What I learned Launching my book... and a few regrets (AKA, Thomas was right!)
Fellow Writers,
It’s been two months since the launch of my book, Forgotten Twin: Faith, Trauma, and the Things We Can’t Repair. The experience has been rewarding and amazing and I wanted to follow up with a few things I learned along the way. Here it goes
I made generous investment in studying structure of memoirs before writing my memoir and that paid off. That was something I did before I started listening to Novel Marketing, but Thomas always stresses reading and understanding your genre. I’ve kept this practice up, I think I have read or listen to 5 memories this year.
Also, before I started writing, I had the opportunity to read a lot of great writing books from structure focused ones like Save the Cat and writing craft books like The Writing Tools (amazing book, BTW). Again, this was something I did before I started listening to Novel Marketing, but Thomas always stresses reading and understanding your genre.
I found an amazing editor for my main editing work. Her name is Dori Harrel. I had to go through a few other editors before I found her, but it was worth it. Take the time to find an editor who gets you but also challenges you.
I found an amazing proofreader here on Author Media Social. Her name is @Megan Ryan she is detailed and sharp and professional.
I used mailerlite to organize my launch team. I got 75 people recruited. I did not give out free books. My open rate was really high and that was encouraging. I have attached copies of my emails.
Now for some mistakes I made
Thomas was right: you need to find a cover designer in your genre. I went with someone who came highly recommended, but he made romance book covers. His drafts just felt way off. We had an amicable parting, but it was a waste of time. My second cover designer was way better. I am not sure if the current version of the cover is my final version, but I did some AB testing on pick foo and it came up as a near tie with another concept. So, no real reason to change.
Thomas was right: get that audiobook made. I have had so many people tell me “I only listen to audio books - especially busy moms and dads. Also, most people are slow paperback/e-book readers. So, only having physical or e-book limits your sales AND puts a delay on when you get feedback and reviews. I am working on the audiobook now. It’s a slow process, but I will be glad to have it out in a few months.
Don’t get creative orgainzing all your files and don’t call something “Final.” Just use the name and (if applicable) asset type and the date —for example Forgotten Twin Cover 4.28.26.
Other thoughts…
I did a few limited social posts on Facebook and Linkedin. That generated a few sales. My wife and a few family members and friends made their own posts - which was even better because I am a 45 year old white dad —not a particularly cool or media savvy demographic.
I included my email and a google voice number in the back of the book. The google voice number doesn’t ring to my cell - just to my laptop when the google voice app is opened and also sends me emails. But it did allow a few readers - old friends and an old teacher, to contact me.
I’ve been getting more comfortable with AI stuff throughout this process. ChatGPT is really good and drafting up cover mock ups. Claude feels a bit… eh, smarter and more organized for thinking tasks. I have used paid versions of both. I didn’t use them for the writing of this book, but I have used them for marketing and launch material ideas and for generating back mater ideas.
I haven’t done a launch party yet, but I will. Friends and church and friends in my neighborhood keep asking. When I say I don’t have anything planned, they start asking my wife and threatening me with a surprise party.
Thanks to this group for all the support and encouragement. I would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and any questions or ideas.
