So You've Signed the Contract. Now what?

Here is a checklist of what you’ll need to do or consider. Some might apply. Others might not be your cuppa. 

Remember: It is YOUR book, YOUR story that you want to tell. The one person showing the most enthusiasm should be YOU.

After signing the contract:

• Create a Facebook, twitter, and a Blog/website.
• Send a News Release to local Newspapers and Radio stations announcing your contract.
• Join Loops that have authors and readers in your genres. Get involved so that when you have something to promote readers won't think you are a spam and run author.
• Blog! Practice, practice, practice.
• Build you Brand.
• Start Hosting authors on your blog to drive traffic there.

Tip: While waiting for edits, start searching for books similar to yours to find the best genre slots and tags for your books.

Once you have your Release date:

• Find review sites interested in reviewing your book and let your publisher know so they can get an ARC to them ASAP.
• Start lining up Blog slots/ interviews with Blogs outside your publisher for your release date and after.

One Month before release or when authors have cover art:

• Work on trailers if author is interested.
• Line up guest slots on Radio Shows
• Start signing up for blog hops.
• Post Cover art on Blogs, Twitter and Facebook.
• Contact local artsy places see if they will host a book reading.
  Set up a Google Alert
• Set up your Author Accounts at Goodreads.

Note: You can’t make an author page at Amazon until your book is released.

Week of Release:

• Make sure all your Blogs are out to the Guest Blog sites you are blogging at. Thanking them for hosting you.
• Send out Press Release to local papers and radio stations follow up to see if they will interview you.
• Talk up your book. (Remember there is a fine line from Promotion and Spam)
• If the Book is available for presale push people to your publisher’s site to get their copy.
• Double check your tags, excerpt and Blurbs

Day of Release:

• Talk up your book!!! Have a Release Party.
• CELEBRATE
• Make sure to visit the Blogs who are hosting you and leave comments and answer questions.
• DO NOT ask people to TAG until all Amazon sites are live. Usually 48 hours after Amazon US goes live.
• Add book to Goodreads (use the ISBN number)

After Release:

• Keep Writing.
• Keep Blogging.
• Keep Promoting.
• Get readers to leave reviews on Amazon. (Honest reviews) and tag your books.
• Get Involved with Blog Hops.
• Update Amazon to make sure all your books are showing up on your Amazon Author Page.

Remember The Golden Rule: if you help other authors they will help you.