by Katherine Reay, @Katherine_Reay
A Book Release!
Part of our journey in writing is, we hope, to celebrate the launch of our efforts. Today I feel so blessed to celebrate the launch of my new book, The Printed Letter Bookshop. At the end of this post, I’ll share a little about the story, but first I want to talk about a few details that go into a launch. And all of these thoughts and ideas apply whether you are independently publishing your story or publishing with a traditional house.
6 months before launch: Post a cover reveal and update your website and your author profiles around social media to include your book.
3 months before launch: Create some graphics, giveaway a few ARCs or post snippets on your website to introduce readers to the story, create additional bonus content too (such as behind-the scenes-thoughts or your inspiration), share early reviews in your newsletter or on social media. Start participating in chatter around your story.
1 month to launch: Employ some of those lovely graphics you created, enlist fans to help generate a little fun noise, promote your Pinterest board and give other glimpses into the story and into your author life.
Launch Day: Send out a newsletter, be available on social media — maybe a Facebook Party (I’m having one tonight, if you’d like to join me) and post some celebratory pictures — after all, it’s a big fun day for you.
Post Launch Day: Don’t forget your work doesn’t end on launch day. Join with other authors to promote your book and their books too. Also thank bloggers, engage with readers, perhaps run a giveaway, and reach out to local bookstores for signings.
It’s a lot to do, but writing took a lot of time too. Enjoy this stage of the process and then, when you’re ready… Start writing and promoting your next book!
And always… Have fun!!!
Katherine
The Printed Letter Bookshop
Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop
One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt — and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn —and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions – she questions her plans and her heart, and begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop. Yet, even working together, these three women may find their best efforts too little and too late.
The Printed Letter Bookshop is an engaging story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.
THE PRINTED LETTER BOOKSHOP is a both a powerful story and a dazzling experience. Katherine Reay has the rare ability to delve into her characters private world with such clarity that they come alive on the page. Truths are slowly revealed as Reay peels back the layers of her characters and of our hearts. This novel skillfully knits together family, forgiveness and redemption with the understanding that books can change our lives and mend our souls. As three diverse women come together in a charming bookstore that needs saving, they discover that they might just save each other with the power of friendship and community. I want to give it to every woman I know — I adored falling into Reay’s world, words and bookstore. Powerful, enchanting and spirited, this novel will delight!
— NYT Bestselling Author Patti Callahan Henry
Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy & Jane, The Bronte Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, and The Austen Escape. Her next novel, The Printed Letter Bookshop, will release May 2019. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Her first nonfiction work will release December 2019. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, and is a wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL. You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com or on Facebook: KatherineReayBooks, Twitter: @katherine_reay or Instagram: @katherinereay.