Sales and Marketing Timeline

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6 Months from Pub Date

Publication date emails are sent to authors once the publication committee finalizes the schedule
Publication date is announced and metadata is fed out online

5 Months from Pub Date

Pre-order link is available on online marketplace sites
National sales team works to secure orders

2-3 Months from Pub Date

Cover images are approved and available for authors to use for promotion.
Books are sent to print

8-9 Weeks from Pub Date

Publicist sends intro letter & requests MQ or an update to the proposal form.
Covers are uploaded to the Arcadia Publishing website and other online retailers

7 Weeks from Pub Date

Publicist writes a press release
Marketing Coordinator sends promotional materials to the author
Publicist contacts potential event sites to set up speaking events and book signings

5-6 Weeks from Pub Date

Publicist creates Cision media list and distributes the press release
Publicist sends media kits to select press contacts

4 Weeks from Pub Date

Author copies mailed out
Postcards from our warehouse mailed to select (100) sales leads
Frontlist emails distributed by Inside Sales (ISS)
ISS sells to accounts (1st attempt)
ISS sends pre-pub reminder

3 Weeks from Pub Date

Field Sales Rep (FSR) outreach to dormant and prospective accounts begins
Publicist follows up with media outlets and event sites
ISS finishes sales attempts
As your book moves through the publication process, there are different tasks to
perform. The following is not an exhaustive list, as your book’s unique qualities might prompt us to consider additional or different plans. Before publication, you should do this:
  •  Find and engage your book’s audience.
  • Compile email lists for email blasts. Think of both professional and personal contacts who would be interested in your book, and send that list to your marketing specialist.
  • Claim your Amazon Author Central page.
  • Build an audience by talking up your book via social media, blogs, and personal/professional contacts.
  • Review the stores and media outlets listed on your original book proposal form and inform your publicist of any changes or additions.
  • Build word-of-mouth by telling your friends, colleagues, and anyone else you know that you have a book coming out soon.
  • Have an author photo taken. Make sure you pick a location with good lighting and avoid distraction things in the background (like a messy room).
Before publication, we will do this:
  • Create a unique product page for your book on our website.
  • Mail and email promotional materials about your forthcoming book to existing retail accounts and potential retailers you’ve suggested.
  • Schedule events for the launch of your book. (Your personal/professional contacts are often the key to booking a successful event/ signing. Please let us know who you know.)
  • Create a media list and prepare review copies for shipment to media outlets. (We start with our existing media database, but again, your personal/professional contacts are often key to booking a successful media spot.)
  • Write a press release and distribute it by email.
  • Prepare review copies for shipment to media outlets. • Write and design an email blast for you to send to your personal email list. (Your marketing specialist will provide you with the format for you to send.)
  • Create a video book trailer promoting your book and post the trailer to our social media accounts. Your marketing specialist can provide you with a link for sharing.
  • Send you posters, flyers, bookmarks and business cards
  • Ship complimentary author copies, posters, and postcards to you. These will be sent separately from any order placed. (Your contract will indicate how many you’ll receive.) . These usually arrive shortly before your book’s publication date.
During publication week and beyond, you should do this:
  • Promote the book heavily on social media and to colleagues and friends.
  • Let your contacts know about book signings and events.
  • Send your book’s designed email blast to your email list.
  • Respond promptly to media requests, and include your publicist on any of this correspondence, as he or she will be excited to hear about it (and can make sure review copies and press releases have been received).
  • Attend signings and launch events to promote your book’s publication. (It’s also typical for authors to send thank you notes to the hosts, and we can share samples of these at your request. And don’t forget to send snapshots taken of you during the event with your marketing specialist and your social media followers! We and your readers will enjoy celebrating successful events with you.)
During publication week and beyond, we will do this:
  • Contact local retailers with your title as now available to purchase.
  • Confirm book signings.
  • Mail posters to event site(s).
  • Make follow-up contacts to media outlets.
  • Feature your book and book trailer on our social media accounts.
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