Last December, I wrote up a checklist of things to do for the upcoming release of False Guilt. The checklist has evolved through the first weeks of 2015 and I thought I would share a summary for other self-published authors.
But, first, a snippet of False Guilt: the opening and closing paragraphs of chapter 1.
“Tell me this,” the man across from Paul Tews said. “What the hell is wrong with my son?”
Fifteen minutes earlier, moving a tray along a railing in front of a Greek fast-food place, Paul had heard his name. He’d been flattered that the President of Pan Canadian Securities asked to join him for lunch. Now he understood why. His question was a fair one.
. . .
“When [Art] was in L.A.,” [Art’s father] said, “the requests for money came faster and faster. For a long time, I sent him whatever he wanted. Then I made a few calls and figured things out. After that, I stuck to a monthly allowance, even if he complained, and then, when he came back last November, I cut him off and told him to get a job. And I told him if he keeps using cocaine I’ll write him out of my will.”
Paul’s face flushed and he looked away. “If it makes you feel any better, I know he tried reducing it recently.” He shot a hesitant glance across the table. “Anyway, he’s a brilliant guy. I meant it when I said he’ll get things working for him.”
“I don’t see him going to law school,” Art’s father said, snorting. “And he’s a failed actor as far as I can tell. I mean, right now, he pours people coffee for a living.”
Paul was at a loss. The lunchtime din suffused the pause in their conversation. Finally, Art’s father said, “Sometimes, Paul, sometimes I ask myself which one of us will die first.”
Another fair question, Paul thought.
And here’s the summary of my pre-release checklist for a self-published book.
Eight to twelve weeks before release date:
- Approach candidates for release reviews.
- Settle on print and eBook distribution platforms.
- Editor and author complete final manuscript proof.
- Draft marketing plan, including blogging and social media strategies.
- Assign cover design and interior design.
Four weeks before:
- Get print and eBook ISBNs.
- Obtain release reviews, and choose excerpts for back cover.
- Finalize cover and interior designs.
- Complete last front-to-back review and have final fixes made.
- Obtain necessary files for print and eBook distribution.
- Refine marketing plan, including developing updates for website and online profiles.
Two weeks before:
- Begin implementing blogging and social media strategies.
- Upload files to print-on-demand site; approve online and hard copy proofs as available.
Release:
- Upload eBook platform files and approve POD publication.
- Post release reviews on distribution site(s) and website.
- Implement other website changes and changes to online profiles.
- Announce release on blog and social media.
- Email interested readers and ask for reviews.
- Add book to Goodreads and/or similar sites.
I’ve actually broken down these steps further using a calendar.
I only wish I’d been this thoughtful on the release of The Case for Killing!
False Guilt will be out later this month.
Copyright ©2015 Peter Fritze
Where to buy The Case for Killing.
Follow me on Twitter @PFritze.
Great teasers! Seems like something I need to check in to. Thanks also for sharing your checklist.
You’re welcome!