How not to launch a book.

As excited as I am about the release of Subversive Addiction, Book Three in the Ben Porter Series, I could not be more dismayed about how it was launched. That’s okay; I’ll get over it. After all, it’s merely a moment in time. And now that some time has passed, it’s not only a good lesson for me, but yet another entertaining story to tell in my adventures in publishing.

You know that old adage about plans: “No plan survives first contact with the enemy,” the gist of which is attributed to the nineteenth-century Prussian military commander Helmuth van Moltke. I had expected to be able to offer e-book pre-orders, and to roll out Subversive Addiction with lots of fanfare. Um. No.

Instead, when the print book was first uploaded to Amazon by the company that creates the print and ebook files for me, they did not indicate a future publication date to tie into the completion of the ebook files. The Amazon print version was set to go on sale right away.

That was last Friday, March 12, and that set off a mad scramble. I created a temporary ebook file for Kindle, which went live on Saturday, March 13. Fortunately, the ebook files were finished on Monday, and the Kindle file was replaced with the final version. (If you purchased the book on Kindle during that period, simply delete it off your device, and then re-sync; the new version will automatically download. Though, I gotta say, my version was pretty damn good!)

In the meantime, the ebook version has also trickled out to Apple Books and Kobo. It is still pending at Barnes and Noble for Nook readers, but it’s uploaded pending their review. Soon, I’m told. And, the print book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and through any bookseller.

So much for a coordinated launch. But, now that I’ve learned a lot about distribution channels, Book Four will be launched properly. Can’t wait!

Next step for Subversive Addiction? Getting the word out! Stay tuned.

As always, with gratitude for your support,

-Christopher