Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today: PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!
March 4 question - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?
I don't know that I'm as good at launching books as I could be. For Fractions of Existence, I did multiple book blog tours. I did one book blog tour for Proof of Existence (only on blogs of blogger friends). I certainly reached a larger audience with the tours on sites of people I didn't know.
Neither resulted in many sales. I spent more than I earned. For Proof of Existence, I also used an AllAuthor promotion. This got me a fair amount of exposure on Twitter (yup, back then, before it was sold and changed names). Below is an example of an email promo they sent me. Also, the link to my AllAuthor site.
https://jlennidorner.allauthor.com My AllAuthor profile
I recently bought this book. And, as this is the current topic, I read and reviewed it.
https://amzn.to/4qKi2Ws - The Snowball Book Launch: How To Create A Huge Buzz And Massive Pre-Order Sales Before You Release Your Self-Published Book Kindle Edition by Ray Brehm
The Snowball Book Launch: How To Create A Huge Buzz And Massive Pre-Order Sales Before You Release Your Self-Published Book by Ray Brehm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I did enjoy this book overall, though it feels geared much more toward entrepreneurs who will self-publish a nonfiction book in their field of expertise, rather than toward fiction authors. However, I shall try some of the suggestions that could benefit my own author brand.
This book had been on my Amazon wishlist, and it was at a reasonable price, so I bought it. Book releases are the subject of discussion for the IWSG's March 2026 prompt, so it was the perfect time to read and review this, to my mind.
In the introduction, it talks about a book being the "primary engine of your business," which feels true for all authors, but it speaks more to how this book applies mainly to people who will publish nonfiction primarily. I would absolutely recommend this book to people who want to be an authority on a nonfiction topic. Typically, when I read reference books like this, they're aimed more at fiction authors.
By part III, it becomes fast-paced. The book is slightly complex, it's informative, and has a very strong author’s voice by someone who is clearly an authority on selling and marketing.
"The people who download your book for free are generally not as likely to buy anything from you later." This excerpt is the exact opposite of the advice of nearly every marketing book and program aimed at fiction writers, who are told that a free book gets readers hooked and encourages them to come back to buy your higher-priced fiction books later.
The book has multiple sections discussing what being a "bestseller" means, if anything at all. That such a title is no guarantee that an author will generate an income from writing. It also mentions that the average author sells fewer than 200 books. (The four books I have on Amazon have more sales than that, so I must be above average, and that news makes me feel good about myself. Thanks, Ray!)
I read the entire book because it definitely builds, and you have to get to the end to get all the information! But, in the VIII section, where it talks about "lead magnet is more valuable than your book," that really didn't speak to me as a fiction author. And the major problem solved in my reference book about writing book reviews is, well, how to write a book review, and there's not really a cross-promotion to go with that. (I mean, if a fellow author bought one of my fiction books, and then used my reference guide on writing book reviews to review one of my fiction books, yes, that would be a dream come true. But I'm pretty sure that's not what this Snowball book means.)
The edition of this book I bought came with a link to get another book from the author for free. Part of the marketing plan laid out in the book is to hook customers and keep them coming back for more, so this makes sense. (The catch, of course, is getting that free book means agreeing to daily emails.)
I enjoyed the "Five Interview Questions" the most. The book talks about KDP Rocket, which no longer exists, and is now Publisher Rocket, which is twice the price.
I do like the cover with the snowball and the orange-and-white lettering, and the title makes sense.
Something I question, though it may just have changed, is that my BookBub link is bookbub DOT com/authors/j-lenni-dorner, which does not use the word "partners," which part V suggests it would if I have an author account, which I'm pretty certain that I do.
The section on "Update KDP with new categories" needs some updating, as there have been changes. However, I have attempted to follow the instructions for my reference book about writing book reviews, as there is no actual specific category for books on that topic, despite there being several such books for sale.
As a self-published author, I found this book relevant, though it doesn't feel especially aimed at writers focused primarily on selling fiction books. The book mentioned Pixels, but not as a unit of a digital image, there's a whole chapter on Pixel Linking but I still don't understand it. (I did a search and learned there's a plugin, but it slows down websites, so I'm not sure it would help me.)
