How to Build a Pre-Launch Marketing Plan for Your Book

Hey there, authors! It’s Renee Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing. So, you’ve written your book, and now it’s time to get ready for launch. But before you hit that “publish” button, you need a solid plan in place to make sure your book gets noticed. This is where a pre-launch marketing plan comes in.

Building a book marketing plan before your book is even available for sale is one of the smartest things you can do to create buzz and ensure your book is a success. Let’s dive into how you can develop a book launch strategy that gets people excited about your book and ready to buy as soon as it’s available.

Why Pre-Launch Book Promotion Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why pre-launch book promotion is so important. A good pre-launch strategy helps you:

• Build anticipation around your book.

• Grow your author platform and social media presence.

• Engage potential readers who can help spread the word.

• Create a buzz that leads to better sales when your book is released.

By preparing ahead of time, you give your book the best possible chance of success. So, let’s break down the steps you need to take to create an effective pre-launch marketing plan.

1. Create a Book Launch Timeline

The first step in how to market a book is setting a clear timeline. You don’t want to scramble at the last minute trying to figure out what needs to be done. A timeline will help you stay organized and ensure that everything falls into place.

Key elements of your timeline:

• Launch Date: Choose your official launch date. Make sure it’s realistic, and allow yourself plenty of time for promotion.

• Pre-Launch Activities: These should start at least 4-6 weeks before your book launch. This is when you’ll build momentum and excitement.

• Post-Launch: Your marketing doesn’t stop at launch day. Have a plan for continued promotion and engagement after the book is out.

2. Build an Author Platform and Email List

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start building your author platform. This is the online space where readers can connect with you and learn more about your work. Start by creating or refining your website, setting up your social media profiles, and building an email list.

Why email lists matter:

• An email list allows you to communicate directly with potential readers.

• It’s one of the best ways to generate buzz before your book launch. Use your list to share sneak peeks, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes content leading up to the launch.

How to build your list:

• Offer a freebie related to your book, like a chapter preview or a resource guide, in exchange for email sign-ups.

• Promote the freebie on social media, your website, and any other platforms you use.

3. Develop a Social Media Strategy

Social media is a must when it comes to book promotion, so you need a strategy that gets your followers excited. Here’s how to market a book effectively on social media:

• Tease Your Audience: Share snippets, quotes, or artwork related to your book. Tease them with the book cover reveal, the title, and release date.

• Engage with Readers: Respond to comments, ask questions, and engage with your followers. The more you interact, the more likely people will feel personally invested in your book.

• Use Hashtags: Research hashtags that relate to your book’s theme and genre to increase visibility.

Example Post Ideas:

• Share the book cover with the caption: “Can’t wait to share this with you all! #ComingSoon”

• Post a countdown to your release date to build excitement.

• Go live on Instagram or Facebook to talk about your book and answer any questions.

4. Reach Out to Influencers and Reviewers

One of the best ways to get people talking about your book is through influencers or book reviewers. These individuals can amplify your message to a wider audience, giving you more credibility and attention.

How to approach influencers and reviewers:

• Target your audience: Find influencers, bloggers, or reviewers who specialize in your book’s genre. If you’ve written a thriller, reach out to thriller reviewers or book clubs that focus on suspense.

• Offer a free copy: Provide them with a free digital or physical copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.

• Personalize your pitch: Don’t just send a generic message. Tailor your pitch to each influencer, explaining why your book is a good fit for their audience.

5. Set Up Pre-Orders and Special Offers

Pre-orders are an incredible way to boost early sales and build excitement. If your book is available for pre-order on platforms like Amazon, make sure to promote it heavily.

Ideas for pre-launch offers:

• Discounts: Offer a limited-time discount for those who pre-order.

• Bonuses: Give away exclusive content, such as an extra chapter or a free digital download, for people who pre-order.

• Bundles: If you have other books, consider offering a bundle deal for those who pre-order your latest release.

6. Create a Launch Team

A launch team is a group of loyal readers who are excited to help spread the word about your book. These are people who are passionate about your writing and are willing to help promote the book in exchange for early access.

What your launch team can do:

• Write reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

• Share your posts on social media.

• Tell their friends and family about your book.

Having a group of people who are already excited to support you will make a huge difference in the success of your launch.

Wrapping It Up

A well-thought-out book marketing plan is essential for a successful book launch. By starting your pre-launch book promotion early, building an engaged audience, and creating buzz around your book, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful launch day—and beyond.

Remember, book launch strategies take time, so be patient and stay consistent with your efforts. And don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help. At Smart Publishing, we’ve helped countless authors build their book marketing plans and create launch strategies that work.

Ready to get started? Let’s make your book launch a huge success!

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