____ Ask your favorite author if they’ll give you a cover quote. If they agree, SEND THEM THE MANUSCRIPT AS SOON AS IT’S SOLD.

____ Start getting a list together of on-line sites you’d like to eventually send your book out to for review.

____ Request extra cover flats from your Publisher.

____ Send out copy edited manuscript, in galley format (bound), to Romantic Times, Affaire de Coeur etc., Publisher’s Weekly (Do not wait for galleys from publisher...they come too late).

____ Send out advance notices of your books release to trade magazines, etc.

____ Arrange for an advertisement in Romantic Times. THIS IS A MUST!

____ Join your publisher’s author’s loop. This is an invaluable source of info.

____ Whatever promotional piece you decide to use, send it out now. Flyers work the best as they should reach booksellers, wholesalers in time for them to order extra copies of your book.

____ Follow up to make sure Romantic Times, etc. has received your galley.

____ Contact local wholesalers (not booksellers) and ask to do an autographing. Chances are they would love to hear from you. Be prepared to sign a lot of books!

____ Write your Romantic Times ad and send it in.

____ Order "Autographed Copy" and "Local Author" stickers. Check with your publishers. Some of them will give these to you for free. Some publishers also offer other "freebies", too. Check with your PR contact to find out.

FOUR MONTHS (If you haven’t already, better get on the ball!)

____ Set up your Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Borders, etc. information page. Make sure they receive a copy of your cover. Fill out author profiles, advance reviews, etc.

____ Send your homemade galleys to on-line reviewers.

____ Set up your book signings.

____ This is also the time to follow up with Amazon.com to ensure your book will be featured in their New Release listing. Use any advance reviews you may have to get their attention.

____ Join On-line e-mail loops such as READ or PARANORMAL at onelist.com. START YOUR SELF PROMOTION NOW... IT WORKS! If necessary, send a few galleys out to readers to start a ‘buzz’ about your book.

____ Put together a Press Kit to take to conferences with you.

____ Get together book signing material ie: book cover posters (ask your publisher if they’ll do this for you, if not, make your own), sign boards, flyers, etc.

____ Send press releases to local newspapers.

____ Follow up with on-line reviewers to ensure they received and/or are reviewing your book.

____ Send out one last flyer to booksellers and wholesalers. Announce the release of your first book. Use your review quotes to help sell books.

____ Do final tweaking on your Amazon/Barnes & Noble etc. page. Make sure to use those review quotes.

____ Really start to self-promote yourself on-line. Don’t be pushy, just share all your good news.

____ Remember to call a week ahead to verify date and time.

____ Bring goodies, cookies, chocolate, etc.

____ Don’t forget your posters, decorations, etc. You might also want to bring your own tablecloth.

____ Bring autograph stickers. Some bookstores will have these for you, but it’s best to bring your own.

____ Arrange autographing area.

____ Be as friendly as possible. People are intimidated by authors, so encourage strangers to stop by and chat for a second by using a big smile.

Afterwards...

____ Don’t forget to send thank you notes to the bookseller.

____ Also send out your author copies of books to your favorite bookseller, friends, etc.

____ Keep tabs on your Amazon, etc. page. If a bad review appears, have a friend who’s read your book and loved it post a glowing review.

____ Keep track of fan mail and start your own database. Don’t forget to write back to those fans. And, no, publishers don’t want a copy of your fan letters, at least Avon/Harper doesn’t.

____ Send out copies of your books to conferences, etc.

Ó 2000 Pamela Britton