Double Book Release CHALLENGE #2: Websites & Profiles

I have a lot of websites.

I have one for my pen name (under which I write novels), one for my actual name (for freelance work and children’s books), one for my novel Elmer Left, and one for my novel Ten Thousand Lines. On top of that, I have various profiles associated with my writing:

If you felt exhausted just reading that list, imagine keeping up with it all! But the thing is, you don’t have much of a choice. Given the demand for up-to-date, of-the-moment information (just think about how often Wikipedia pages are updated), people expect your social media platforms and websites to be current.

I’ve slogged through it on my own–updating things at random whenever they popped into my mind–but, there’s a better way. Make a list [once] and refer back to it whenever you have any major changes you’d like to advertise across world wide web channels.

I’ve already done the heavy lifting and I’m here to help you with that list…

First, gather these materials:

  • Thumbnail of book cover
  • Larger image of book cover
  • Updated bio (with new info about your latest work)
  • Updated photograph (it’s always good to refresh your photo every couple of years)
  • Link to your personal website
  • Link to the marketplace (site where someone can purchase a book)

Then, add to/enhance these sites*:
  • Personal website: Home Page** (May want to include an Amazon widget for selling book)
  • Personal website: About Page**
  • GoodReads: Author Page Profile** (If you don’t have one, apply! It’s easy)
  • GoodReads: Personal Profile
  • GoodReads: Add your book to GoodReads
  • Amazon: Author Central Profile
  • Twitter: Bio
  • Facebook: Personal bio
  • Facebook: Author Page bio**
  • LinkedIn: Bio**
  • Tumblr, Instagram, Vine, etc: Bio
  • Blog: Bio and add images of your new book**

*This probably goes without saying, but you should always include a link to your book’s “for sale” page in each bio you write.
**Include links to both your paper copy and your eBook

Other things to think about:

  • Updating your email signature to include something about your new book
  • Creating a book release party event through Facebook and GoodReads
  • Letting your writing groups know you’re launching a new book
  • Updating your event page to include your book launch party
Are you exhausted yet? Good thing you have this handy checklist, eh? Best of luck with updating all your infrastructure. It will all be worth it in the end!
Happy writing,
-Kate

Author: KateBitters

Kate Bitters is a Minneapolis-based author and freelance writer. She is the author of Elmer Left, Ten Thousand Lines, and He Found Me. One of her proudest/nerdiest moments was when Neil Gaiman read one of her short stories on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater.