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Saturday, January 7, 2017

A Peek Behind The Scenes #6 The Release!

Erica Here:

We're just about a week away from the big reveal! Who will win the LOADED KINDLE FIRE?  You'll have to come back to find out, and you know it won't be you if you don't enter! What are you waiting for???? (Scroll down and enter!)



For this week, however, I'd like to give you another Peek Behind The Scenes, this time talking about the book release. The book released six weeks ago, and began shipping to those who had pre-ordered it even before that, but for the authors, the release is a long process! There's a lot of thought and work that go into a book release, and the seven authors of this collection put in the sweat equity for sure.

Months ago, there was the cover art to finalize

Often, the author has little or no control over the cover art for a book, but this time, Barbour was generous and let us have a say.


The first cover art came back and it was...fine.



It had pretty font, and a cowboy hat, and it looked western. However, we were a bit concerned, because it looked similar to a couple of other novella collections that Barbour had published recently, and the last thing we wanted was for someone to pass over this book thinking they had already purchased it because it looked too similar to one they already had.



Case in point. :) This fabulous collection released a few months before the 7 Brides Collection.

So, we asked if we could have a re-do, and after some give and take, we arrived at the beautiful cover we have now!



Once cover art was finalized, we could begin telling folks about the collection. And we could start brainstorming ways we would promote the collection, both together and individually.

We came up with a few things:

Bookmarks. 


Every reader loves bookmarks, and they are a great way to spread the word about a new release.


Signed book plates:


It's hard to get a collection signed by all the authors, so we thought we'd sign book plates that we could send to readers to put in their books. :)

Goodreads Giveaway:




This one was Keli Gwyn's baby. She generously gave away 7 copies of the book on Goodreads.

The Group Blog:




We have loved having an online home to talk about our stories and connect with readers, and it's nice to have a place to send folks who ask about the book.

A Facebook Launch Party:



Again, Keli Gwyn had the lion's share of the responsibility on this one. In addition to hosting her part of the soiree, she also ran all the behind-the-scenes work, posting pictures, keeping things moving smoothly. This was one of the liveliest Facebook parties I've ever attended, with more than 1000 comments by the time it was all said and done. We had games and character sketches and prizes and laughter and cyber-goodies. It was an old fashioned hoe-down in a new-fangled delivery system.

The Rafflecopter to give away a Kindle Fire loaded with our books.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

(You have entered, haven't you?)

Review Copies



This is my post office...that I have visited many times lately...mailing out books to my review team, The Vetsch Posse. They are the best! And I know the other authors in the collection have sent out review copies as well. We have been thrilled with the reviews that are rolling in on amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook.com and other places. Thank you! We LOVE reviewers!


In addition to these efforts, we've each guest blogged, done giveaways, and posted on social media.

It's been a lot of work, but we've enjoyed it! Mostly because we get to connect with readers like you!

So, for today, tell me, how did you hear about the 7 Brides for 7 Texans collection?

16 comments:

  1. Seeing this collection go out into the world has been fun. Reading the wonderful reviews it's been receiving has been a real blessing. Thanks to all of you have read the posts on this blog, visited our individual blogs, visited the blogs where we've guest posted, attended the Facebook party, entered our various contests, etc. A special thank you to those who have read the collection, told others about the stories, blogged about them, written reviews, shared Facebook posts, etc. We appreciate you and your efforts more than you know.

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    1. Hasn't it been fun? I can't believe we're almost done with all the release activities!

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  2. I heard about it from you! I know I've said it before, but Seven Brides For Seven Texans has truly been my favorite book from this last year. I've enjoyed getting to know the characters better and also the authors! This has been my favorite book launch that I think I've participated in. I love how y'all have worked together. It has made me go see if I've read and have books by all the authors. Looking forward to reading more books from y'all!

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  3. I heard about it from you, too. :) When you emailed me to see if I wanted to be in it. And thanks soooo much for asking, I've really enjoyed working with the author in this collection. Each one is so talented and has something different to give.

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    1. I had you in mind from the start, Vickie, and I'm super-glad you said yes! :)

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  4. Even though I "know" all the authors of this AMAZING book, I actually first heard of it on NetGalley. It was the second book I got approved for. Then, I started seeing it pop up on blogs and author pages. I was so excited to become part of The Vetsch Posse! I have loved all the blog posts and behind the scenes peeks of this project. I had fun at the Facebook Party, it was hard not to spoil any parts of the stories during the rapid fire discussions!

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    1. We love NetGalley! And we're so thankful for reviewers like you! Thanks for being part of my posse!

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  5. I heard from so many author/friends on FB & these author's newsletters :)

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    1. :) I love connecting with readers on FB. And I'm glad I connected with you!

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  6. Thanks for this wonderful behind the scenes post,Erica! Found out about this book through all the author's FB posts (including yours truly) Hope to get it and read it soon! Always appreciate how we're kept informed on your latest releases.

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    1. Our pleasure, Lynne. I hope you get a chance to read the book soon!

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  7. I have been trying to think How I found out about it and can't remember for sure. I think it was a Facebook post.

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    1. librarypat, you're confirming what I sort of thought. FB is a wonderful way for us to get word out and connect with readers.

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  8. I cannot remember who I heard it from! I am friends with many of these authors on FB. :) Love the behind the scenes look at all the fun additions.

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    1. Susan, we love being friends with YOU on FB. I hope you'll come back next week to read about JoAnne Simmons' experiences editing our novellas.

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