An Easy-to-Follow PR Plan for Authors

We work really hard to get our books out into the world using all the tools we have available to us. But some authors want to play an active role in the marketing and PR of their books, but they just don't know how. To help authors out, whether you are working with us or not, here is an easy PR blueprint that can help jumpstart the launch of a book. 

**Already launched a book? You can still do this. Tailor the timeframe to your needs.

9 Months Prior to Publication

• Create author website/blog (or clean up current platform).
• Add newsletter subscribe capability to site/blog.
• Set up/Clean up social media accounts (Google+, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, FB, etc…).
• Sign up for Goodreads Author and LibraryThing.
• Create a social media publishing calendar.
• Identify bookstores in your area that you want to read at. Start visiting them. Talk to the manager/owner. Ask about booking an event.
• Identify podcasts, newspapers, radio stations, etc to contact for PR purposes. 
• Write interview request letter.
• Write book review request letter.
• Hire a publicity intern/assistant.
• Write a newsletter.
• Gather email list.

6 Months Prior to Publication

• Build press kit (author bio, author pic, cover pic, synopsis).
• Send out 1st newsletter.
• Reach out to your library to stock book and offer to hold a reading or free writing workshop/talk.
  
• Set up live virtual interview and Q+A for readers, bloggers and journalists upon publication. Think about FB Live, YouTube Live, etc…Send out letters to bloggers, readers, and journalists about the interview. Promote on social media.
• Send out review request letters to 20-25 book reviewers, bloggers, journalists and social media book reviewers.
• Send interview requests to selected markets.
• Start scheduling and planning signings, readings and launch party for publication.

3-4 Months Prior to Publication

• Consider running ads on Goodreads or Google.
• Send out 2nd newsletter.
• Send guest blog posts to 5-10 blogs.
• Start actively commenting on blogs that you read (DO NOT SAY YOU HAVE A BOOK COMING OUT).
• Create email/byline signature that includes your website/blog/press info.
• Schedule 2-3 live virtual readings/interviews/AMAs for the first months of publication. Invite bloggers, journalists, and readers.
• Send interview requests to local newspapers, radio stations, and literary groups.
• Continue seeking venues for readings for the months following publication. 
  • Aim should be 1-2 per month following the first month.
• Schedule book tour, if planning on it (this can be local or online!)
• Follow up with review requests.
• Create a testimonial page on site/blog for your book.
• Schedule social media to share pre-order information (offer incentive).

Upon Publication

• Launch social media campaign.
• Hold readings.
• Hold live interviews/AMAs.
• Hold book signing and/or launch party.
• Send out another newsletter.
• Continue active efforts to reach audience.​