Announcing the First Ask Why Launch Team!
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I have a sweet friend who works in book marketing, and as we've talked a few times in recent months I've confessed to her that I'm not that good at this marketing thing. (Hilarious, because I once worked at a marketing firm for about six months before I got tired of feeling nervous all the time and went back to my more "comfortable" job of being a professor. True story!) Marketing in general, especially marketing myself, feels a bit disingenuous to me.
But my friend has reminded me of one important thing: I'm not marketing myself; I'm marketing a message God has given me. And that's what brings me to this post.
First Ask Why: Raising Kids to Love God Through Intentional Discipleship, the book-baby I've been working on for the past two years, will finally see the light of day on April 24. Its message is this: God's purpose for our families is that we shine the light of Jesus into a dark world, and our job as parents to disciple our kids so that they will be equipped to take that light with them when they leave our homes. While they are with us, we must be intentional about discipling our kids, helping them to see Jesus all around them, every day. We start, not by asking how, but by asking why.
It's a message I believe in with my whole heart. It's a message that I believe will help parents and families to see a bigger picture than just living out the day-to-day. I believe it's important to strengthen our families and our kids' faith, especially today.
But I can't get that message out on my own. I need a team. And that's where, I hope, you come in! Today I'm announcing my launch team for First Ask Why and I hope you'll join me. To help you decide, I've answered some FAQs below.
What is a launch team? It's a group of people who come together to help spread the word about a book. Book marketing is tricky business--it's hard to do on your own. So most authors gather a group of people together to help "launch" the book into the world.
What's in it for me? Well, an advance digital copy of the book, for one thing. And access to a private Facebook page for the launch team where I will attempt to deliver a live video or two, much to my own chagrin (marketing, remember?) and to which you may mock, laugh, and make fun of me behind my back. Also, there will be some giveaways for launch team members as we get closer to the release date.
When does the book actually come out? April 24, 2018.
How long does the launch take? I'll be releasing social media posts and images that you can share for about six weeks prior to the book's release in April. Technically, I'm asking for your help any time during the March 20-April 24 window.
What do you want from me? What I really want is your Amazon review to be posted on April 24. You have no idea how incredibly important Amazon reviews are, so that's my number one expectation. In addition, if you want to share about the book on social media or connect me to a blog or podcast where I can share my message, that would also be fantastically awesome. But no pressure. I just really want you to read the book and share your honest opinion in the form of a review on April 24.
Do I have to buy a book? Nope. You'll get a complimentary digital copy from my publisher, but you'll have to download the NetGalley app to read it. (It's really not that complicated.) But if you'd like to purchase a copy or two of the book, you can already preorder it on Amazon by clicking here.
How do I sign up? There's a brief application that will help me determine if you're a good fit for the launch that you can access here. (You should probably have some social media presence to be on the launch team.) That's it!
I want this book launch to be fun and stress-free for you. Like I said, I'm basically luring you for your Amazon review. My goal is to have 50 reviews posted on launch day, so if you can help me out with that, I'd be most grateful.
Here's what I know: with or without a launch team, God is going to do what He wants to do with this book. But it's sure nice to have some friends along for the ride. Join me?
P.S. You do NOT have to be on the launch team to leave a review on Amazon. Anyone can do that. So even if you're not on the team, please read the book and leave a review!