This book is probably part of a series, as the author mentions some other books, but most books about selling contain mentions intended to sell more books or classes or whatnot.
This book is in the category Kindle eBooks > Computers & Technology > Electronic Publishing -- which feels accurate.
View all my Goodreads reviews
I was emailed by BookBub about their new "author websites."
A free custom domain for the first year ($15 per year after)
$9.99 per month
https://authorwebsites.bookbub.com/pricing
I didn't sign up, but I thought others might be interested.
"Fewer than two percent of children’s to YA books published in the United States depict Native and Indigenous characters. In part because of this program, that number has increased to nearly three percent."
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
#AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. Watch for special features!
My THEME REVEAL post is coming this Friday!
https://jlennidorner.allauthor.com My AllAuthor profile |
| Email promo screenshot ^ |
I recently bought this book. And, as this is the current topic, I read and reviewed it.
https://amzn.to/4qKi2Ws - The Snowball Book Launch: How To Create A Huge Buzz And Massive Pre-Order Sales Before You Release Your Self-Published Book Kindle Edition by Ray Brehm
The Snowball Book Launch: How To Create A Huge Buzz And Massive Pre-Order Sales Before You Release Your Self-Published Book by Ray BrehmMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I did enjoy this book overall, though it feels geared much more toward entrepreneurs who will self-publish a nonfiction book in their field of expertise, rather than toward fiction authors. However, I shall try some of the suggestions that could benefit my own author brand.
This book had been on my Amazon wishlist, and it was at a reasonable price, so I bought it. Book releases are the subject of discussion for the IWSG's March 2026 prompt, so it was the perfect time to read and review this, to my mind.
In the introduction, it talks about a book being the "primary engine of your business," which feels true for all authors, but it speaks more to how this book applies mainly to people who will publish nonfiction primarily. I would absolutely recommend this book to people who want to be an authority on a nonfiction topic. Typically, when I read reference books like this, they're aimed more at fiction authors.
By part III, it becomes fast-paced. The book is slightly complex, it's informative, and has a very strong author’s voice by someone who is clearly an authority on selling and marketing.
"The people who download your book for free are generally not as likely to buy anything from you later." This excerpt is the exact opposite of the advice of nearly every marketing book and program aimed at fiction writers, who are told that a free book gets readers hooked and encourages them to come back to buy your higher-priced fiction books later.
The book has multiple sections discussing what being a "bestseller" means, if anything at all. That such a title is no guarantee that an author will generate an income from writing. It also mentions that the average author sells fewer than 200 books. (The four books I have on Amazon have more sales than that, so I must be above average, and that news makes me feel good about myself. Thanks, Ray!)
I read the entire book because it definitely builds, and you have to get to the end to get all the information! But, in the VIII section, where it talks about "lead magnet is more valuable than your book," that really didn't speak to me as a fiction author. And the major problem solved in my reference book about writing book reviews is, well, how to write a book review, and there's not really a cross-promotion to go with that. (I mean, if a fellow author bought one of my fiction books, and then used my reference guide on writing book reviews to review one of my fiction books, yes, that would be a dream come true. But I'm pretty sure that's not what this Snowball book means.)
The edition of this book I bought came with a link to get another book from the author for free. Part of the marketing plan laid out in the book is to hook customers and keep them coming back for more, so this makes sense. (The catch, of course, is getting that free book means agreeing to daily emails.)
I enjoyed the "Five Interview Questions" the most. The book talks about KDP Rocket, which no longer exists, and is now Publisher Rocket, which is twice the price.
I do like the cover with the snowball and the orange-and-white lettering, and the title makes sense.
Something I question, though it may just have changed, is that my BookBub link is bookbub DOT com/authors/j-lenni-dorner, which does not use the word "partners," which part V suggests it would if I have an author account, which I'm pretty certain that I do.
The section on "Update KDP with new categories" needs some updating, as there have been changes. However, I have attempted to follow the instructions for my reference book about writing book reviews, as there is no actual specific category for books on that topic, despite there being several such books for sale.
