A To-Do List for Just-Published Authors

Congratulations! Your book is being published! If only your work was done, but whether you self-publish or sold your book to a traditional publisher, a lot of the marketing that determines whether your book is a success or not is going to be up to you now. Here are several steps you can take to help your book along.

Get Reviews
Yes, before your book is even in stores, you should be getting reviews. If you went through a traditional publisher, they should be doing this for you, but if you are self-publishing your book you need to get galley copies. (A galley copy or galley proof is an early draft of your book. It can have a plain coverthis is just to check the text inside and send out for reviews.) Send a copy to Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and any other review sources that require early copies. If your book is non-fiction or has a niche market, look into unusual sources that would have an interest in your book.

Start a Blog
If this is your first book or if you haven't gotten one yet, look into getting a blog or a website. There are lots of free blog networks out there like Blogger and WordPressfind one that suits you. Then-and this is important!-update your blog regularly. Keep information for contacting you, a calendar of events like book signings and fairs you'll attend, and information on how to buy your book when it comes out. If your book is non-fiction, write a blog in your field of study to help establish yourself as an expert. Don't be disappointed if you don't get a hundred hits a day (or even ten). What's important is it's there when people start looking for it.

Go Local
Write up a press release and clue in your local media on your success, donate a finished copy of your book to your local libraries (don't forget school libraries for children's and young adult books!) and visit local bookshops to schedule a book launch party. Don't forget to pop that press release on the internet, and put all of your local events on your website calendar!

Have a Party
Throw a party to celebrate your book launch. If you don't hold it at a book store, you can still have copies of your book available for sale, but be tasteful about your display and don't expect your guests to buy your book. This is more about networking and celebrating than making a sale. You should have a copy of your book on display, though. If your book launch party is at a bookstore, arrange to have a display of your books available for purchase with the shop owner or manager

Write Articles for Magazines
This will also help you become an expert in your field, but make sure it ties back into your book. If you've written a cookbook for diabetics, for example, you could write something like "10 Quick Tips for Sweet Sugar-Free Treats". Magazine and newsletters are almost always looking for brief articles and sidebar information, and you can have a brief mention of your upcoming book put in your byline or at the end of your article.

Network
Start communicating with other authors on social sites like Gather.com, MySpace, and author specific networks. If you haven't joined any writing organizations yet, do so. Not only will these people have more advice for marketing and selling your book, they can recommend you and your book to others.

Breathe
Although your marketing campaign is just beginning, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. Take a few hours to relax and do one of your favorite activities, anything from taking a hot bubble bath to fly fishing to playing with your kids. Enjoy yourself, because it only gets crazier once your book is out there for the world to see.