T.I.E. Entry 6: Shenanigans, the Budget, and Early Traction.
Welcome to the Frugal Launch!
By Thio Isobel Moss
I don’t know what I expected after the first scammer, within days of joining Goodreads, but it wasn’t two more right behind them. Technically three, though that last one didn’t offer me five glittering stars and a cut of sixty million in gold bullion once smuggled out from New Scammiland, so I let it slide.
These folks toss out five-star reviews like confetti, claiming to be rereading books that haven’t even been released. And they get away with it—because no one wants to say, “Please take these fifteen beautiful stars back.”
It hurt, but I did it. Because this isn’t a victimless game. Authors, excited and vulnerable about their books, do fall for it and hand over money in exchange for sweet promises. If there were no market, the scammers would move on.
I also believe my book can stand on its own, even if it takes time.
There are some lovely people on Goodreads, and I’m thrilled to have “met” them. Most of the truly supportive folks don’t cold-friend or message; they engage through discussions, and they’re a friendly bunch.
Someone recently suggested Revvue, a site where authors can earn tokens by reviewing others’ books and exchange them for reviews in return. It doesn’t seem to violate Amazon’s rules, and I was tempted—but after discussing it with my team, it’s not for me…at least, not with the little I know about it.
I will share what I am doing, however—my launch budget, how I’m spending it, and what I’ve gained so far. I never expected to get this personal, but here we are. I hope it’s helpful!
I started with a launch budget of $1,600.
Copyright: $45 for the standard application (cheaper than the $65 option listed at the top of the page).
ISBNs: 10-pack for $295 to enable wide distribution.
Website & email: $288 for one year on Squarespace. It was stressful twisting my brain in new directions, but once I got the hang of it, updates and fixes were easy.
Canva Pro: Free first month for cover design; $15/month afterward as I make updates and prep covers for Bump and Objects in the Mirror.
NetGalley: $357 through the Victory Editing Co-op for two months, plus a featured deal. I highly recommend Victory Editing. They’re awesome!
Other platforms: I wasn’t approved for a second ARC site, which was anticipated; I’ll revisit with future books when I’m more established.
That freed up some money, so I allocated:
Amazon Ads: $150 across three campaigns.
Fussy Librarian promo: $55.
BookSprout: $9 for ARC distribution.
Proofs: ~$95; $205 earmarked for author copies.
Family support has added some flexibility, leaving $86 known, with wishlist items totaling roughly $319: StoryOrigin ($100), Goodreads ebook giveaway ($119), and merchandise samples ($100). With the unexpected generosity factored in, my total launch spend will likely stay under $1,800.
So, what have I received for my investments?
It’s early days, and only two pieces of feedback from NetGalley, neither a review, have come in…but I got something arguably better: validation.
The first feedback, previously mentioned, came from a bookseller, who said she would recommend and handsell my title in the stores where she works.
The second was from a librarian, who confirmed their library is likely to purchase Blind Spot, will promote it through Readers’ Advisory, book clubs, and events — and has nominated it for the LibraryReads List.
I did not know what this was until today, but I nearly cry every time I read the words.
For context, librarians nationwide can nominate pre-published books via NetGalley and Edelweiss, and the most popular titles make the list. Yes, indie authors compete with traditionally published titles — sometimes with a big-five publisher backing them.
However, the nominees need to be in by the first of the month before they’re published. That would have been October 1st for Blind Spot.
Theoretically, I could delay publication, and it might help, but Blind Spot is going to be published on November 28th as planned. My next book, Bump, on the other hand, will hit NetGalley as early as possible. I’m exploring Edelweiss too.
ROI is still uncertain — it could go anywhere — but now I know I have an audience, and I know the steps I’ve taken, from ISBNs to Draft2Digital publishing, were smart.
I’ve also learned about Library of Congress Control Numbers; they’re not required for library inclusion, but they help librarians track your book. Here’s hoping mine arrives in time for inclusion in the book!
Would I do anything differently? Yes — start the launch earlier, spend less time worrying, and focus more on organizing content and intentional campaigns. I’m convinced that, with informed planning, this process can be enjoyable and less like surviving a turbulent sea in a leaking dinghy.
I hope this was useful information. Questions? My comments box is getting dusty and could use some exercise, or you can email me. Otherwise, stay tuned for updates!
