It’s been almost 18 months since I signed my book deal, and it is finally time to launch this novel! The Brunswick officially releases on May 19, but we are starting the big launch push now.
→ I’d be so honored if you would look through this link and see how you might join in: »»» calliemurray.com/book
If you’re a reader, I hope you’ll find the book-stuff there compelling. And if you’re not, I hope you’ll at least find the marketing-stuff in there interesting.
The launch link shares specifics about the book itself, a list of all the places to order (and what bonuses come with preorders), and ten ways to really get the book flywheel spinning.
There’s also an opportunity to fill out a short form and join the official launch team.
The groundsweller in me (iykyk // RIP) is LOVING this part of the process.
I’m going to include some musings just for Project Persons below, but please visit the launch link before reading any further.
(The launch link!!! «««That one!! Go!!)
Per this encouragement from Seth Godin, my wild goal is that this book sells 10,000 copies in its first year—and that it then sells even beyond that via word-of-mouth in years to come.
The average book sells something like 500 copies, and only 6.7% of new titles released by even the top 10 US publishers sell more than 10,000 copies in their first year of sales (source).
So, perhaps I am setting myself up for disappointment, or perhaps we are just setting ourselves up to really celebrate big next year 😉 Either way, I think it’s helpful for me to realize I have some hopes/expectations and then to try to do what I can to get there.
I’m viewing this process as three unique stages: (1) the preorder push, happening now, (2) the release day, happening May 19, and (3) the build-a-readership phase, happening once the book is in folks’ hands until hopefully infinity.
The preorder push: This is where no one knows or cares about my writing, and it’s really all about marketing.
Does the premise sound like something people want to read? Are they into the cover? Are the endorsements impressive? Have I activated my network well?
If so, I’ll get enough preorders to really get the flywheel spinning. Bookstores and libraries will be more apt to carry it. Readers will see reviews and add it to their Want to Read lists. The publisher will get excited and put more budget and oopmh behind me.The release day: This is where we all have the real book in our hands, and I’ll celebrate at my local bookstore as well as at a big event I’m hosting that evening. (Come join me!)
The Brunswick will finally move from my Google Docs into the world. When someone hears I write fiction and asks where to get a copy, I can actually point them somewhere. I will feel like a real-deal author.
Hopefully, I’ll see lots of photos of this book out in the wild. And this day is when people—anyone!—can actually read the book.The build-a-readership phase: This is where I’ll start to find my readers, and we’ll see if my writing is actually any good.
Lots of “hopefullys” in this phase: Those who enjoy the book will rate and review it. I’ll get to share with book clubs. I’ll hear stories of what resonated, meet people at events who come because they’ve actually read my book, and get invited to opportunities (vs pitching to be included).
I am obviously nervous about this phase, too. The book is already in the hands of early reviewers, and it’s unbelievably vulnerable.
I am truly so grateful for this story and just so excited to get it into the world. Thank you for walking this long road with me.
-Callie
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I’m Callie Murray, a self-proclaimed Project Person. From a fake wedding company to a mountain shack to a novel, I’m always up to something.
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