Book Launch Q&A: S.K. Derban, Author of 'Circumvent' @skderban

Title: CIRCUMVENT
Author: S.K. Derban
Publisher: Touchpoint Press
Genre: Mystery

BOOK BLURB:

Imagine living in a quaint, beach front cottage on the Hawaiian island of Maui. You have an amazing job, combined with the pleasure of working from home. Lunch breaks become a daily picnic on the sand. Dessert is always included because of your marriage to a famous pastry chef. Life could not be any better. Or so it seems… When French born, Nikki Sabine Moueix travels to Hawaii for a special work assignment, her job of writing an article about a famous Swiss pastry chef generates more than a magazine piece. They fall in love, get married, and Nikki becomes Mrs. Ruggiero Delémont.

When another assignment calls for Nikki to spend three weeks in France, Ruggiero’s schedule prevents him from joining her. She travels alone, advancing straight into danger. After a threatening confrontation, Nikki wakes up in a French hospital with no knowledge of her past. When she fails to check in, Ruggiero panics and pushes for an immediate investigation. But as he closes in, Nikki’s new found friend moves her to another city. It becomes a game of hide and seek with Nikki as the prize.

CIRCUMVENT allows readers to form a bond with Nikki as they yearn for her to remember. They will cheer for Ruggiero and his relentless determination to locate his beloved wife. This is a story about two people who never lose their faith in God, and find amazing friends to help them along the way.

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Hi S.K.! After your book was released, what was the first thing you did when getting ready for your book launch?

Made certain my book was properly listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads, and then shared the wonderful news throughout social media. Most of the preparation takes place before the release date.

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

Yes! Once my cover was completed I scheduled an online Cover Reveal. Then, the cover and cover copy was added to my website along with the scheduled release date.

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

Fortunately my publisher sends out Press Releases and Social Media Advertisements. I follow up their amazing work with social media blasts of my own.

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

Reviews are extremely important. I always sign up for a Review Tour. Often times I also post my latest title on NetGalley.

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

My publisher wrote the press releases, and yes they worked. I also included them on my website, and on all of my social media sites.

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

It is extremely important to keep your Author Page updated. This is a free and valuable service.

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

Yes, I did. Prior to the release of each book I run a special on my previous books. Sometimes the books are free and sometimes offered for just 99 cents.

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

Book signings are a must, but should be done right. Unless you are a best-selling author it is important to remember to give potential fans a reason for attending your signing. I teamed up with a famous photographer and had the book signing at his gallery. More than 200 personal invitations were sent, and over 125 people showed up. It was amazing! The attendees purchased a book, and then enjoyed the gallery. It was a win-win for both me as the author, and for the photographer. We were thrilled.

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

Yes, get it right. Your book is only launched once, so take the time to make your launch successful. Each author should begin with a professional looking website with links to all the author’s social media sites. This includes an Author Page on Amazon, and Amazon Author Central. Have a Cover Reveal, and use all social media sites to count down the days until Release Day.

It is a great idea to have 4 x 6 marketing cards printed. The front can be the book cover, with your website and all social media links on the reverse side. I distribute these cards in person, by mail, and also use them for book markers at my books signings.

Book Launch parties are a fun way to get the word out. A Book Launch Party can also be combined with a Book Signing. Marketing takes time but it is worth every second.

Born in the United States, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, S.K. Derban’s life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries.

Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. S.K. Derban has smuggled Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. When writing, she relies on all aspects of her life, from a strong faith in the Lord, to her unique combination of professional experience. The many personal adventures of S.K. Derban are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Circumvent is the third mystery novel for writer S.K. Derban.