I often tell people that self-publishing is a misnomer. You aren’t meant to do it alone. From the editing process to designing, and marketing your book, you will need help along the way. This help includes your book launch team. So, why are so many authors hesitant to ask for help when they need it, even from their biggest supporters?
The publishing process can be long, and your efforts need to be sustainable. Your book launch is where your support network can really lend a hand. I think that many authors don’t want to burden those they know. But the people who love and support you want to help! They want to see you succeed. You just need to ask.
I’ve assembled some tips on who to ask, and how to ask them below.
Who to Ask to Be Part of Your Book Launch Team
First, you’ll need to create a list of supporters who could potentially be part of your book launch team. This is your network. Your network of supporters will serve as your initial market research and your springboard to getting the word out. These are the people who believe in you, who are most willing to share your content, and will open doors to the contacts you need to make things happen! This network can be made up of friends, family, coworkers, and other colleagues, or even mentors.
From this list, you can separate them into three tiers. This is so you can determine who to ask to do what, and how much. You can also reach out and ask them directly what they’re able to help with, which I’ll cover. But basically, your list gives you an idea of where to start.
You’ll Receive Different Levels of Support from Each Tier
Your supporters within your network want to help you, but not everyone will be willing to offer the same level of support. But not to worry, your book launch team will require different levels of support, and at different times throughout the process. Your support network will look something like this:
TIER ONE
This tier is made up of those who praise everything you do and can give you a much-needed boost when your confidence is waning.
TIER TWO
These are the people you trust, and who will be honest with you and give you critical feedback to help push and challenge you. As you fine-tune, this might even become two sub-groups of people: The ones you can count on along the way, and those with limited time who should be called on only when you’re ready to take the final steps.
TIER THREE
This tier is for those who know the right people and can open doors for you, or help you gain access to much-needed endorsements, for example. These people should be called on sparingly at strategic points in your launch. Let them know what you are up to in the beginning, give them updates as you meet important milestones, and ask for help when you are proud of what you’ve created and are ready to drum up visibility.
When Building Your Book Launch Team, Ask for Help, But Ask Appropriately
The purpose of creating a list of potential members for your book launch team and breaking them down into support tiers is so there won’t be any gaps along the way. But it’s also so that you can identify what kind of help they can give, and how much of it.
I assure you, again, that your supporters want to help you. But you need to ask for the appropriate level of help from each of them. For instance, a close friend who works part-time, or is retired, is probably willing to put in a lot of time and effort, but they may not be the person who gets you connected. On the other hand, someone in your network, like a colleague, may offer connections but will have very little time or energy to put in beyond that.
This is why it’s best just to figure this out on your initial inquiry. What do they have time for? What level of commitment do they feel comfortable with?
Make it Official With a Letter
Asking for help can be hard, and many authors underestimate how willing those in their support network are to provide that help. One way to make it easier, and to reach more people, while gauging just how much they’re willing to help, is to send out an Ask letter to your potential book launch team. This can be a form email you send to your closer network, as well as your email subscriber list.
Below is a template to help.
How Your Ask Letter to Your Book Launch Team Can Be Structured
The Greeting:
Dear______or, Friends and Family, etc.
The Intro:
Tell them about your book, with the title and release date, along with any praise or promotion you’ve received. You can also mention how excited you are about the release.
The Ask:
Here you can give an overview of what you’ve accomplished so far, and what it takes for a book to be successful. This is the warm up. Then tell them how much you appreciate having a support network and how crucial it is to raise awareness for your book’s release.
Be Specific:
Don’t just say you need their support. Give them a list of things they can do to help you out. This will depend on where you are in the publishing process, but your list of asks can look something like this:
- Come to my event (make sure to give details).
- Request it from your library.
- Read it for your book club pick.
- Buy it for yourself(or pre-order) or as a gift.
- Leave reviews where appropriate.
- Post about it on social media.
- Tell your friends and family.
You can also ask them to follow you on social media, check out your website, or to subscribe to your blog or newsletter for updates.
Thank them and leave the door open:
Here you can thank them for taking the time to read the letter and for their existing support. You can leave the option of reaching out if they would like to help more, or to let you know if they’d like to be left alone.
Finally, a warm send-off:
Close with a personal goodbye.
Always,Best, etc,.
_____________
Leave your website in your signature here too!
Remember, Your Supporters WANT to Help You!
Just remember, your supporters want to help you succeed. Not everyone on your book launch team list will be willing to lend a hand, but some will really go all out. You can determine who is who, and how much you can rely on them as you go along. This is why you should start this process early in your publishing journey.
Once you put your doubts behind you, make that list, and reach out! I think you’ll be surprised at how much support you have. You don’t have to do it alone. But you do need to ask for help! I promise it’s not as scary as it seems.
