Having struggled through a frantic first book launch, I need to avoid a repeat performance. So this handy name mnemonic – memory device – helps recall some of the key elements. Using the first letter of each element spells TROUP, as in Bobby Troup, composer of ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’ – play any recording to remember.
Time: make sure that time is on your side. Schedule enough time for the key elements. Good timing ensures that you’re not going crazy on launch day because something hasn’t been done.
Reviews: finding reviewers and giving them Time to read your book is essential. Avoid having all your reviews appear after the launch.
Originality: Look for a unique angle for your book launch – be original. Go beyond interviewing your characters, invite their alter-egos to the launch in costume. Organisation is also needed to ensure success, but that comes with Time. As for the Orchestra, you only book that for a stadium launch.
Unforeseen: Prepare for the unforeseen, things that creep up at the last minute. Goodies held up in the post. Guest speaker from Idaho arrested for giving his wife too small a box of chocolates.
Profile: By Profile I don’t mean Platform – that should be paved well-before the journey. Check that all your profiles on social media, your website, Goodreads, Amazon Author Central, etcetera are all up-to-date with the same text and photographs. As for the Launch Day Party, who is going to forget that?
That’s enough from me folks.
This is my monthly contribution to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The October 1st post celebrates the forthcoming IWSG anthology, Guide to Publishing and Beyond. The awesome co-hosts for this special anniversary posting of the IWSG are Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue!
Writing Wings 
That is really clever! I can remember that.
Can we use this in the anthology?
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Of course. Glad that the Ninja Captain approves. Thank you – very honoured.
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Some great tips, thanks so much for sharing them with us and allowing them to be included in the anthology. Nice to meet you today, I am visiting as one of the co-hosts of this month’s IWSG.
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Thanks for the visit, Suzanne, and for co-hosting such an inspirational day.
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Awesome mnemonic. While I’ve never launched a novel, time inevitably kicks my butt no matter the circumstances. Maybe armed with foreknowledge, I’ll be able to deflect its effects? We’ll see.
VR Barkowski
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Thanks for visiting VR. Hope this is of help, when that launch comes. Think you are doing it the right way, making your name and gaining experience with short fiction. I’m doing the reverse – unless journalism is short fiction. Still trying to learn the Less Is More lesson that you posted on.
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Having your characters at the launch party is a superb idea. Thanks for these great tips!
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Got a successful writer friend that does this in style, even changing personalities mid-flow.
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Excellent information!! I am certainly bookmarking this. Thanks, Roland.
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Thanks for the visit Loni. Glad that it is worth bookmarking.
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Great article. I don’t have a novel to lounch – yet – but this will sure come in handy when I’ll have. Because, you know, when I’ll go on a tour the first time, I’m sure my head will be all over the place…
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Thanks Sarah. Sure the ‘yet’ will become ‘very soon’ – so good luck with the tour.
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How very timely, Roland – on the eve of my book launch! Albeit it is only a virtual one. I shall take everything you suggest to heart.
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Thanks Jane. Hope it helps… and I’ll be checking up afterwards 😉
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