Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#157. 10 Surprising Lessons From My First Book Launch


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Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—and I learned soooo much about book marketing.

Tune into this episode to hear the ten surprising lessons I learned from my first book launch, including things like:

  • [03:10] What I learned about asking for Amazon reviews—and how asking for favors was the most uncomfortable part of the book launch process for me
  • [04:30] A look behind the scenes at my marketing plan, including how I balanced things like social media, emailing my list, and working with ARC Readers and influencers
  • [07:50] What moved the needle for me and made it possible for my book to become an Amazon bestseller and the #1 New Release in the category
  • [12:00] The hardest part of the book launch for me emotionally—and how I dealt with people who didn’t show up for me like they said they would
  • [15:30] Why it’s important to celebrate after publishing a book (and what my celebration looked like—spoiler alert: it was very low-key but still fun!)

If you want a peek behind the scenes to hear what worked, what didn’t work, what I’m glad I did, and what I’d do differently next time, you’re going to love this episode!

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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

  • Ep. #107 - List Building Essentials For Authors
  • Grab a copy of my new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Guide To Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (and then claim your bonuses) here!
  • Leave a review for my book on Amazon

Ready to make 2026 the year you finally finish your novel? Notes to Novel is my signature program that walks you through brainstorming, outlining, and writing a first draft that works—so you always know what to do next. Click here to get on the waitlist →

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Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing TipsBy Savannah Gilbo

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