I’m back from Ireland and now the reality that my book launch is only ten days away is sending my mind reeling. I feel like there are so many things I should be doing to get ready but at the same time I don’t know what that might be. I thought maybe it would help to mind dump and organize my thoughts.
I will be selling paperbacks after the launch, so I had to make sure to have books to sell. I ordered them before we left for Ireland, but Amazon was saying they wouldn’t get here until after the launch and Draft2Digital really didn’t specify a delivery date. I was extremely worried they wouldn’t be here in time, but they came yesterday!
I ordered forty. I hope it’s enough. I also realized after I ordered these that I have a second event this month. I’m sitting at a table for a local author showcase that a nearby library is hosting. Hopefully I’ll either have enough left over to last through that or have time to get more ordered before the showcase. I really have no idea what to expect!
I also designed a postcard and bookmark to have as swag. I had them professionally printed and those came while we were out of town. They look good, but I wasn’t mindful of the font size once printed. It’s TINY! But it will do for now. If I run out, I’ll order them in the larger size so it’s easier to read. My plan is to have the postcards out on the tables before people are seated at the launch and the bookmarks I will give away with the purchase of a book. The postcard has QR codes for my website, newsletter, and eBook purchasing. The bookmark has a QR code for the bonus chapters that I’m offering to get more people signed up for my newsletter.
I still need to finalize what passages I will be reading. I’ve marked a few possibilities, but that was before we left for our trip, and I need to look back at them to be sure I still want to use those.
I also need to confirm that I can take card payments on my phone. I set up an app a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t had a sale to test it on. Maybe I’ll let someone purchase early just so I can test it. 🤔
I’ll also need cash to use as change for those people that prefer to pay that way. I can’t imagine there being all that many people that would, but you never know! I never carry cash, so it feels foreign to me now.
I know that I’m wanting to have a few more things for the showcase and I’m not sure if I want to have them ready for the launch as well. I’ve thought about little thought bubbles that say things like “socially anxious characters,” “cozy litRPG,” “LGBTQ Christians,” “Two stories in one,” and things like that.
My mother-in-law said I should get a shirt made with the cover on it. It’s not a horrible idea. Though I’m not sure if that would be doable within ten days. I do have a friend that can make shirts, but I’m not sure how much lead time she would need.
I’m sure there are other things I’ll think of later, but for now it’s time to get home to my kids. Even if they seem to be punishing me with terrible attitudes. Maybe school put them in a better mood? Doubtful, but one can hope!
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