As a self-published author, I found this book relevant, though it doesn't feel especially aimed at writers focused primarily on selling fiction books. The book mentioned Pixels, but not as a unit of a digital image, there's a whole chapter on Pixel Linking but I still don't understand it. (I did a search and learned there's a plugin, but it slows down websites, so I'm not sure it would help me.)
This book is probably part of a series, as the author mentions some other books, but most books about selling contain mentions intended to sell more books or classes or whatnot.
This book is in the category Kindle eBooks > Computers & Technology > Electronic Publishing -- which feels accurate.
View all my Goodreads reviews
🤔
In following along with the book's instructions, I edited the categories for my book about Book Reviews:
Obviously, those ranks could be better. 😔
Here I learned that Amazon now allows authors to pick THREE categories!
The book suggests picking the "non-classifiable" category and then contacting help.(The exact method has changed since the book came out, but still, I found the general area.)
And then I sent my message with suggestions for other categories my book should be in.
There currently is no category specifically for books (regular or ebooks) about book writing bookreviews. There are, however, many books on the subject. Mine is still the only one I found aimed directly at authors (though really, anyone can use it to write a review).
BuckBooks is now DigitalBookToday. (A site mentioned in the book.) But promotions have rating restrictions, as shown in the screenshot above.
https://booksends.com/advertise.php BookSends is also mentioned, but for my category, I need to earn one more review and then spend $40.😧 That's more of an investment than I'm willing to make for this.
But, the next time I put Fractions of Existence on sale, I could see spending the $35 to promote it there.
PLEASE check out part two of this in tomorrow's post! I'll be focusing my efforts on Fractions of Existence.
Obviously, those ranks could be better. 😔
Here I learned that Amazon now allows authors to pick THREE categories!
The book suggests picking the "non-classifiable" category and then contacting help.
And then I sent my message with suggestions for other categories my book should be in.
There currently is no category specifically for books (regular or ebooks) about book writing bookreviews. There are, however, many books on the subject.
BuckBooks is now DigitalBookToday. (A site mentioned in the book.) But promotions have rating restrictions, as shown in the screenshot above.
https://booksends.com/advertise.php BookSends is also mentioned, but for my category, I need to earn one more review and then spend $40.
But, the next time I put Fractions of Existence on sale, I could see spending the $35 to promote it there.
PLEASE check out part two of this in tomorrow's post! I'll be focusing my efforts on Fractions of Existence.
I was emailed by BookBub about their new "author websites."
A free custom domain for the first year ($15 per year after)
$9.99 per month
https://authorwebsites.bookbub.com/pricing
I didn't sign up, but I thought others might be interested.
And they have this article, which also may interest you this month:
https://diversebooks.networkforgood.com/projects/296556-native-writing-match
"Fewer than two percent of children’s to YA books published in the United States depict Native and Indigenous characters. In part because of this program, that number has increased to nearly three percent."
📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
#AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. Watch for special features!
My THEME REVEAL post is coming this Friday!
A lifetime of engaging with language and the written word – including reading books, writing, and learning languages – could be one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and delay or prevent dementia, according to a new study. -- https://www.sciencealert.com/simple-lifelong-habits-can-cut-your-alzheimers-risk-by-38-study-finds
I guess I got lucky with my book launch. I made more money at the launch than I've made since! They are a good way of getting your book into the hands of people who won't bother otherwise, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that it worked for you!
DeleteI now have a totally noobish question. You made blog book launces - you used more money than what you earned ... how do you spend money on blogging tours?
ReplyDeleteLike a damn fool, I used credit cards. And no, I don't recommend that.
DeleteBut yeah, the "day job" paid for promoting the writing.
Killing it with information here, including a whole book review on the topic. Wow. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteLoved the book review! That must have been exhausting---investing money and then getting no profits. Like All Author, there are a number of people messaging me such offers. Is it actually worth it at the end of the day? Do people really buy your book or atleast follow you on social media after that?
ReplyDeleteI got a lot of cool promo images. So there was that.
