who would be genuinely interested in the content of your book. Look for people who have a connection to the subject matter, whether as experts in the field, fans of the genre, fellow writers, or colleagues in a related industry. Their personal enthusiasm for your book’s content will make them more motivated to support your launch.
Getting People on Board with Your Book Launch Team
The first step in recruiting team members is simply to ask. Reach out to those you believe would be interested in supporting your book, and explain why their involvement is essential. Emphasize the benefits they can gain from participating and assure them that their level of involvement is flexible. Some may have more time and resources to contribute than others, so make it clear that any support is valuable. Express your gratitude for their willingness to help.
Ways Your Book Launch Team Can Support You
Your book launch team can play various roles in promoting your book. Here are some of the ways they can support you:
1. Read and Review: Your team members can read and review your book on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Positive reviews and purchases can boost your book’s visibility in search rankings.
2. Spread the Word: Encourage team members to buy your book and share their reviews on their social networks and platforms.
3. Gift Copies: Some team members can purchase your book and gift it to others who might enjoy it.
4. Newsletter Sign-Up: Ask them to sign up for your email newsletter to stay updated on your book’s progress.
5. Local Outreach: Request that team members write to local libraries and bookstores, urging them to stock your book.
6. Media Support: If you participate in podcasts or other media, your team can listen to and share these appearances.
7. Content Creation: Team members can help you create promotional content and marketing strategies.
8. Event Attendance: Encourage them to attend book launch events or signings if possible.
9. Audience Expansion: Brainstorm together to find new ways to market your book to different audiences.
10. Word of Mouth: Encourage them to share and discuss your book with people who might be interested.
How to Support Your Launch Team
Once you’ve assembled your launch team and they’ve shown interest in supporting your book, it’s crucial to reciprocate their support. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Clear Communication: Create a private Facebook group or Instagram page for your team to stay connected, ask questions, and network with other members. Keep communication clear and concise.
2. Free PDF Copies: Provide team members with free PDF downloads of your book to facilitate online reviews and familiarize them with your work.
3. Give Ample Time: Allow team members several weeks to read and review your book before the launch date, and avoid being pushy in your requests.
By forming a book launch team and supporting them in return, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the book publication process and watch your work reach its fullest potential. Remember, your voice deserves to be heard, and your network is more than willing to help amplify it.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your book launch, feel free to reach out to Eric G. Reid, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Skinny Brown Dog Media, at the contact information below:
Website: SkinnyBrownDogMedia.com Email: Eric@EricGReid.com
Don’t let the pressure of book promotion deter you from sharing your work with the world. Forming a book launch team is the first step towards a successful book launch!
