{"id":14314,"date":"2021-05-26T07:00:26","date_gmt":"2021-05-26T12:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buildbookbuzz.com\/?p=14314"},"modified":"2023-12-07T21:34:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T21:34:40","slug":"what-is-a-soft-book-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandra.oddjar.com\/what-is-a-soft-book-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a soft book launch?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In \u201cBook marketing requires patience<\/a>,\u201d I noted that many authors have unrealistically high expectations for their book launches.<\/p>\n

When those expectations aren\u2019t met, writers often feel like failures.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a good feeling. But it’s one that can be avoided.<\/p>\n

How?<\/p>\n

Plan a soft book launch.<\/p>\n

Soft book launch defined<\/h2>\n

In the marketing world, a soft launch happens when you release a new product to a limited audience before doing a full-blown introduction later.<\/p>\n

Companies use this approach for a number of reasons, including gathering feedback they can use to improve the product or fine-tune their marketing language for the full launch.<\/p>\n

For most products and services, it\u2019s a great way to answer the question, \u201cHave we got this right?\u201d<\/p>\n

3 reasons to plan a soft book launch<\/h2>\n

There are three primary reasons a soft launch is a smart strategy for authors and books, too.<\/p>\n

1. Reader reviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A soft book launch gives you time to secure those all-important reader reviews before introducing your book to the world.<\/p>\n

Reader reviews tell book buyers that your book is reader-tested and approved. This is important \u201csocial proof<\/a>\u201d you\u2019ll want in place before announcing your book outside your network.<\/p>\n

People who don\u2019t know you or your product quality need this reassurance.<\/p>\n

These early reviews also give you fodder for marketing pieces that include quote graphics (quote cards<\/a>).<\/p>\n

2. Quality assurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The people you trust to support you during your soft launch can identify any random typos, format glitches, or other issues that seem to inevitably creep into books.<\/p>\n

You can also ask for feedback on your book description on the back cover (if you have one) and online sales pages. Is it accurate? Does it resonate with them?<\/p>\n

3. Marketing language<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many times, you\u2019ll spot patterns in your early reader feedback. Several on your soft book launch team might express the same thought \u2013 \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting that twist at the end!\u201d or \u201cI will look at this issue differently now that I\u2019ve read your book.\u201d<\/p>\n

When you identify these gems in their feedback, consider how you can use them to improve the book\u2019s description and marketing materials.<\/p>\n

Create a soft book launch team<\/h2>\n

Many authors use \u201cstreet teams\u201d for book launches. They\u2019re people you recruit from your network to read and review pre-publication copies of your book and talk it up on social media during the launch period. (Be sure to read \u201cHow to create a street team for your book<\/a>\u201d by author and popular podcaster Meagan Francis<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Use a similar approach for your soft launch, but leave out the social media component. With a soft launch, your focus is on securing feedback and honest reviews on Amazon, BN.com, Goodreads, and any other platform that\u2019s important to your book.<\/p>\n

You don’t want supporters promoting it yet.<\/p>\n

Managing the launch<\/h2>\n

With your team recruited, take care to:<\/p>\n