Happy Weekend, WG2E-Land!
Here’s a question I’m often asked:
How Do You Launch a New Ebook?
First, it’s a ton different than launching a TradiPub Print Book. Why? Because, unlike in the TradiPub Print World, you don’t have just a couple of weeks (literally, no pun intended) to find your reading audience.
As we discuss a bunch here at The WG2E…
An Ebook is Forever
Relatively speaking, it has a shelf-life forever. Yes, we may be required to update file types and covers and even content as platforms advance. But, other than that, your book is there till you remove it. Which means, you’ve got forever to find readers. It’s not a matter of having a limited window before your visibility is over, or worse yet, your product is gone, back in a box, to be shelved in some remote warehouse or shredded to be made into toilet paper (*Note: That’s actually what happens to most print books that are “returned” by stores to the publisher. We end up wiping our…well…you get the picture.)
Okay, so you’ve got a new Ebook, and you’ve got forever to find readers. But…how do you find readers? How do you let them know you’ve got a new Ebook ready for them to enjoy?
Here’s what I do:
1.) I Facebook and Tweet the buy links for each platform as they go live.
Here’s a sample Facebook update:
Happy Weekend, Peeps! I’ve got my first cup of the day ready to toast you! And we’ve got bunches to celebrate today…Stuck with a Stiff – Book One of my new Stuck with a Series with Co-Author David Slegg - is now available on Kindle too! Cheers and Happy Ereading!!! http://amzn.to/U1fGPr Think Castle and Beckett gone-country meet Betty Boop and My Cousin Vinny.
Here’s a sample Tweet:
My latest release – STUCK WITH A STIFF – is now available for all u superfab Nook Peeps too! bit.ly/OdmzJy
2.) I Ebook Gift a ton of copies within the first week of release.
Why? I like to boost my book as high as I can in sales rankings because the higher it ranks right away, the better chance it has of being picked up as a Hot New Release on both Amazon and B&N Nook. And wow does that get you some GREAT sales! My last three fiction releases have all been Hot New Release picks, and I’ve gone on to sell thousands of copies fairly quickly following that kind of early exposure.
***Note: Tomorrow, I’ll teach you how to Ebook Gift on all platforms.
3.) I do fun blogs featuring quirky elements from each new release.
Here are a couple of examples using my latest release – STUCK WITH A STIFF – and the bad ass bovine that’s featured in the book:
When It Comes to Stuck with a Stiff and Bitchy Sign-style ‘Tude, Nothin’ Beats a Bad Ass Bovine
Who Says Ebook Characters Have to be Human? How ‘Bout Canines, Swine and Bovines?
4.) I start Kindle Board threads (and Nook Board too) for each new release.
Here are samples of those:
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?topic=124320.0
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,124458.0.html
5.) I look for fun multi-author events to participate in, like our very own Beach Book Blast.
That way, I’m pulling in other new reader bases too and adding to my “Also Bought” streams on all platforms.
6.) I direct upload each book to all platforms available.
Which means, at this time, I upload direct to Amazon Kindle (using KDP), B&N Nook (using Nook Pubit), Kobo (using Writing Life), and Smashwords (which gets me to Sony, Diesel, iTunes and libraries as well as on Smashwords itself).
It takes me about a half a day per book to get all the uploading done. I do it all the same day, so none of my readers have to wait regardless of the Ereading Platform they use.
7.) I immediately begin writing the next book and working on other projects as well.
That keeps my muses crankin’ with gusto. 
Here’s the thing…
In today’s Epublishing World, you don’t have to reach the moon right away to be successful! And you don’t have to do it in just a few days. A few weeks. A few months. Or longer.
All that matters, is that you keep your career rocketing toward your own galaxy of goals.
And we’ve even got our own comet like tail to shoot for using the long tail sales philosophy.
Here’s another superfab fun thing to consider along your Indie Epublishing journey…
Sales are cyclical.
Meaning, sometimes you’ll be flying up those ranking charts in super-sonic speed. Sometimes, you’ll be coasting. Sometimes, it appears you’re almost stopped, only to hit super-sonic speed again shortly thereafter.
So, bottom line…
Enjoy the ride. Take stock of all the stars you meet along the way. And keep on reaching for the moon. And once you reach that, head to Mars! It’s looking pretty exciting too…according to Curiosity (that superfab cool new rover that just landed there)!
It’s Your Turn, WG2E -Land: Tell us what all you do to launch each new Ebook…
The Best of EBook Launching Wishes — D. D. Scott
This is one of those types of posts that an author should file under “Important Reference”. Thanks for sharing these, and it’s so encouraging to be reminded that with indie, a release doesn’t have to hit the ground running…
Yayyy, Natalie! I’m thrilled my Launch Scoop helps you!
