In July, I introduced you to The21ders, the debut group for the authors of middle grade and young adult novels being published in 2021. Today I’m going to talk about the debut year timeline. (And you will see why the knowledge and support of the group is so important)

Depending on when your contract is signed, the publishing date set, and the deal announced, you will be at different stages than your fellow debut authors. Some have more than a year while others may be closer to nine months. (I had ten months) But since the work is similar, you will still share a lot.

The timeline can be broken down into sections, usually three month blocks, and includes both the in-front-of-the-camera work, which is marketing and publicity, and what happens behind-the-scenes to prepare the book for publication. Let’s go through the timeline.

Six to Nine Months

PUBLICITY

1. Website. Now is a good time to have a place people can find out about you and your books, including Goodreads and pre-order links.
2. Newsletter. If you choose to do a regular newsletter, now is the time to put out the call for subscribers. (Shameless plug! For those who subscribe to my newsletter, I am offering a chance to win a free first chapter or query critique. Click here)
3. Cover Reveal. Your cover will be revealed soon. If you are not already active on at least one social media platform, it may be time to look into it.

PRE-PUBLICATION

1. Copy edits round one. Copy edits round two. This will differ depending on the author, manuscript, and editor.
2. Cover design discussions.
3. New manuscript. This may be writing the second book in your contract, an option book, or a new one for submission.

Three to Six Months

PUBLICITY

1. Book swag. Once you have a final cover, you may want to consider bookmarks and other items for promotions and giveaways.
2. Social media. Now is really the time to get comfortable with social media. It doesn’t have to be every platform, but choose one or two you already feel comfortable with and focus on those.
3. Book launch. Time to contact your local bookstore, or venue of your choice, to get your date on their event calendar. If you are doing a virtual event, it’s time to start working on the details. (I attended a book a launch in a church meeting room because the church was special to the author. It made the event even more special)

PRE-PUBLICATION

1. Acknowledgements and blurbs. The other details of your book will start coming together and be added to the final manuscript.
2. ARCS. Review copies will be put together, either in print or ebooks, and sent out for reviews.
3. Continue working on your new manuscript.

One to Three Months

PUBLICITY

1. Pre-order campaigns. These will keep the excitement up for your soon to be published book!
2. Schedule blog interviews and reviews for the days and weeks surrounding your publishing date.
3. Prepare the final details for your launch. Send out invitations, follow up with the venue, and decide what you will read and talk about.

PRE AND POST PUBLICATION

1. Continue working on your new manuscript.
2. Make notes on ideas for future stories.

As you go through the list of marketing tools, don’t forget to coordinate with your publisher’s publicity team. There will be times of stress but remember to enjoy it. You only debut once. I’d love to hear tips you’ve developed on your journey to publication.

And don’t forget my offer: a chance to win a free first chapter or query critique when you sign up for my newsletter here.