In these times, it’s become harder than ever to hit the pavement and score promotional opportunities—and an increasing amount of those opportunities seem to want to lighten your wallet.

But you can still have a great launch. Start with these four tactics to plan an online book launch.

1. Book Reviews

There are a lot of book review blogs out there. A lot. And they cover every genre and audience that exists—one of the amazing things the internet has enabled is a deep well of passionate, niche communities.

All you have to do is find them, and then ask them to consider your book. You don’t score a review with every site you query, but as long as you approach blogs that review your subgenre, follow the guidelines, and send it out in a timely fashion (2-4 months ahead of publication is a common time frame, depending on the blog), you’re bound to get some to agree.

Then, you’ve got some passionate readers with your book on their radar, and some trusted sources for quotes you can put to work in your marketing.

2. Launch Promos & Exclusives

Find a creative way to give your readers something special if they buy the book during this online book launch period. What might fans of the book enjoy?

For example, for my upcoming science fiction release, I’m creating pins that will feature a creature I made up for the novel’s world. Perhaps you could commission a map of your fantasy world, or the lead characters of your romance.

But your exclusive doesn’t have to cost money to be special. You could share exclusive cut scenes from an earlier draft of the novel, or record an interview that won’t ever run anywhere else. Give your readers a way to get something they can’t get any other way, that will give them greater insight into the novel or you as an author.

3. Digital Tour

There are countless websites out there for readers of all genres—and they all need content! For this reason, many of them are eager to host guest contributors.

You can also look at websites focused on topics related to your book’s content or themes in other ways. For example, my book’s hero has ADHD (like me), so I’ve got my eyes open for opportunities to post on sites about this learning disorder and other neurodiversity topics.

These are not only ways to get great free publicity, but also allows you to share a little about yourself and your work in a creative way. When approaching a website to pitch an article, introduce yourself, explain your goals (briefly), and make sure you suggest a few possible ideas that fit with that specific outlet’s content.

4. Live Events

You don’t have to wait for an outlet to lend you their platform. This is 2021, and you have your own! And so do your author buddies. Why not plan a few live events on Instagram, Facebook, or your social network of choice? It’s a DIY digital book tour.

Here’s how to do it: Ask a few author friends (ideally ones who write complementary stories or share a similar readership) if they’re willing to join you for a chat during your launch week. Then, work with the participating authors to identify a different topic connected to your book as a focus for each conversation. Publicize the schedule well beforehand, and then…go live!

You’ll get to benefit from exposure from your host friend’s following, and they’ll get some crossover from yours. Done right, this should be fun and good for everyone!

Launch Your Book with Flair and Fun

It’s tough times out there to launch a book—still. Even for shops and events that are running in person, there’s a lot of competition. And sure, bookshops, events, and media coverage are nice. But you’re not at the mercy of gatekeepers, and a lack of in-person opportunities doesn’t mean you can’t still have a successful launch. These tactics to help you plan an online book launch are a great way to expand your reach, connect with readers, and celebrate the great accomplishment.

What other online book launch tactics would you recommend?

Be sure to check out E.J. Wenstrom’s column on how to build engagement on your author platform!

By day, E. J. Wenstrom is a digital strategy pro with over 10 years at communications firms. By early-early morning, she’s an award-winning sci-fi and fantasy author of the Chronicles of the Third Realm War novels, starting with Mud. She believes in complicated characters, terrifying monsters, and purple hair dye.

The post Plan an Online Book Launch appeared first on DIY MFA.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to someone who has been instrumental in helping me up my speaking game. Whether you’ve been hearing me speak on this podcast or have seen me speak on stage, this person has had a tremendous impact in helping me become the speaker that I am.

This person is Alexia Vernon.

Alexia has been branded a “Moxie Maven” by the White House Office of Public Engagement because of her unique and effective approach to developing female leaders, for a decade she has been a go-to speaking coach to CEOs, New York Times bestselling authors, media personalities, and scores of visionary entrepreneurs and change-makers who are ready to go from best-kept secrets to hotshot, transformational speakers.  

Her unique background as a former Miss Junior America, public speaker, professor, actor, dancer, TEDx organizer, and corporate trainer has enabled Alexia to speak on stages such as the United Nations during the Commission on the Status of Women, INBOUND, and the Association of Talent Development (ATD). She has appeared on major media outlets like CNN, NBC, Inc., and Women’s Health Magazine.

Her clients have spoken on stages like the World Domination Summit, Transformational Leadership Council, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Off the Charts Live, and at TEDx’s around the world, not to mention scoring some amazing media coverage in publications like The New York Times, TIME, and Vanity Fair, and networks like OWN and Good Morning America.

In this episode Alexia and I discuss:

• The importance of public speaking for authors
• Finding your voice as a speaker
• How speaking can help you hone your ideas

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

About Alexia Vernon

Branded a “Moxie Maven” by the White House Office of Public Engagement for her unique and effective approach to developing female leaders, for a decade she has been a go-to speaking coach to CEOs, New York Times bestselling authors, media personalities, and scores of visionary entrepreneurs and change-makers who are ready to go from best-kept secrets to hotshot, transformational speakers.

Her unique background as a former Miss Junior America, public speaker, professor, actor, dancer, TEDx organizer, and corporate trainer has enabled Alexia to speak on stages such as the United Nations during the Commission on the Status of Women, INBOUND, and the Association of Talent Development (ATD). She has appeared on major media outlets like CNN, NBC, Inc., and Women’s Health Magazine.

Her clients have spoken on stages like the World Domination Summit, Transformational Leadership Council, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Off the Charts Live, and at TEDx’s around the world, not to mention scoring some amazing media coverage in publications like The New York Times, TIME, and Vanity Fair, and networks like OWN and Good Morning America.

Find her on social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/AlexiaVernonEmpowerment/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/spotlightspeakerssalon/
• Twitter and Instagram as @AlexiaVernon

Spotlight MasterTreat

In this interview, we talk about Alexia’s amazing Spotlight MasterTreat, which she runs each year. While the specific event referenced in this interview has long since passed, you can learn more about Alexia’s upcoming events by visiting her links above.

Also, want an inside look at the Spotlight MasterTreat shared by a fellow word nerd? Check out this fabulous essay by Laura Highcove who attended the retreat in 2017.

Link to Episode 128

(Right-click to download.)

If you liked this episode…

Head over to iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe so you’ll be first to know when new episodes are available. Also, if you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please share!

Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome!

The post Episode 128: From Page to Stage — Interview with Alexia Vernon appeared first on DIY MFA.