ULTIMATE Marketing Plan for Authors: 4-Step Book Preorder Campaign
If you're here, it means you've poured your heart, soul, and countless cups of coffee into creating a masterpiece that deserves the world's attention.
In this digital age, where social media is buzzing and attention spans are shorter than a haiku, a solid marketing plan for authors is the secret weapon to stand out amidst the sea of stories.
Think of it as a literary red carpet event, where you invite your fans, friends, and everyone in-between to witness the birth of your literary brainchild.
So, grab a cup of inspiration, and let’s unravel the mysteries of what goes into a book release and dive headfirst into the enchanting realm of SEO, social media, and email marketing.
Book Preorder Campaign
Authors, I’m just going to cut to the chase. You’ve been spending all these days, months, and years on your WIP, and you haven’t even thought about marketing your book for release.
Between TikTok, blogging, and email campaigns, you’re probably ripping out your hair trying to figure out where to start.
At the forefront of this arsenal lies an opportunity to launch a mighty book preorder campaign. With a strategic plan, you can build a devoted following, generate buzz, and get more book presales than Taylor Swift’s Eras tour (okay— probably not that much, but I have faith in you!)
Here’s what you should be doing before you even start your book (or, at the very least, while you write it):
Step 1: Build your reputation on social media
Post writing tips (or tips on your area of expertise), post about your process, and post consistently. You need to be pre-marketing yourself as an author from Day 1.
Step 2: Get a website
No, not a Wordpress.org or a Blogspot account. A domain name is $15-20 a year. Invest in a .com.
A WordPress or Squarespace website can be as little as $15 a month.
Invest in yourself.
Your website is your one-stop shop for potential readers. I' should have:
Your book landing page (with links to where they can preorder, such as Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, etc).
Your social media links
About the Author page
Contact page (don’t just use a contact form; make your email EASILY accessible. This helps with press outreach).
Exclusive page (a hot spot for freebies such as book chapter previews, tips on writing/your niche, etc).
SEO blogs (creating searchable content gives you a passive avenue to get book presales MONTHS’ before its release).
RELATED: 4 Reasons You Don't Need a Blog
Step 3: Find your community
Build up a fanbase through social media and blogging. The more connected you are with your community, the easier (and more successful) it will be to market and sell your book. This is why I recommend hiring a content strategist early on if you don’t have the time (or know-how) to cultivate a community.
Step 4: Hire your team
Even if you’re still working on your manuscript, you need to have your literary agent, your social media manager, and your PR team picked out well in advance. They are going to be the crew that makes sure your ship sails through smooth seas.
This also might be the right time to consider whether or not you’ll hire a cover designer, editor, proofreader, and any other professionals you may need.
How Your Author Marketing Strategy Should Look
After you write the book, here’s what you should be working on:
6-12 months before release: Find a Critique Partner for feedback on your 1st draft.
5-11 months before release: Write your 2nd draft.
4-10 months before release: Find Beta Readers Round 1 / Write 3rd Draft
3-9 months before release: Find Beta Readers Round 2 / Write 4th Draft
2-8 months before release: Find Critique Partner 2 for feedback on your final draft / Start looking for Arc Reviewers and Street Team
1-7 months before release: Start promoting your release on social media, your website, and email newsletters.
While your book is going through final edits, your book cover is being designed, and your distribution is being decided, send press release information to arc reviewers (such as BookTokers, Booktubers, and other social influencers). You’ll also want to reach out to specific journalists for potential features.
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How to Market Your Book During Your Release
Even if you go the traditional publishing route, your book’s marketing is going to rest heavily on your shoulders.
Don’t mess it up. Here are a few ways you can spike up the hype around your Release Date:
Utilize your community: Onboard arc reviewers and a street team to pre-review your book and to help spread the word about your debut.
Get press features: This is where your PR team comes in handy. It’s all a numbers game, so make sure you’re sending out as many press releases (to the right people) as possible. Make sure you can tie your own story as an author to your book to give yourself a little more leverage.
Host a giveaway: Readers love a free book! Host a giveaway on your social media to pick up some traction.
Generate email signups: Create a pop-up on your website to offer free writing tips or behind-the-scenes snippets into your WIP. That way, you don’t have to fight the social media crowd for your news to be seen.
Post consistently on social media: Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok… be everywhere, every day.
Extra Resources I recommend:
For self-published authors: Jenna Moreci’s YouTube channel
For traditionally published authors: Alyssa Matesic’s YouTube Channel
How to Market Your Book After Your Release
Once your book hits the shelves, it's crucial to continue the momentum and keep the buzz alive. A robust marketing plan for authors doesn't end with the release—it's only the beginning of a thrilling adventure.
Thankfully, all you really have to do from this point forward is to recycle the marketing strategies from the “during” phase. Just don’t ghost your readers (your fans).
Stay top of mind by giving them even more information about your characters and their world, and maybe even hint at a sequel that’s to come.
Here are a few more tips to guide you:
Engage with readers on social media platforms.
Participate in virtual or in-person book signings and events.
Leverage email marketing to stay connected with readers.
Collaborate with other authors for cross-promotion.
Utilize targeted online advertising campaigns.
Submit your book for awards and literary contests.
Seek opportunities for guest blogging or podcast interviews.
Offer exclusive content or promotions to incentivize readers.
Remember, the world is waiting to devour your words, and hiring a skilled launch copywriter for your preorder book campaign can elevate your efforts to unprecedented heights.
