Thank you to this month’s co-hosts PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!
March 4 question:
What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?
I’m choosing to focus on the marketing efforts involved in releasing a novel into the world. My book launches have endured many changes over the years. There were many steps to set myself up as a new author before a small publisher released my debut novel, With Good Behavior, in 2010. I started this blog/website and signed up for Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Book blogging was much more of a thing then, including virtual book tours and review requests. I was fortunate to garner wonderful support from online readers that led to a Goodreads nomination for best romance.
Later releases involved less fanfare. When I transitioned to self-publishing for my New Adult sports romance Blocked in 2014, book blogs and blog tours began to fade. Though I never developed a “street team” or group of beta readers to help market my novels, I benefited from Facebook launch parties in my page and pub sisters’ fan groups. The flurry of posts felt frenetic as fellow authors and I hosted giveaways and games throughout launch day. In particular, I give a shout out to Nicki Elson, Nancee Cain and IWSG writers who have helped promote my novels!
I have hired blog tour companies to host cover reveal and new release tours. I also paid a reader friend to design ads and publicize my brand as a personal assistant. Other marketing efforts have included Goodreads giveaways, Kindle countdown sales, and Amazon preorders. I have used Amazon KDP for all of my novels except for my 2025 releases: Low Water and Behind the Catcher’s Mask, which I published wide on Draft 2 Digital.
With book launches and marketing in general, I believe it’s important to 1) stay current and 2) be persistent. Unfortunately, I don’t follow either piece of advice! Readers have told me I should market my books on TikTok (especially BookTok), but I have no interest in joining yet another social media platform, especially one with ties to China. I also don’t have the motivation or patience to spend money and time on constant promotion of my writing. Instead, I focus on my fulfilling day job and family and friends.
What has worked for you?
Jennifer Lane Books 