10 Steps to Launching a Successful Book in 2021

In this blog post, you’ll learn the steps to launching a successful book.

The web has made a world of difference for authors.

It allows them to connect with readers at the comfort of their homes.

However, no virtual communication replaces the satisfaction of sharing knowledge and expertise through a book.

The book launch and subsequent signs are the epitomai of this experience.

You’ve poured your heart and soul into writing your first book, so now what?

A book launch helps drive word of mouth, build your credibility and platform as an author, speaker and expert in your field.

Likewise, it’s an effective strategy in connecting with your audience.

Sadly, many of these events are unsuccessful.

Countless authors reported empty seats, and only a handful of people, even those who’ve been there and done it before, recognize that a book launch is not an automatic entry to stardom.

It’s vital to build a grassroots following and connect with your audience.

What if you could get an idea of what kind of response you’ll have from people who might want to buy or attend your book signing?

It turns out there are several ways for authors to gauge interest, and one of them is through a book launch.

If you’re considering holding one this year, follow these ten steps:

Step 1: Choose a Venue

Consider the location and conveniences when picking a venue for your book launch.

You may want to have a venue with plenty of parking, restaurants, and internet coverage. Ensure that the venue is accessible by public transportation when inviting people travelling from out of town.

If there is a specific location that has significance to your book, like where it took place, add this as an additional factor when you’re about to decide. This can help ensure curiosity from attendees and drive up pre-orders for your new title.

Step 2: Figure out the Ideal Date and Time for the Book Launch

The date of your book launch is a huge deal. It determines when you can invite people to come, what the weather will be like during that time and if it’s going to coincide with other events in your calendar year.

While there are no strict rules about choosing this detail, try not to have one on the same day as an existing event or holiday so that anyone who attends has ample opportunities to buy your book.

Step 3: Provide Free Food and Drinks

Food isn’t the focal point of a book launch, but don’t expect people to be impressed with your event if there’s no free food and drinks.

Arrange for an area where people can grab some finger foods, or you can hire servers, too. Everyone loves free food; they just might love your new book, too!

Step 4: Promote the Book Launch in Advance.

Arrange for a book launch date at least three months in advance and promote the event online.

You can do this by posting about it on your social media platforms, reaching out to bloggers who mention books or reading topics similar to yours, emailing people you know with connections to readers of your genre – even using flyers around town if possible.

New authors will need to start building an online presence about two weeks before the book is published and slowly grow it leading up to the release date.

Step 5: Send a Media Alert about Your Book Launch.

Once the book is published and available, send out a media alert to announce your upcoming event.

This will help you get coverage in local newspapers or blogs, on television or radio stations in your area – anywhere that can help build name recognition for yourself and the book itself.

Step 6: Delegate Launch Day Tasks Beforehand

Arriving at the event at least one hour in advance can provide an excellent opportunity to compose yourself before people start arriving.

Make sure that your books are on display and available to everyone.

Don’t make anyone feel like they’re not in a book launch.

You’ve got a lot on your plate, so be sure to designate tasks like taking photos and videos, collecting the attendees’ contact information for the mailing list, and serving the food and drinks.

Ensure that the venue host and those introducing you will tell readers where and when to buy your book at the signing.

Step 7: Impress your Audience

One of the best things about a book signing is the conversation and networking with people who love what you do.

But you’ll lose their admiration if you fail to impress. Don’t make it like you’re reading a bedtime story.

To give people time to ask questions and get your book signed, the reading segment should not exceed 20 minutes.

Wrap it up with a giveaway of copies if you have extras – it’ll make people feel excited about your launch because everyone loves anything free.

Step 8: Proceed to the Book Signing

Attending virtual book signings is excellent, but nothing can replace the satisfaction of meeting readers in person. Make sure to have your most trusted pen at the event.

It’s essential to have a pen that doesn’t smudge or bleed through paper.

See that you practice your signature, so you aren’t caught off guard when people come up to get it signed.

The line must flow smoothly, especially if you’re seeing more attendees than what was initially expected.

Have an admirable personality in your writing style as you do when faced with the people that read it.

Step 9: Show your Appreciation to the Venue and its Staff

Your book launch wouldn’t be complete without the people who worked hard behind the scenes.

Thank them – talk about how you hope to see them again soon with your next book; being appreciative goes a long way.

Step 10: Talk about the Launch on your Social Media Channels

Make everyone feel that the launch was a rousing success. And even if the event has a relatively small turnout and not many books are sold, it’s still your responsibility to paint a positive light on it.

The goal is to convince those who didn’t come to anticipate (even attend) your next book launch.

Use your online presence, i.e., blogs, social media, website, to announce the book launch’s success.

You want people to talk about it – that’s how marketing is supposed to work.