Book Launch Q&A: Doug Cooper, Author of The Investment Club

Doug Cooper is the author of the award-winning novel Outside In and The Investment Club available October 2016. He has a BS in Mathematics Education from Miami University and a MA in American Studies from Saint Louis University. Always searching, he has traveled to over twenty countries on five continents, exploring the contradictions between what we believe and how we act in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and love. Originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, he has also called Cleveland, St. Louis, Detroit, New York, and Oslo, Norway home. He now lives in Cleveland working on his third novel Focus Lost.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

About the Book:

Forty million people visit Vegas every year but most never get past the strip. What about the people who live there? What brought them there? What keeps them there?

Told from the perspective of a seasoned blackjack dealer, The Investment Club tells the stories of a self-destructive, dwarf entrepreneur, a drug-addicted musical performer-turned-stripper, a retired, widowed New Jersey policeman, a bereaved, divorced female sportscaster, and a card-counting, former Catholic priest before and after their fateful meeting at the El Cortez Casino in downtown Vegas.

As the five learn the greatest return comes from investing in one another, their lives stabilize and take on new, positive directions. But their love and support for each other can take them only so far before they must determine the meaning and value of their own lives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Interview:

After your book was released, what was the first thing you did when getting ready for your book launch?

I shared the release information via social media with information where to buy.

After that, what was your next step?

I held a book release party in my hometown and organized signings in other cities..

Did you do anything different to spice up your website in lieu of your upcoming book release?

I added the book to my Books and Buy sections and posted a blog announcing a virtual book talk and signing for those interested in getting a signed copy and discussing the book.

Did you ever consider using a PR agency to help you promote your book or did you prefer the DIY route?

My publisher Rare Bird Books has a publicity division called Rare Bird Lit that does the marketing & publicity, and I supplement as needed.

Were finding reviews a top priority for you and, if yes, how did you approach that?

Rare Bird reached out to all the review channels.

What are your views on social media for marketing your book?

I use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. Social media is an integral part of our strategy and provides a great way to not just push your message but interact with readers as well.

What social media has worked best for you?

Facebook seems to get the most traction.

Did you write a press release and do you think it worked for you?

Rare Bird did a press release for the release, and I write them for other news like events, awards, etc.

Did you revamp your author’s page at Amazon in any way to prepare for the launch (https://authorcentral.amazon.com/)?

Nothing special. Just added my book and have my new blog updates appear on the page.

Did you have other books you offered for free in order to help sell your present book?

Rare Bird organized a Goodreads Giveaway. I also held a few contests through social media. In addition, I formed a beta-reading team before the ARC was published to include readers in the development by sending them an electronic copy with ten questions in exchange for a free copy of the final published copy and their names in the acknowledgements.

Did you set up booksignings and, if so, how did that work for you?

I did a release party and try to do one at least once per month. The events are really up and down. Sometimes we sell 30-40 copies, sometimes only a few.

Did you create a book trailer?

I did a book trailer for my first book Outside In (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4qBmPn7A4s), but for The Investment Club, I decided to invest that money in other areas. I created other short videos from events and gifs with content to promote the book.

Did you time your book launch around a certain holiday?

We chose a fall release in October to get it into the market and be ready for the holiday retail season.

What was the best money you ever spent on your book launch?

One of the special SWAG items I created was a black $100 casino chip with the title on one side and my info and website on the other. If I was playing blackjack or out and about and asked what I did or when the book would be out, I would give them a chip. Works so much better than a business card.

Any tips for those authors wanting to set up a successful book launch?

Following are some things an author should do to set up a successful book launch:

1.      Stay engaged with your readers throughout the year, not just when you have a new book coming out.

2.      Understand your market and the value your book delivers to readers.

3.      Build a platform from which to sell. Why are readers going to be interested in you and your book more than all the others you are competing with?

4.      Craft and hone your pitch: an elevator version, a medium one if they want to hear more, and an extended one if they are really interested.

5.      Consider partnering with other authors. Don’t compete. Collaborate and sell together.

6.      Be resilient. Don’t get discouraged and don’t take no for an answer. The demand for you and your books will not materialize on its own volition. You have to create it and maintain it until it develops its own power to sustain.