The 10 lessons learnt from launching a book

Are you a person who learns from mistakes (or successes) the first time or learns the hard way? 

I am always curious to know this because while learning the “hard way” can feel like the worst way to go about it, often it makes for powerful wisdom too. 

With launching Light It, for me, it was a mixture of both. 

But as I come to the end of the marketing campaign we ran for Light It, with the book launch events (in-person) are done for now, I reflect on some beautiful lessons I have learnt from this journey. 

While there are many, I want to take a moment to share 10 of them with you. 

This can help whether you are launching a book or any offering!

Lesson 1: Creating an impactful and unique creative campaign is powerful

When I was gearing up for my book launch, I quickly realised the importance of a compelling creative campaign. It's not just about slapping the title and cover on social media; it's about telling a story. Creating a narrative around my book made it more relatable and intriguing to potential readers. That’s when the ‘Just Light It’ campaign was born and I executed it with wonderful feedback from my community and audience. 

Think about it: what makes your book special? What themes can you highlight? Your campaign should resonate with your audience on a personal level.

Lesson 3: Asking your community to amplify the launch. As I always say, it takes a village. 

Your community is your biggest asset. They believe in your work, so don't hesitate to ask for their help. Encourage them to share your book on social media, leave reviews, and recommend it to their friends and family. I know we reached #1 best seller in the entrepreneurship category in the first 48 hours post launch thanks to my community and their willingness to order ‘Light It’. Word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful and often underestimated. Your community can exponentially increase your book's reach.

Lesson 4: Budgeting the different pieces of the launch in advance to make sure you dedicate the investments it needs

Launching a book involves various elements and high costs, from in-person launch parties to PR and content creation. Budgeting for these aspects beforehand is essential and of course aligning those investments with your goals, intentions and launch strategy. Allocate your resources wisely to ensure each component gets the attention and investment it deserves. It's not just about spending money; it's about investing strategically to maximise your book's visibility and impact.

Lesson 5: Using an omnichannel strategy (online, offline, owned, borrowed, earned, and paid channels together)

Diversify your marketing efforts across different channels with a clear strategy. 

Don't rely solely on social media or traditional advertising. Utilise online platforms, offline events, and even collaborate with other influencers or platforms (borrowed channels). Earned media, like reviews and features, can significantly boost your book's credibility. And of course, judicious use of paid advertising can amplify your reach. An integrated approach ensures you're reaching diverse audiences effectively.

Lesson 6: Making space to nourish yourself to avoid burnout

Amidst the chaos of book launches, it's easy to neglect self-care. I learned the hard way that burnout is a real threat which is my story in 2014 that I share in ‘Light It’. Taking breaks, going on retreats (like I did for five days in the middle of my book launch), or simply having quiet moments to recharge are not just luxuries; they are necessities. Remember, you are the driving force behind your book, so prioritise your well-being. A refreshed mind, body and spirit can fuel your creativity and enthusiasm, making your launch even more successful.

Lesson 7: Being patient; a book launch is a long-term game

Finally, patience is key. It's tempting to measure the success of your book by its initial reception, but the journey doesn't end there. 

Books have a long shelf life, and their impact continues to grow over time. I heard from my book mentor that a book is even more successful in its second year in the market. 

Don't be disheartened if you don't see immediate results. Keep engaging with your audience, keep promoting, and most importantly, keep writing about your book. Weaving your blog, your guest article with it. A successful book launch is not just about the first few days; it's about building a lasting connection with your readers.

Lesson 8: Building Relationships with Influencers.

In the digital age, influencers can significantly expand your book's reach. Building genuine relationships with individuals in your niche or industry can lead to valuable partnerships. 

Whether it's collaborating on podcasts, guest blogging, or joint social media campaigns, these connections can introduce your book to new audiences. Remember, authentic relationships yield authentic promotion, so focus on meaningful connections that align with your book's message.  

My in person and online book launch parties were such a great way to create those deep connections and amplify ‘Light It’ reach to new audiences.

Lesson 9: Celebrating Milestones and Acknowledging Supporters.

Take time to celebrate not only the big milestones, like the launch day and bestseller status (which I did surrounded by my family in France around a glass of Champagne) but also the smaller achievements along the way. 

Acknowledge and thank the people who supported you – friends, family, beta readers, editors, and fans. Gratitude fosters a positive environment and strengthens your relationships, making people more inclined to support your future endeavours.

I organised a giveaway for the month of October for reviews with unique exclusive earrings with light it as a gift for those leaving a review.

Lesson 10: Cultivating a Strong Author Brand.

It took me time to feel comfortable calling myself an author. So I had to practise this and changed my bio a month after my book was launched.

Your book is not just a product; it's a representation of you as an author. Invest time in building your author brand, which includes your online presence, author website, and social media profiles. 

Consistency in your branding creates a recognisable and trustworthy image, making readers more likely to engage with your work.

Final thoughts

Which lesson do you think you needed to hear the most? I would love to know. Tell me in the comments or DM me on Instagram! 

Launching anything takes work, but it is always the reflection that makes for powerful actions moving forward.