Strategic Book Marketing Plan Timeline

by Joan Phelps

Begin to work on your book’s marketing plan a full year before its publication. Here are some general timeline guidelines for completing the various marketing steps:

6-7 months before publication

• Hire a cover designer

4-6 months before publication:

• Submit book information to R.R. Bowker online at http://www.bowker.com

4 months before publication:

• Write back cover copy, sales/tip sheet, and submit information to trade catalog.
• Submit information to book clubs and contact periodicals for sale of first serial rights.
• Send galleys or advance review copies to prepublication reviewers and bookstores (for author signings).

3 months before publication:

• Complete any prepublication offers for customers through website, etc.

2 months before publication:

• Send galleys to catalogs, newspapers, magazines, etc.

6 weeks before publication:

• Prepare press kits, consult with printer about date when books will be shipped.

2-3 weeks before publication:

• Send out press kits and information for author interviews with media and bookstores.
• Send out review copies to entities other than prepublication reviewers.

10 days before publication:

• Follow-up with phone calls or emails to all.

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Joan E. Phelps is a Book Marketing, Communication & Public Relations Consultant located in Lancaster, Ohio. For more information: [email protected]

© 2005 Joan E. Phelps. All Rights Reserved.