And yes indeed, there’s no need to make it to the moon right away with each new book you release…just keep your momentum going.
You’ll also boost each book to a new level with the release of the next one. So, you’ve got a fabulous compounding effect to look forward to as well!!!
I’m doing a lot of that, I’ll be anxious to read your e-book gifting post since that is my weak spot. I format my own stuff so I tend to just send out copies directly instead of gifting. I can see that gifting would help my rankings better.
To increase your visibility on each platform, L.C., you’ve got to increase your rankings, and a large part of that increase is due to sales. In other words, sales figure heavily into those daily ranking algorithms.
With Ebook Gifting, you get major win-wins and then some! You’re treating your readers, and they luuuvvv that and will remember not only your book but your kindness too. You’ll get part of the money back in royalties. And, you’re boosting your shot at raising your rank with each gift given!
Great post, DD! I wish Amazon would let non US authors gift from their accounts
Thanks sooo much, Sibel! I do think there’s a way for y’all to Ebook Gift though…check with CC MacKenzie. I think she was going to show Talli how to do it using Amazon US instead of her Amazon UK account.
It sounded like to me that anyone could gift using the Amazon US site. She said she’s been able to do it several times that way from across the pond.
She talked about it a few days ago in one of the comment streams for one of our posts here at The WG2E…
Hi Ladies!
Just popping in a bit late on the gifting… I have tried to gift from the UK, even using friend’s US address and changing my Kindle country to the US. But whenever I try to do it, the system keeps telling me it looks like I’m in the UK and to contact the sales team if I want to complete the transaction. Short of getting a US IP address somehow, I’m not sure how it’s possible. I’d certainly like to know, though.
Sibel, I gift ebooks to UK readers through amazon.com. In theory, all you need is a working email and to gift the book from your UK account. You cannot gift someone else’s book though, if they have a different distributor in the UK/US.
Great scoop, Hope! Thanks bunches for sharing…
Hi Hope! Sadly when I sign into my Amazon.com with my Talli Roland account, the gifting button doesn’t even show up. I just get this message: Kindle titles are available for UK customers on Amazon.co.uk. Sigh!
Well, for my current one (my first adult romance in a series), I tweeted, put it out on FB, got a fellow romance author to mention it on her blog, I did an online launch party on FB and my blog with prizes, I emailed people, I uploaded it onto Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords and All Romance ebooks. I have also put it up on Society of Authors website. I have got posters and postcards and so far have put a few in my hairdresser’s, and a few in a local library. I will be giving some more cards and a poster to a friend who lives elsewhere to promote for me. And will be visiting more libraries with cards and posters. I will take cards with me at each talk and conference I go to this month and later in the year. Oh, and I have been pinning other people’s pins on PInterest of images that are connected to the book.
I luuuvvv what you’re doing here, Julie! U Go Girl!!!
I forgot to mention the cards and postcards, so thanks bunches for bringing that up! I use a general postcard and business cards that emphasize my overall brand versus any one particular book.
Here’s a post I did on this (for those that haven’t seen it):
http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/d-d-scotts-the-first-one-is-on-me-campaign
Again, great stuff, Julie! You’ve got a terrific plan and better yet, you’re workin’ it!!!
Thanks for the wonderful post. I’m taking notes for my next release in a few weeks.
I didn’t realise gifting could be so handy. I’ve never done it, but will the next time.
I agree that we have a long time to promote and get sales on our books, and with every book release, we have the opportunity to sell more of the already published books. Write, publish, write…that’s my new philosophy.
Another superfab WG2E Mantra here, Diane:
Write, Publish, Write
Write, Publish, Write
Write, Publish, Write
It’s all about letting that next new book boost the sales of your entire backlist! And yes, Ebook Gifting can sooo help with that endeavor!!!
Brilliant post! Thank you. Being new to E-Publishing, I appreciate all the tips I can get from experienced and successful E-Publishers. We are all in this together – striving for the same success – and it’s great to be part of this great E-Book revolution where there is room for everyone and all are so generous and supportive.
I used some of your suggestions to promote ‘It’s a Long Way to Malta’, and it has far exceeded my targets, but with my new mystery novel ready for uploading, I will be employing all of your super clever ideas, and am excitedly looking forward to seeing the results.
Thanks again.
U betchya, Paddy!
I’m over the moon (that we’re each shooting for) to hear you’re not only getting great ideas here at The WG2E, but you’re trying them too! That’s the secret! Learn and Do!!!
