Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Launch Lowdown: Alex J. Cavanaugh CassaFire

During A to Z, I introduced an occasional series spotlighting recaps of book launches. I am proud to bring this series back today with the Launch Lowdown from Alex J. Cavanaugh. I love having Alex on my blog. He's a fabulous guest. And he's got wonderful information to share having completed not one but two book launches. So let's jump right in:

We probably already know, but tell us who are you? What have you written?
I’m Alex J. Cavanaugh (also known as the Ninja Captain) and I’ve written two science fiction books, CassaStar and CassaFire.

Tell us about the book you launched.
My latest book is CassaFire, a sequel requested by my fans:

Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. Keeping a promise to his fallen mentor, he now serves on an exploration vessel. The detection of alien ruins sends them to the distant planet of Tgren. Are the ruins a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassans. To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers. Forced to train Athee and further develop her flying aptitude, Byron’s patience is strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Who published your book?
Dancing Lemur Press LLC

Did you have a marketing budget?
Most of my efforts were low or no cost and focused on a lot of blog appearances.
When did you launch?
February 28, 2012
What did you do pre-launch?
A whole lot! Oh wait, you want details, don’t you?

Once my publisher had sent me the cover art and book trailer, I posted those on my site. Around October I started contacting potential blog tour hosts and set dates. Not long after I announced the Catch Fire! Blog Party – those who signed up to post about my book on release day were entered to win free books. I also sent my publisher a few more reviewers and they created a prize package for my tour. Yeah, it was a lot!

Tell us a bit about the launch events.
The day CassaFire was released, I had a guest post at Edi’s Book Lighthouse and close to three hundred bloggers posting information about my book. It was wild! I’m glad I took the day off, because it took me eleven hours to visit all of those blogs.

What surprised you about the whole process?
I think what surprised me was the amount of people who posted about my book that day. It was both overwhelming and humbling.

What worked? What would you do differently?
I don’t think I’ll do another single day event like that again, as it was SO overwhelming. My first tour had nineteen stops, and I was glad I limited it to just ten this time. The prize package was a great idea, and since I was posting news and trivia every day on my blog (in addition to visiting a host) my blog comments never dropped. Both books have gone on to be Amazon Best Sellers, so something worked.

For my third and final book, I’m going to have to think of something Ninja epic!

Wait, final book? In this series or ever? You'll have to tell us more about that sometime...

What words of advice can you give us?
Plan ahead! Select good hosts and make sure you are both in agreement on the guest post/interview. Visit the host sites during your appearance and continue to check on them days later. And bring your Ninja Army!

Thanks again, Laura!

No, thank you, Alex! You got a Ninja Army because you built it. You're a wonderful example to us writers. Be proud! 

Alex's info:

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Known online as the Ninja Captain, he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

34 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks again, Laura!

Nick Wilford said...

Great interview. It was good to read Alex's tips on how to plan things from behind the scenes. He's super organised just to keep up with so many people on a daily basis!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Love, love, love that Alex! My husband is a HUGE fan of his books and can hardly wait for number three! Go Alex, go!

Juliana Haygert said...

You're awesome, Alex. I get tired only reading all that you did (and d0) to promote your book and support other writers! Go, Alex, go!

Teresa C said...

Great interview. It does sadden a lot of people that CassaStorm is the last in this series.

Southpaw said...

I don't know how you'll top this last lauch.

Southpaw said...

--launch--I mean.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great interview Alex. Your approach to marketing obviously works. You should start a marketing blog

Callie Leuck said...

Very cool. I love reading behind-the-scenes stuff :)

Arlee Bird said...

Very effective book launches. Alex has a loyal cadre of followers.


Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out

Nutschell said...

Wohoo Alex! Thanks Laura, for having the ninja captain here. Great interview!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Daisy Carter said...

What excellent advice from the Ninja Captain! Bookmarking this for future reference! Thanks!

MedeiaSharif said...

It's important to plan ahead. I enjoyed reading about Alex's launch all over the blogosphere.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nick, I try!

Cathy, I'm going!

Juliana, it was tiring.

Teresa, has to end some time.

Southpaw, I have no idea!

Maurice, I'll add it to the list.

Thanks everyone!

Sueroebuck said...

I remember launch day. Boy! 11 hours to get round everyone - I'm not surprised. Your marketing strategy works very well Alex, I'm not sure I'd have the energy....and I don't have a Ninja Army :-( (only you do).

Jamie Gibbs said...

Whoo! Go Alex! The Ninja Captain has blazed a trail through the Internet that will echo for years. You have my sword.

Clare Dugmore said...

Excellent interview, with some really useful launching tips. Thanks for sharing. :D

M Pax said...

I see on your site you're making progress on #3, Alex. Great! Great tips.

Waving at Laura.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, it was a long day.

Jamie, thanks!

Ciara said...

Great interview. I think your fans will be disappointed if this is your last book. I have confidence you'll think of something new to write. It's in your blood now.

Lynda R. Young said...

There's a lot we can learn from the mighty Ninja Captain. I'm so thrilled by Alex's success. Hard work goes a long way!

Christine Rains said...

Wonderful interview! And great tips, Alex.

Jamie Ayres said...

Great interview by the both of you!! Loved hearing about Alex's process and so glad he's an Amazon bestseller--totally deserves it.

Stephen Tremp said...

Thanks Alex for sharing your behind the scenes with us. One day events are out of this world and I don't think I could do one. I have a two-day event coming up next week, but actually I've been planning it for two weeks, so technically its a two week event.

Glad to hear both books are on the Amazon Best Sellers List!

Talliroland said...

Yay for Alex! He's so generous and helpful, of course people want to support him. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ciara, I'm glad you have confidence!

Thanks, everyone!

Cate Masters said...

That's a highly organized approach, Alex - congrats on putting together a successful launch!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I always think you've bitten off more than you can chew with your blogging and promotion efforts, yet you always pull it off successfully. No wonder you're called the Ninja Captain.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, until it's over, I think the same thing...

Karen Lange said...

Thanks, Laura and Alex, for a great interview! Learning yet even more from the amazing Alex! :)

Wendy Lu said...

Excellent interview....great advice from a great expert. Thanks for sharing and doing this interview. I remember the CassaFire Lunch - it was all over the blogosphere! Isn't it awesome how supportive the whole community is?

By the way, I'm hosting a blogfest and critique giveaway at my blog from June 22-24 if you're interested! :) Hope you have a great day.

~Wendy Lu

The Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest + Chapter Critique Giveaway (hosted by The Red Angel)

Gwen Gardner said...

Alex, you're all over the blogoverse - I don't know how you do it. You must speed visit everywhere. I'm waay too slow. You know how to do it right!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wendy, it was everywhere all right.

Gwen, considering I'm a slow reader, I guess I do all right.

Thanks, Patricia.

Laura, thank you again!

Laura Barnes said...

No, THANK YOU, Alex. Sorry I'm so late at getting back to you. I went on vacation the same day we posted. I was glad to have you taking care of our readers. :)

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