Not gonna lie, I’ve failed at this in the past.

Have you ever thrown a party where nobody showed up? It’s a fear many of us have, not just in our social lives but also in our publishing endeavors. When I first started self-publishing on KDP, I realized that launching a book without an audience was like throwing a party without sending out invitations. That’s when I stumbled upon a game-changing strategy: building an email list before even publishing my book.

The Unconventional Party Planning

Think of your book launch as the ultimate gathering you’re hosting. You wouldn’t wait until the last minute to invite your guests, would you? Starting to build an email list early on is like sending out save-the-dates, building anticipation, and ensuring that when the big day comes, you’ve got an eager audience ready to celebrate with you. It sounds odd, right? Focusing on marketing before your book is even finished? But trust me, it’s a move that can turn your launch from a quiet affair into a blockbuster event.

The Invitation List: Building Your Email List

Creating an email list from scratch might seem daunting, but it’s all about offering value and engaging with your potential readers. Share insights, stories, and teasers about your upcoming book. Offer them a glimpse into your writing process or exclusive content in exchange for their email. This doesn’t just build your list; it builds a community of readers who are invested in your success.

The Party Favors: Offering Value

One of the key aspects of this strategy is continuously providing value to your subscribers. This can be in the form of free chapters, writing tips, or insights into the themes of your book. By the time your launch day arrives, your audience should feel like VIP guests who have been part of your journey and are eager to support you.

The Big Reveal: Launch Day

When launch day finally arrives, your email list becomes your most powerful marketing tool. These are the people who have been waiting for your book, ready to purchase, read, and review. A well-timed email on launch day can propel your book up the KDP rankings, making it visible to an even wider audience.

Takeaways

• Start Early: Begin building your email list well before your book is ready to launch.
• Engage and Offer Value: Provide your subscribers with valuable content that keeps them engaged and excited about your upcoming book.
• Utilize Your List: Use your email list to create buzz on launch day, driving sales and reviews.

Conclusion

Building an email list before publishing might seem like putting the cart before the horse, but in the world of self-publishing, it’s a strategy that can make all the difference. It turns your book launch into a celebrated event, with an audience of readers who are as excited about your book as you are. So, let’s start building our invitation lists and turn our book launches into the talk of the town.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on pre-launch audience building. Have you tried building an email list? What strategies worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Curious about turning passions into success? Follow my journey from educator to entrepreneur. Dive into entrepreneurship, education, content creation, and more, all while building a community of like-minded explorers. Follow me for insights and inspiration to fuel your own path to success. Let’s grow together!

Related:
• Busting the Myths: The Real Scoop on Self-Publishing with KDP
• Let’s Talk About What Really Matters in Self-Publishing
• Decoding Success in Self-Publishing: The Sherlock Holmes Approach
• Nurturing Your Book to Bloom: The Gardener’s Approach to Editing