Book launches can involve a myriad of promotional tactics. When I launched Creative Ways with Money in February 2020 (best timing ever), I had a long list of things to make:
- author book shot
- masses of social media images
- bookmark
- Creative Ways for Making Money bonus giveaway
- book web page, sales blurb, etc
- articles for blogging
But, oops, I forgot the most important thing: a ‘one sheet’/publicity sheet. I did make a general media kit and rewrote my bio, so will forgive myself, but still…
Why a One Sheet?
For your book launch, a publicity sheet all about the book and wholesale information is crucial and is considered sales collateral. As this might go to the bookstore trade, it needs to contain:
- how many pages and if colour
- the blurb—why is it needed—and specifically what kind of reader it will appeal to?
- the genre or bookstore section?
- the cover image
- author name and a couple of lines about you
- publisher imprint, if applicable
- publisher/author website URL
- any book awards shortlisted for
- both ISBNs – for eBook and Paperback
- the print wholesaler (Lightning Source/Ingram in my case) and % discount (e.g. 55%)
- the RRP price
- publication launch date
The title and subtitle will be on the cover image, but use these as well.
Then you can use this one-sheet to send to independent bookstore owners. Or if lucky enough to secure a book distributor with a sales team, to send to them as a PDF. It would also be handy to email to Podcast hosts where you are appearing next.
If you join ASA, you can then apply for distribution with John Reed Books (although this will still cost plenty to supply the books needed and there is not much profit). Or you can get on the phone yourself and tout your book directly to small bookstores.
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Book Creation Self-Publish course explains publicity and media kits. So you can get access to in-depth self-publishing and book marketing information, when you need it.