And you’re sooo right that it is all about Writers Helping Writers Reach Readers!!! And when we Pay It Forward like that, the synergy we create can take us all to Mars and beyond!!! Look out, Curiosity, ’cause here comes WG2E-land!!!
Dee Dee, do you know that I got to know Paddy through comments on this site and found that we live on the same island – and he even wrote a book about it! It’s a small world indeed. Lol.
I luuuvvv these kinds of stories, Natalie!!! That is fantastic!!! WG2E-Land is truly bringing authors together around the world!!!
This is the toughest part but so very important to remember: “I immediately begin writing the next book and working on other projects as well.” Because we may get so hung up getting our newest book out and letting readers know where they can get it- that we forget to spend equal or more time writing the next one. I have heard it again and again- get more (of course well written, edited…) Books out…Thanks DD:)
Another superfab WG2E Mantra, Lois:
Get More Books Out
Get More Books Out
Get More Books Out
Atta Girl!!!
For me, it’s the easiest part though because my muses drive me even more bat shit crazy with all of the ideas they want to try. Hell, it’s therapy for me to write the next book!
Another great post, DD! I’m filing this one away for my next book release for reference!
Perfect, Anna!
I think you’ll enjoy using these techniques and boost your visibility with them!!!
That’s what it’s all about! For readers to buy our books, they’ve got to find us. And for them to keep on buyin’ ‘em, they’ve got to remember us, luuuvvv what we write and enjoy us as people to hang with too!!!
Great post again, D.D.! Enjoy your week-end!
Thanks bunches, Jeanne! And right backatchya on the great weekend wishes!!!
Thanks so much for all the great info, D.D. My issue with my first book is that it’s coming out with a small press, so I’m not sure if I can do everything you mentioned. I’m limited in how many freebies I can give away, although my publisher has been pretty flexible.
Stupid question: what is the benefit of doing free regarding the Amazon charts? I don’t want to do KDP, so other than the obvious of getting readers, do giving away free books help your chart rankings?
Thanks, and I will be bookmarking this for ideas for my indie release in the spring.
But you could Ebook Gift as many copies as you want, right, Stacy? You would just buy them, using the Ebook Gifting features on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, etc. (***Note: I’ll teach you all the how-to’s in my post here on WG2E tomorrow.)
“The First One is On Me” (i.e making your first release FREE) is a wonderful way to get readers to then buy your other books. It wasn’t until I used that approach that I broke into Nook, Kobo, Sony, iTunes, Smashwords, Diesel and more!!! I also boosted my Amazon sales big-time too!
http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/d-d-scotts-ebook-sales-now-selling-more-ebooks-in-one-month-than-the-entire-last-year
As far as FREE Ebooks chart rankings: Amazon tracks FREE books separately from Paid Titles.
But, when you use Ebook Gifting, those transactions, because you’re actually buying the books do count in your Paid Book Rankings.
Does that make sense?
There’s a huge difference between making your Ebooks FREE and using Ebook Gifting…more on this in tomorrow’s post.
Okay, thanks. I’m actually putting out a short story that ties into the novel about 3 weeks before the big release, so I’m hoping to use that to build some steam as well.
U betchya!
I like the short story steam builder plan too! Well done!!!
Hi, D.D.
Just wanted to check and say thanks for the great post! Love it! (And the advice from the responses has been great, too!!) Every time I check in here, I get a little bit more motivated: I reach out to a new blogger I hadn’t thought of before, or I figure out a new promotion, or I (gasp) sit my butt down and start writing!
Appreciate all the help, everyone!!
Diane
U betchya, Diane! I’m tickled you’re motivated by The WG2E and then inspired to act on the ideas we present!
Great post, D.D.! You always remind of something I forgot. Kindleboards this time. I find that site so overwhelming I tend to avoid it. But seeing the example of your new page really helps.
I hear ya on Kindle Boards, Alicia! I “took a break” from there for the last couple of months, as I got tired of all the policing of posts. But, that said, it is a place where a bunch of readers hang so I’m back on there chatting with ‘em as well as reaching out to other writers in the Writers’ Cafe on The Boards.
I am so bookmarking this post!
With a target pub date of November 30th for my first mystery novel, I’ve been fretting about promoting the book, will it sell, etc. It’s so easy to get sucked into all the how-do-I-get-in-the-top-100 noise and I have to be constantly reminded about the long tail.
Thanks for telling us exactly what you do to promote a new book. Simple, but obviously effective.
The lightbulb finally went on about why you egift books. I’m definitely adding this to my promotion strategy. And I’ll be back tomorrow to bookmark the instructions.
Atta Girl, Elise!!! Congrats on being just about ready for your debut release! Fantastic!!!
