Thread by @rebootdude

1/ So what did we learn from #launch week

Doesn't matter how hard you have prepped and worked, things will go wrong. Things that you didn't even anticipate or expect.

When that happens, focus on the things you can control and fix. Don't have a melt down. It will get sorted.

2/ The run up to launch week. Give yourself time.

Started thinking about the launch in Dec. Got shot down due to work and Covid-19. Restarted again in April. Locked down July date in first week of June.

Seems like a lot but you will need the time. There is lots to do.

3/ Get the #book out in front of #reviewers.

Early. Like real early. Like 8 to ten weeks early. Listen to their feedback and comments.

Unlike a #publisher, in self #publishing mode, you can change stuff all the way to launch. Try not to do that.

Lock a version down early.

4/ Retain perspective.

You are not writing for yourself. You are writing for your readers. Keep them involved in the journey.

Ask for comments. Share outlines, topic lists, writing leads. Do twitter threads.

5/ Pre-orders is the way to go

When you are ready and you know you are going to hit the date, open pre-order forms. Don't worry about making them pretty. Do give them depth and substance.

Pre-orders will keep you sane. Keep you working because you know readers are waiting.

6/ What is the book about?

You need a one liner that works. Talk to @Huk06 He helped me figure it out. It was painful but it was necessary.

Settle on half a dozen candidates, let your audience decide which one works. Use the rest for social posters and campaign

7/ Do stuff in parallel. There is lots to do

Editorial changes
Marketing outreach
Cover design
Preface
Marketing copy
Launch primers
Social posters
Reviewer followup
Landing pages
Shop and storefront
Pre-orders tracking

Be shameless in asking for help. Don't be Prince Hamlet

8/ Final edits are painful.

You are blind to the book in the final week. Can't read it anymore.

Get a solid editorial team behind you. Let them lock the book down. Trust them and their work.

9/ Don't keep anything for launch week

You won't get or have time to do anything else. You may think you will, you won't. Clear your calendar and your schedule.

You will have your hands full with logistics. Don't plan on getting much sleep.

10/ Ship.

It is not going to be perfect. It is not going to be pretty. But it should be readable and entertaining. If you can get it there then ship.

Press the button and commit. You can do a revised edition a month later.

Don't forget to celebrate.

11/ In a book long forgotten many many years ago, I read

"Every man should plant a tree, raise a child, and write a book. These all live on after us."

I started dreaming of writing one in grade 6. It took 23 years to get to the first one.

If you want one, start early.

12/ For everyone who asked, this was the thread on lessons from a book launch brought to you by #FounderPuzzles

@FaizaYousuf
@jehan_ara
@Sameerpeace
@snajmi
@babushka99
@norbalm

#authors #writers #writerscommunity #launchandfounders #launch