book launches – Page 2 – Norma J. Hill

Lots of little things have been happening as I wait for launch day! If you are following this series to learn how to self-publish, you might want to make a list of these “before the launch to-do” items! For example:

I’ve updated my website, adding a page specifically about the book ; also updated the “About page” and my “Writing Experience” page
In process of organizing a book signing at Coles in Penticton sometime in May (and possibly getting the book listed on Indigo/Chapters)
Wrote the intro/bio for the launch for my excellent helper, Ken Gray … And used ChatGPT to come up with Qs & As for the launch in case the audience can’t think of questions, LOL!
My wonderful friend, Merle Kindred, has offered to help me with set-up, taking care of payments ($20/book … cash or e-transfer or cheque), and clean-up afterwards
Posted about my book on the Facebook group “Canadian Books Writers and Readers”
Led a “self-editing” workshop at the Naramata Prosers writing group — and of course, told the attendees about my book and the launch
Published the book on Amazon.ca ($17.99 Cdn for paperback and $8.99 Cdn for digital) and on Amazon.com ($12.98 USD for paperback and $6.49 USD for digital) … And it’s also available on Amazon’s UK and Germany and Australia and so on and so on!)
Set up my Amazon Author Central page
Helped out this past weekend at the OATS (Okanagan Archive Trust Society—of which I’m a director) booth at the Penticton Spring Market, and gave out lots of invites and info about my book
Two awesome friends, Jackie and Kathy, have offered to help me with the baking for the launch … and my dear husband kindly fixed the oven when the element burned out right when I need to start baking!
Sent out emails to family and friends and more, and Facebook messages to people on Facebook who indicated they want to attend the launch and/or buy the book—and received lots of enthusiastic responses … and a number of people who can’t make it to the launch have already ordered on Amazon
I’m working on setting up distribution through IngramSpark
Summerland Museum has asked me to do a presentation related to the book (not a “launch” but a presentation … They have over 300 members they’ll email as soon as I have developed the details about the presentation)
As soon as the launch has happened, I’ll send 2 copies of the book to the National library Legal Deposit🙂
I’ve made a list of places where I can put the books for sale (Coles, Summerland Museum, Art Galleries, touristy places, etc.) and libraries who can stock the book … I’ll do that after the launch
I’ve got some local writer friends who have indicated they would like to do a joint book-sales booth at local markets sometimes in the summer …
My book launch was mentioned in the Summerland Artz Palette weekly newsletter … and the Summerland Museum mentioned me in their volunteer news
I’ve been answering lots and lots and lots of emails, phone calls, etc. about the book … people who can’t make the launch have been letting me know they’ve ordered it online already!
My book publishing was celebrated by a number of Penticton writers at a luncheon hosted by my great friend, Yasmin John-Thorpe
Got my launch recipe brochures printed at Staples and folded them at the Food Court at the mall—where people noticed and asked questions!
Got my petty cash float ready
Put together a “to-do” list for marketing after the book launch …

I do hope to see you at the book launch if you can make it – and if you can’t, don’t forget the book is available now on Amazon!

BOOK LAUNCH DETAILS
Summerland Stories book launch
Sunday May 4 at 6 p.m.
The Stone Church in Summerland
Onsite parking and across the street
Fully accessible building — Comfortable seating

Norma J. Hill

a pen and paper mama site

Category: book launches

Summerland Stories #21 – Countdown! 3 days until launch!!!

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