Optimizing Your Platform for Book Buzz: Tip 1

A successful book launch is a marathon, not a sprint. As a veteran nonfiction acquisition editor, I’ve seen countless authors pour their hearts and souls into their manuscripts, only to fall short when it comes to getting the word out. In the coming months, I’ll share three common mistakes and tips to overcome them.

Tip 1: Do not rely on a single, one-time announcement. The most effective strategy I’ve seen is building a sustained campaign using an email series or a sequence of social media posts to rally your community.

A strategic series allows you to engage your audience on multiple levels, building momentum and anticipation.

  • Your first post can be a high-level introduction, announcing the book’s title and purpose, clearly defining the problem it solves and who it’s for. This is your chance to capture attention and spark initial interest.
  • The second post should dive deeper, offering tangible value. Share a few compelling examples or key takeaways directly from the book that demonstrate how it addresses the specific issues your followers care about. This shows, rather than just tells, the book’s impact.
  • The third post can be the call to action, detailing how readers can use the book to achieve their goals. Explain the structure, highlight special features, and so on. This final push makes the book an essential tool for their success.

Always share a link to preorder the book.

Good luck!

Using Your Complimentary Copies—Wisely

Many authors receive free copies of their book at publication, but most don’t know how they can leverage those copies to increase book sales and to draw in new clients. The following are a few ideas:

  • Send signed copies to their network—the decision makers—encouraging them to purchase copies for each staff member if they enjoy the book
  • Send a copy to their top five media contacts and ask to appear on a segment or podcast
  • Raffle a copy of their book to a random winner who joins their mailing list

Authors can also use their author discount to purchase additional copies to accomplish many of these tasks too. The goal is not to give away tons of books for free but to invest in oneself. Putting a signed copy of a new release is a small lift that can have long-term benefits.

Good luck!