The following is a guest post by Matthew Turner.
As you read this – assuming you’re reading it the day it goes live – I’m going through a very exciting/terrifying time. Tomorrow is the launch of my debut novel, Beyond Parallel.
What a crazy, chaotic, and wonderful time it is!
You may read this and nod your head, having gone through this process yourself. Then again, maybe you haven’t and you’re curious as to what to expect. Whatever your position, I hope you’ll raise a glass to my novel.
It’s been a heck of a journey.
Making Your Launch Day Count
I’m a marketer by trade so I understand the importance of aligning all of your stars. There’s no right or wrong way to approach a launch, as the personal touch you add is the most vital aspect of all.
However, there are certain rules to abide by, and launching your book is no different. A poor launch day doesn’t mean you’re destined for failure. A good one does make life MUCH easier though!
The key is being prepared. You need to create a few lists and a few targets. I’m not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do on your launch day, but it should be a tad more hectic than the average 24-hours.
Stay On Top Of Launch Day
Launching Beyond Parallel involves me interacting both online and in the real world. I’ve purposely not been too adventurous for this release as it’s my first. I will learn a great deal, and if there’s one thing I’ve picked up over the years it’s to walk before you run.
These are a few of the things I’ve done to make my life easier:
1: Make A List(s)
I started my launch-day-list weeks ago and have continuously added to it since.
I will wake up tomorrow knowing exactly what I need to do. I’ll know when to send Tweets, what my messages should say, who to contact, and what I want to achieve.
Without a list to guide me through, my head may explode. Now, nobody wants that, do they?
2: Use Your Calendar
Specifically the one in your phone – or whatever note-making app you may use.
The truth is you’ll be running around on launch day. You may go hours without seeing your laptop, so a portable reminder could be the difference between fulfilling everything, and forgetting something.
My iPhone calendar saves me most days, but launch day is no ordinary day. I predict it will be extra useful tomorrow!
3: Be Realistic
As I said earlier, I purposefully made this launch day attainable. Why? The answer is simple: something will go wrong!
I’m not sure what, but something will. All launch days have a few mishaps, and in my experience the first one is always rife.
It maybe an unhappy reader, an error on a webpage, a link that doesn’t work, or trouble with your website. Numerous things could go wrong, and something most certainly will. It may take a few minutes to fix or the entire day.
Be realistic. Don’t plan every single minute because this is when things get out of hand.
4: Mix The Online & Offline World
You may have spent months creating an online platform, but don’t forget the real world.
Beyond Parallel is only available via Ebook to begin with, but I still wanted to host an offline event. It’s taking place in a bar I spent a great deal of time writing at. It’s for friends and family and very low key.
Still, I thought it absolutely necessary to hold!
This is your chance to relax and have fun. A time to thank the people you need to thank and maybe sell some copies. The real world still exists, don’t forget it 
5: Be Close To Your Email
It’s tempting to launch your book, automate everything, and hide for a few days. After all, you’ve spent an age getting your book ready. You deserve a break, right?
This is very reasonable, but not advised.
Chances are hundreds, maybe even thousands, will download your book on day one. If all goes according to plan you’ll gain new readers; people who may have questions for you. This means your Email, Twitter, Facebook, or Website may become overrun with messages.
If something goes wrong, people will tell you. All may be quiet, but then again, all may not. Do you want to take the chance?
Happy Launch Day!
What an exciting/scary time it is.
As you read this I’m shaking in a corner. Tomorrow will be an amazing but terrifying day. I have my list, though, so I’m ready to tackle it head on!
Something will go wrong!
Not everyone will be happy!
I may cry at some point!
I’m not alone though, and this is where you come in. I hope you’ll share your Launch Day Stories. If you have any tips, offer them. If you have a list of things to avoid, write them down. If you too are launching a book in the near future, tell us about it!
My name is Matthew Turner and I’m officially a published author. Well, tomorrow I will be
Matthew Turner is a writer from Yorkshire, England. His debut novel, Beyond Parallel launches tomorrow (8th January) and now is the perfect time to take notice. For the first three days you don’t only get the book, but over $50 of extras.
In the same mould as Sliding Doors, Beyond Parallel flips between two parallel tales. Grab yourself a copy and be part of a true coming-of-age story that everyone can relate to.
We're 
