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A thread on cover reveal tips (since a friend was asking me about it yesterday and it's on my mind):
Cover reveal efforts are much more worthwhile when there's an actionable item attached. Usually this is "add to goodreads" or pre-order. Maybe a giveaway to build newsletter list
Cover reveal efforts are much more worthwhile when there's an actionable item attached. Usually this is "add to goodreads" or pre-order. Maybe a giveaway to build newsletter list
It's best not to reveal covers on Tuesdays. That's new release day and most people's boosting efforts will focus on new releases. Your cover will be buried in a pile of promo
When you post on social about the reveal, make it searchable! You do this by (on twitter) including the title of your book in the text or (on Instagram) including the title as a hashtag with other relevant hashtags. Some people will post "here's my book cover!" (Not searchable)
When doing it yourself, should you do a blog post or just post the image on social media (or both)? There are pros and cons. A blog post lets you control the info better. But many people won't click off social to go to your site. My recommendation? ...
If possible, I would post the image directly to social, but give folks a reason to go to your site. Maybe a giveaway or sneak peek at 1st chapter or something enticing.
If you give an exclusive to a big blog/site for the reveal, don't post the entire cover to social for 24 hours! Give them the initial traffic. It needs to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. You can post a teaser portion tho like this for KEEPING HER SECRET (omg knees touching)
Cover reveals help w/ the Rule of Seven marketing concept (even if it's a bit outdated), so the more people who share, the better. If you can, ahead of time, line up author friends and/or bloggers to help you boost the reveal. If possible give bloggers at least a month lead time
If known, credit the cover designer in all posts.
Finally, what to do if you hate your cover. You don't have to gush about it, but you can still use it as the marketing tool it is. A simple "I'm so excited for BOOK TITLE to come out on 11/10! Check out the cover reveal!" will work. No lies, but no (public) complaints either