You’ll find that magic combination that works for you and your career goals, but my list above will give you a wonderful plan to begin with and one that is very doable rather than overwhelming.
And yes, it’s totally not about the “Top 100″ noise…it’s about the long tail of sales.
This was just the post I needed to read, DD. Thanks for the reminder that we all can’t be bestsellers straight out of the gate.
You are sooo welcome, Hope!
And here’s another thing to remember during your journey…
Even after you hit the bestseller lists including Top 100, Movers and Shakers, and others, sales are still cyclical. So, just enjoy the ride, and know that you’ll have a bunch of ups and downs no matter where you are in your career.
Thanks, D.D. Another amazing post. I do a couple of the same things you do but like others in the comments section I am waiting with baited breath to read your e-book gifting post tomorrow. This is something new I’d like to try that I hadn’t thought about before
Ebook Gifting totally rocks, Alison! It’s a tool I wish I would have thought of at the get-go, but one that’s never too late to add into your regular promotional plan!
“Tomorrow, I’ll teach you how to Ebook Gift on all platforms.” -
very much looking forward to this
the little bit i’ve ebooked, like on amazon, i haven’t even had them show up as affecting my sales ranking, this has happened twice with books on amazon
i get the sales notated on my sales report, but the sales are not credited to my sales ranking
both times i’ve email amazon several times, received, after awhile, a response that they’re looking into it, sometimes an apology, then it’s forgotten, the sales momentum is gone, and so was all the effort –
so, very interested what you’ll have on this d.d., thanks!
Wavin’ atchya, Adan!
In my experience, it takes between 10 and 15 Ebook Gifts on any given platform per day, at a minimum, most days (under average algorithms…if there are such a thing…LOL!), to see any change in your sales rankings. It also depends on how long your book has been out. For example, it’s easier to get those rankings bumps on a new release, using Ebook Gifting, than on one that’s been out a while. That said, if your Ebook has been out a long, long time, and say ranked in the 200,000′s or higher…just a few Ebook Gifts on any given day can boost your rankings into around the 40,000 or better range.
None of this is exact science of course, and every day the algorithms can change.
But over time, I’ve had a lot of success bumping my visibility using Ebook Gifting.
And here’s the thing…it’s not so much about the rankings boost as it is about growing your readership wider and deeper by using Ebook Gifting to treat your readers.
“it’s not so much about the rankings boost as it is about growing your readership wider and deeper by using Ebook Gifting to treat your readers” – very true
i was only trying a few ebook giftings to get the feel of it, so looking fwd to your follow up posts, thanks d.d.
That’s the way to get your feet wet, Adan! Well done, my friend! And the readers you treated are jumpin’ for joy too!
Such practical ideas, as usual, D.D.! I want to emphasize that ebooks are forever so some of these strategies will also work beautifully for titles whose sales have dipped. I was encouraging an author last week to continue to market her second title that was published in February as she is finishing her third. She took my advice and posted to a blog about her genre and the result was a lovely post about her book which the blogger had read and enjoyed. Even better, she sold 10 books that very day.
I also want to recommend D.D.’s ebook 10 Years & 24 Hours to Indie Epublishing Success which I am just finishing. Taking lots of notes too!
You are sooo right, LC, in that these techniques work for your backlist titles too! It’s never too late to focus your efforts on a previously released title! You’ll see me often refer to the first books in my series. For example, in the Canine, Swine and Bovine blog post I linked to above, I talk about everything from my debut release to my latest release!
And thanks bunches for the superfab sweet 10-24 shout-out! I’m tickled you’re enjoying it and taking lots of notes, and I can’t wait to see what you do with the ideas I’ve presented in it!!!
Serendipity , D.D.! Today my first indy book went live on Kindle! Thanks for sharing the word about gifting. It’s part of my strategy. Thanks for sharing what’s worked for you!
Sweet serendipity indeed, Sara! Congrats on your debut Indie Epublished release! U Go, Girl! We’re all here cheering you on!
Thanks for the good vibes! Right back at you!
These are great tips. I have bookmarked this post for future reference. Thanks for all your great tips!
You are sooo welcome, Randi! I can’t wait to see how you put these tools to work in your own Indie Epublishing Empire!!!
Thanks for the post! I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s post, also!
I just finished getting the Ebook Gifting How To post ready to go for tomorrow, Tamara! I think y’all will get a ton of use out of it!
Cheers, my friend!!!
Thanks for another great post, D.D.!
I’m so excited to be your co-author on the Stuck with a series. You rock!
Sure thing, David!
I can’t wait to see what you do with these ideas for our Stuck with a Series promotions…