Ready to Launch?

Another week is passing at the start of the year, and I need to ask if you’re ready to launch? Have you even made a plan to get published this year? I know the idea can feel like you’re buried under the mountain, not at the bottom but making a plan is the best way to start even if you don’t haven’t written a word. More importantly, you plan needs include what happens after you hit the publish button.

Making a plan begins to build the how-to blue print in your brain and then it doesn’t hurt as much at the end. No need to get stressed because you’re just following the steps you wrote at the beginning of the year. Besides, taking one step is closer than you are at the start of this year.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reach the top of the mountain, only to realize there’s another peak in the mountain and I’m tired. The gray matter inside my head has turned into fuzz and I think that I don’t have the energy to market my book. Yes, whether you go traditional or self-publish you will still need to market yourself. Start your blog, your social media, and have a idea of how campaign should go from beginning to end.

If you actually have been posting before you even started writing to gain some readers, found other writers who share in the entire process of writing a book, and even have followers you will impress your publisher. In fact, you will become more appealing as a potential writer that a literary agent and publishing house is willing to bring onboard because you understand the whole process. You also know why the whole process is necessary. You’re more likely to be viewed as a serious writer.

Having helped other authors, and hit the publishing button myself this advice is a prompt to help you be more successful before, during, and after your launch day. I’ve heard crickets. I’ve jumped for joy when there’s been successes of all kinds. Each experience brings me closer to the number I want to see. And If you tell me that you don’t care how many read your books, I know you’re lying. We all have the same dream of being on the best seller list. I may have started a reading list this month but my real goal is get closer to that dream.

How are you and I going to do that? Well, I’m going to share a quick list that I put together for myself and the other writers I work with that covers the entire process. Yes, this is a long list but doing every step and more will help you get closer to your dream.

1. Write down your goals by brainstorming. No editing. Just free flowing steams of consciousness.
2. Write down how you can achieve those goals even if they make you laugh, or worry if you would get caught. You need a sense of humor or you might not survive to the end of the year.
3. Scrap the actions that would put you in jail, or have you do something illegal. Then, prioritize – look at the actions you can take immediately, in a week, in a month, in later months.
4. Get out your planners, calendars, and begging to plan out those actions or how-to’s for the entire year.
5. Start writing down ideas for social media posts. Find the platform that easiest for you. I’ve seen the fastest progress with TikTok.
   • You ask what should I post? Audiences want to know who you are and what you do.
     • Post about what you’re writing
     • Share quotes from your book
     • Talk about the story you have in mind
     • Share changes or updates
     • Share what you’re reading
     • Show yourself working on your manuscript
     • Share your frustrations
     • Interview other authors
     • Post your resources – how do you research for your novel?
     • Show your daily life
     • Remember that videos seem to rule our world and you can’t be an introvert forever.
     • Read out loud (books, poetry, or prompts)
6. Do you’re first social media post and stick to the schedule. Don’t deviate, don’t make excuses. Marketing companies will advise you to post 3 times or more a day but don’t stress if you can’t do that. Start with one a week and add from there.
7. There’s no getting around it – you actually have to start writing.
8. Write, write, and write again until you have a rough draft.
9. Review, make edits, and get friends or other authors to read what you wrote. This part will take longer than you expect so add a few months. Don’t skip this step. I know you want to get to end but you need to edit the heck out of your writing.
10. I’ll say this again. Edit and proof again.
11. Ask if you want this as an ebook and make plans to get this formatted.
12. Don’t forget to let your audience know you’re getting published. Some writers go on podcast tours or vlog tours to promote their books. Ask other writers to share your book or your links.
13. Proof one more time before you hit the publish button.
14. Purchase your ISBN/s. Each form will require it’s own ISBN. I go to Bowker to buy them at https://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbn. The payment feels sketchy but it’s legit.
15. Decide or create your book cover. There are several resources out there. Google and you will find designers who help self-publishing authors. Go to my resources page and you will find SelfPubBookCovers.com. There are more resources if you do you’re homework but see that it’s recommended by other writers.
16. Load your book into the publishing platform or wait to hear from your publisher. You may be asked to do some extra formatting or have uploading issues. Don’t panic. Just take the time to fix them and google when you don’t know what to do. There are also YouTube videos out there to help.
17. Pat yourself on the back and then post the heck out of your book. Post. Post. Post.
18. Order proof copies of your books. This could take a few weeks.
19. Have a launch party. Take photos or video for your social media and keep posting.
20. Realize that book #1 may not be your best seller. Get started on planning your next book.

Until the next page! My posts are Monday through Friday.

Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.

~Yoon Ju