DeleteI'm sure it's hard to justify spending money if you don't make a profit. The book you reviewed sounds interesting, but it would have been better if it targeted fiction writers.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Though, without reading it, I had no way of knowing.
DeleteYou can suggest categories? Interesting. While that book wasn't aimed at you, I hope you got a few good tips you can use.
ReplyDeleteThursday's post goes into that. It was just getting a bit long, you know?
DeleteI'm working with a marketing specialist right now for another project, and yes, lead magnets, big thing. People in the industry are all about collecting contact information so that you can reach those who expressed interest at some point and keep them involved. But yet, not my favorite effort.
ReplyDeleteTrue. It depends a little on what one is selling.
DeleteGood info! I think as indie author's, we have to really watch the $. It adds up so easily. Everything I've read is that we should spend a lot on the launch if its our first book. As you add books, you can spend a little more.
ReplyDeleteROI - return on investment. Spending too much can make the book feel like a failure. Though, it may also be why the big houses charge so much more for books.
DeleteI wish that book had been out before I released my two non-fiction books. To a degree, non-fiction authors do have an advantage as they are experts on a subject.
ReplyDeleteAnd an advantage in people are willing to spend a smidge more on a book that might make them money, as opposed to a book that may entertain them for a brief period.
DeleteLaunches can be expensive.
ReplyDeleteSadly true. Though I didn't see many iwsg posts today with better info.
DeleteYou've done some good research. I know that one of my limitations has been an unwillingness to spend money, though I'm going out on a limb this year and paying to be able to sell my books at live venues in my area, where I'm almost guaranteed a positive return (in part because I make so much more per book sold).
ReplyDeleteYeah, that works well for some authors.
DeleteA lead magnet works best with a newsletter = get their email so you can tell them more about your books and tell them about your newest release. For newsletters, I suggest reading "Newsletter Ninja" by Tammi Labrecque. (I should get commission for each time I suggested this book today. LOL.)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for IWSG day Like Herding Cats
Possibly. As someone who almost never opens the newsletters I somehow got subscribed to, unless it's to unsubscribe, I guess I find it hard to see the value. Probably other people enjoy spending hours a day reading emails.
DeleteIt's hard to do anything these days without spending money and it feels stupid to spend more on publicity than you make selling a given title. Yet, I keep doing it in the hope that maybe this book will be the one that takes off and makes it all worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteRight? You feel so confident in a book, and then it doesn't. Like, the pet rock sold, but this book doesn't? It makes no sense.
DeleteAll Author is pretty good at getting a lot of eyeballs on your book. I use them, too. Thanks for all the information!
ReplyDeleteThey can be, yes. Though it seems like more fellow authors than readers, though authors do read.
DeleteThere are more places to post then just blogs, but I think your idea was sound. Spreading the word is the beginning. :-)
ReplyDeleteGotta start somewhere. I had a fairly strong twitter campaign and following, but that site is dead (to me), so yeah.
DeleteLots of research and personal experience went to this post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for noticing.
DeleteYay for reading reducing dementia!
ReplyDeleteI've found that many marketing books are geared for nonfiction. Sadly. Some of the advice carries over, but fiction is a different strategy.
Yup, very true. Like, my book review book, that has a vastly broader audience. The Existence books, that's a certain fandom.
DeleteReally informative post on book launching, J! I've bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed. Hope you'll read the next post as well, as I went on.
DeleteI did! You are impressive, J!
DeleteThanks. I tried to make an effort with this prompt.
DeleteThank you for an informative blog post, J. Lenni. It is truly helpful. We need to continue to believe in ourselves and our books. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteThanks for your review of that book--it was helpful. I can relate to spending more on marketing than I earn in royalties!
ReplyDeleteTrying to "sell our brand" so readers will come back for more books later, I suppose. I mean, Stephen King says a new book is coming and 💵💳 people are whipping out money to buy it before there's a title or description. It could be 300 pages of "All work and no fun makes Jack a dull boy," and it'd sell (as memorable from The Shining). 😅 I don't think anyone else will be on that publishing level in my lifetime.
Delete