Episode 6 - Many Hands Make Write Work - Book Launch!

Hi guys!

So here we are, at the finish line for the creation of a novel. Again, I want to thank you for following me through this writing project.

If you are just joining me and you want to read what I've talked about so far, by all means, click here so you can catch up. Also, you can join my mailing list to learn about my upcoming books, contests, events, and more.

Once we have a word document(or whatever program is used to write out the story)now comes every author's nightmare: formatting(ugh) But it doesn't have to be hard at all.

Formatting is how you put the word document together in which it can be formed into an eBook, PDF or mobi (a type of file used for the kindle reader) file.  It's also important that the word document transfers over to ePub(or whichever)with things in the right place, hence the term formatting.  Sometimes formatting will change how your file is laid out and the document won't look 'right'. To solve this issue, many authors use an automated style of formatting through various software programs and apps designed just for formatting.

Since I want to reach as many readers as possible, I use a specific(and free :-)) software called "Calibre" which will allow me to format my word document in as many ways as possible since different readers access books in different ways.

Here's some of the skinny on Calibre:

• Save time on managing your e-book collection
• Use it everywhere and with anything
• Comprehensive e-book viewer
• Download news/magazines from the web
• Share and backup your library easily
• Edit the books in your collection
• Satisfy every e-book need and get support

By using this nifty software, it allows me to successfully make my word document into pretty much any format I need.  

After the formatting is done, then we can now focus on setting up pre-order marketing. The easiest one to do and get some attention on an upcoming book is Goodreads.  

Some of you may know about Goodreads as readers, but there is also an author dashboard feature(once you sign up to become a Goodreads Author)that will allow you to add all of your books. (also free!) 

I generally start the marketing on my books at around three months before the release, which is about now for Dissemble since it's due to release December 8th.  This includes pre-scheduling posts on social media. I am currently on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads and Blogger. For ease in promoting all of my books at once, I also have an Amazon page on Author Central, as well as an account for Books2Read(an all-in-one weblink in which a reader can buy a book from whatever retailer they choose.)

What I use to do that, is a little gem web site/app called "Buffer", which allows me to schedule posts for multiple social media outlets all at once. So basically I set up promotional graphics for the book, different types to get better engagement, waaaay ahead of time to release when I want them to all social media I chose.

For instance, some of the graphic banners have a countdown type of wording to gently remind potential readers about the book and when it will be available.  Other promos have a link to download a free preview(usually in exchange for their email address - in which I will be able to target subscribers on my mailing list as I release new books, have contests, beta-reader opportunities, etc. all for the sake of increasing overall engagement) or to an eBook giveaway to promote reviews before the release. Another little (free)gem I use to get early reviews in Booksprout, in which readers can request ARC(advance reader copy)of my book in exchange for leaving an honest review. In the free account, I can allow up to 20 copies. Paid accounts allow for more copies, which equals more reviews(potentially). I am looking into upgrading because an author can NEVER have too many reviews!

Word of mouth is also very good, in casual conversation when you run into people on the street and is one that I try to use(without sounding too "sales-y, mind you)when I am about to start promoting.  I also try to promote my backlist or catalog of books that I already have out. For instance, recently(and in an effort to make them all sell better) I took all of my standalone books and paired them up to create different series:

Code Pink is Millicent Harvey's first appearance and I published it back in 2015. Dissemble will feature her prominently and I am hoping to do more with Millie down the line. Fun fact, Millicent Harvey was my paternal great-grandmother's name :-)

The Doctor, which I released in January of this year, introduced people to Doctor Oliver Perritt. Another book of mine published in 2017, Mirror Mirror, is currently being altered to include that main character's interaction with Oliver to form another series. I had two romantic suspense(mostly suspense) books that I published in 2015(Broken Pieces was my first, the novella Swept Away came afterward) that was already a series. Shelter is my only standalone book now(one of my favorite stories)and has also been made into an audiobook. The Doctor is currently being produced as I write this.

So, as you can see, I have been busy, busy, busy. And I'm not done yet so stick around and I will have more books coming out(faster)over the next year or two.

And remember, be sure to sign up for my emails to know when the pre-order link will be ready for Dissemble. 

I will also be posting an extended epilogue to "The Doctor" and "Mirror, Mirror" to the backs of both books as well as on my website for free download (if you've already read them). 

And that's about it, everyone! I want to thank you again for following along my writing journey and I do hope that I have provided some valuable tips if you are thinking of becoming a book author.  If you do, then one last goodie is to be sure that you join really good writing groups, such as Indie Author Support or 20 Books to 50K(both of Facebook), and tell them I sent ya!

When NYPD Homicide Detective Millicent Harvey is assigned to assist local authorities with a case involving the sudden death of 14-year-old Elsa Butler, she learns that the victim was being bullied by a mean-girl clique.

As she examines evidence at the lake where Elsa's body was found, it becomes apparent that the authorities have missed a major clue and things may not be as they seem.

Probing deeper, Millie is met with open hostility and a blatant lack of cooperation from everyone in the sleepy, upstate New York town as the case becomes a high-profile one involving some of the state's wealthiest families.

But amidst credible threats against her during the investigation, new information from an anonymous source makes Millie realize that there was more to Elsa than anyone ever could have imagined.

What really happened to Elsa on that fateful day and who wanted her dead?

More importantly....why?

This is a Detective Millicent Harvey Case File novel.

For fans of Rachel Abbott, Danielle Girard, and Stuart James, Dissemble is a tense, suspenseful crime-fiction thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. 

Be sure to check out Detective Millicent Harvey's first case, Code: PINK, available now.

Pre-Order Dissemble

Erica :-) 

^=taken from the calibre web site at https://calibre-ebook.com/