#5: How to Package Your Book for Success and Announce Your Books to Early Readers

Are you an author struggling to get your book into the hands of readers? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into the art of book packaging with a real-life example. We'll break down how author Julie True Kingsley expertly crafted an advanced reader copy (ARC) package for her YA novel, "The Space Between You and Me."

Get the book, click here 👉 https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781952143663

p.s. Julie is Co-founder of the Manuscript Academy, Co-host of The Manuscript Academy Podcast, and Author of The Space Between You and Me. 

Discover the power of ARCs, the importance of compelling one-sheets, and the value of strategic press releases. We'll also discuss how to identify and cultivate your ideal advanced readers. If you're ready to elevate your book marketing game, this episode is a must-listen!

• The importance of ARCs in building buzz
• Creating a compelling one-sheet with key selling points
• The role of press releases in book promotion
• Identifying and cultivating ideal advanced readers
• The power of strategic book packaging

📗⭐⚡Resources Mentioned:

Manuscript Academy: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast

Julie Kingsley: https://juliekingsley.com/

The Space Between You and Me: Get the book, click here 👉 https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781952143663

Manuscript Wishlist: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/

Islandport Press: https://www.islandportpress.com/product-page/the-space-between-you-and-me

Transcript:

Author Julie True Kingsley expertly crafted an advanced reader copy (ARC) package for her young adult novel, *The Space Between You and Me.*

In the show notes, I'll provide all the links so you can get the book and connect with Julie. What's important to know is that Julie is multi-passionate, like many of us. She sees a lot of books come into the world. Julie is the co-founder of the Official Manuscript Wishlist, co-host of the Manuscript Academy Podcast, an editor, screenwriter, and teacher. She's got a lot going on!

When you're trying to get your book into the world and into the hands of early readers for reviews, you can’t just send your book in a plain brown envelope. Your book is new, fresh like a kitten, and it should arrive like a gift. Julie’s ARC package was exactly that.

First, *The Space Between You and Me* had a special cover that clearly marked it as an advanced reader's copy, which ensures it can't be resold, but still feels legitimate and exciting to hold. The cover, adorned with blueberries, is particularly fitting for a young adult audience. My 13-year-old daughter even plucked it right out of my hands after I took it out of the gorgeous, puffy envelope it came in—complete with confetti, which made it feel like a party. It's your job to make sure the delivery of your ARCs feels special because a book is being born, and that’s worth celebrating.

Julie’s package also included a love note from the publisher, which was delightful. It thanked me for my support and included notable quotes and similar book recommendations. Shout out to Islandport Press for delivering such a genius letter—it made it easy for me to understand why people are excited about this book, even though I already know Julie.

Now, when it comes to including swag in your ARC packages, think beyond bookmarks. In Julie’s case, she included a sticker sheet featuring blueberries, a strawberry, a lab, a soccer ball, and little hearts—items I could stick on my water bottle or laptop, making me smile every time I see them. This isn’t about advertising her book (I already have it); it’s about creating brand loyalty. Julie delighted and surprised me in a way that’s hard to do, and even the envelope color matched the book’s cover.

Your job is to ensure that your book delivery feels like a celebration, comes with swag people will actually keep, and includes a concise, glanceable letter that makes it easy for the recipient to understand why your book is relevant. This elevates your marketing game and paves the way for success.

Remember, small touches make a big impact. Get stickers, envelopes that match your book's cover, a handwritten note, and maybe even some confetti. But don’t go overboard—no need for mugs or t-shirts. Your goal is to give something that lights a spark and builds buzz.

I know you’ve got this. Package your books in a way that sets them up for success.