The plan for the book launch party changed a little with the stay at home order, but that didn’t stop us. Doing it online turned out to be fun.
I set up my favorite corner with the music stand holding my phone and iPad, one to record (didn’t work) and one for the facebook live. Then we had “Sophie” on Scott’s iPad next to me. And Scott played the music through the Bluetooth speaker from his phone. Cass called and then messenger video’d in the middle trying to figure out how to connect with us which made me drop the phone and laugh. I was nervous but with the mishaps and casualness of it, it turned out great. It made it seem fun and that came across.
I made an agenda and then when i went over it with Scott about a half hour before, I completely changed it up. I added a lot and winged it. I could see people coming on and their comments. We only had 21 live views but today, about 20 hours later, we have had 330 views and 7 shares. Positive feedback.
I watched it back right after it got done. I hadn’t planned it this way, but somehow, with me looking at the iPad which was off center, it looked like I was looking at the screen with Sophie on it. Which was cool.
The party got great reviews and comments. I can’t wait to see how it does for the book sales as people continue to watch it and then help out by liking and sharing. I have never written or promoted a book before so this is all new territory. I feel like the sales are all still happening in our circle so the challenge is to get it outside our circle. Promoting it on 4 social media platforms, two blogs, and author pages isn’t taking it far enough. I have mailed 6 copies to referring agencies and approached one top reviewer and will approach more. I found an author with a very similar book that has done well and sent her a copy. The launch party idea came from her. I have a list of more ideas from my research that I haven’t completed yet. If anyone has other ideas, please let me know! Spread the word! It isn’t about my success or even the success of the book, it is about getting the story out, raising awareness, and glorifying God.
The video can still be found on facebook. 
dianegclark 