Your Book in the World

Congratulations, author!

So many people dream of writing a book, yet only a handful see their dream through to reality. The team at Sonderho Press is grateful to have helped bring yours to life. Now you may wonder, “What’s next for my book?”

Each author’s journey is as unique as their book’s subject and audience. Below, you’ll find information about several things that every independent author should at least consider when launching their book into the world.

We can help you with the items indicated with an * .

Why do it:

A book launch event brings your community together in celebration, makes them aware of your book, and helps gather friendly people together in support of your book’s success. Many authors also find that a launch event provides closure to the process and opens the door to the next phase of book promotion.

How to do it:

Book launches can be in-person, virtual, or both depending on the audience you hope to reach. They can be as public or as private (by invitation only) as your situation warrants.

This checklist will help you in planning your book launch:

  • Location
    Secure a location (physical, virtual, or both), a date, and time. Consider a local cafe, bookstore, community centre, or cultural space.
  • Audio/Visual
    Arrange for appropriate audio-visual equipment. You may need a microphone, speakers, laptop, presentation slides, projector and screen.
  • Invitations
    Include friends, family, collaborators, supporters, and members of communities who may be interested in the subject of your book. Invitations can be sent by email, phone, post, and posted to the public on social media.
  • Media announcement*
    Personally email a media announcement/press release to editors and journalists who cover local events, local artists, and relevant topics—for example, if your book speaks to a niche market, a cause, or a subject matter.
  • Poster*
    Advertise the launch with a poster in locations where your audience is likely to be and at local cafes and public spaces—be sure to ask permission to post it.
  • Sales table
    Prepare to handle book sales at the event. You may need someone to staff a sales table; you may also need petty cash, a sign with e-transfer information, or an e-payment system.
  • Book signing
    A live in-person signing allows you to personally greet each guest but will require most of your time at the event. Alternatively, you can prepare a limited number of pre-signed books for sale at the launch.
  • Agenda & schedule
    Prepare an agenda for the event. We recommend keeping the formal part of the launch to about 45 minutes—leave the rest for mingling and signing books. Consider having someone MC the event. Plan to read an excerpt from your book. Invite a guest speaker if it makes sense. And consider entertainment such as music or viewings of a collection mentioned in the book.

Why do it:

Many independent authors find it uncomfortable to “sell” their book, but if nobody knows about it, nobody can benefit from it. Consider that your book may be an important resource for others.

How to do it:

There are many ways to inform others. We recommend these:

  • Hold a book launch (see above)
  • Let your networks know
    Tell friends, family, colleagues, and communities of shared interest that the book is available, what it’s about, and who will enjoy it.
  • Regularly post on social media
    Every week or month, post something about the book on your social media platforms, including Linkedin. Be sure to include pictures or videos, a brief description of the book, who it’s meant for, and how it can help.
  • Look for partnerships
    Collaborations help to amplify your message. For example, if your book’s topic is an area of special interest such as collecting or harm reduction, look for opportunities to join others who work or advocate in that area.
  • Offer yourself as a guest
    In writing your book, you became an expert in something! Offer yourself as a guest speaker or panelist at book clubs, writers groups, podcasts, communities of interest, festivals, and conferences.
  • Apply to be listed
    List your book on relevant websites, forums, and lists where your audience is likely to be.

Why do it:

Getting your book into people’s hands is the best way to ensure it will be seen and read.

How to do it:

There are several ways that you can get your physical book “out there”. Be sure to always have a few copies on hand with you, in your bag or your vehicle, for these purposes:

  • Offer it to public libraries
    Take a copy of the book to your local library and ask the librarian what the procedure is for having the book added to their inventory—likely, they will direct you to an application form for that purpose.
  • Offer it to local booksellers
    Take a copy to local bookstore managers and ask them what consignment opportunities they have for independent authors.
  • Share it with communities of interest
    Offer copies as donations to organizations, associations, and centres that have resource centres serving populations that the book is relevant to, or that you are part of
  • Offer it to literary & cultural cafes
    Many local cafes have libraries where you can donate a copy of your book for others to find.

What it is:

An “author platform” refers to all the ways that others can interact with you and/or your book.

How to do it:

You may build a diverse author platform over time, or, you may decide to limit yours to a single webpage. These are elements to consider for your author platform:

  • Curate your author brand
    Your brand is your identity as a writer, and it is perceived by others through your writing style, website, social media presence, public appearances, the impact of your book(s), and interactions with you.
  • Establish a website presence*
    This may be a single webpage with information about your book and about you; or, you may like to have a “living” website. You may provide ongoing updates about book-related activities (e.g. launches, presentations, reviews, interviews); addendum material that didn’t make it into the book; follow-up material about events or people in your book; and new pieces of writing from you.
  • Curate a social media presence
    If you choose social media as part of your author platform, select channels that will reach your intended readers; post new content regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly); and be sure to link the content back to your website and/or book’s purchase page.
  • Cultivate and email/newsletter list
    Email is the best way to maintain personal connection with your readership and let them know about updates related to your book(s) and your writing life. Many authors find that writing and sending regular e-newsletters keeps them writing between books while finding and connecting with readers. Substack.com, Beehiv.com, and Ghost.org are examples of online platforms designed for this purpose.

Why do it:

Awards help bring attention and credibility to a book, and they can enhance your author platform. Several awards are available to independent authors.

How to do it:

Here are three awards to get you started:

The Writers Union of Canada also provides links to awards for independently published books, including Canadian-specific opportunities: https://writersunion.ca/get-published/directory-resources/indie-awards

You’re a new author—that’s a big deal! You invested so much in writing, revising, and publishing your special book, and it deserves to be known. Don’t be shy about letting people know—there are some easy ways to do that:

  • Gather reviews
    Tell people that 5-star online reviews help your book be seen by more people
  • Help people share your book
    Describe who the book makes a good gift for
  • Call yourself an author
    Add “Author” to your professional biography, social media profiles and other online identities, and to your nametag when you attend professional or networking events
  • Be ready to satisfy interest
    Always keep a few copies of your book with you for spontaneous sales and promotion opportunities