News
Celebrating Your Book’s Completion: Tips for a Successful Book Launch

Writing a book is a remarkable achievement, and completing it is an even greater feat. It’s a journey that involves countless hours of writing, editing, and rewriting, not to mention the emotional rollercoaster that comes with pouring your heart and soul into your work.
So, when you’ve finally completed your book with the help of a storybook maker, it’s time to celebrate and share your literary creation with the world through a successful book launch. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips to help you make your book launch a memorable and fruitful event.
1. Plan Ahead
The key to a successful book launch is meticulous planning. Start planning your launch well in advance of its completion. This will give you enough time to create a comprehensive strategy that covers every aspect of the launch, from the event itself to the marketing and promotion leading up to it.
Begin by setting a launch date. Consider factors such as holidays, other major releases, and your target audience’s availability when selecting a date. Once you have a date in mind, work backward to create a timeline for all the tasks that need to be completed before the launch.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your target audience is crucial for a successful launch. Your book won’t appeal to everyone, so it’s essential to identify the people who are most likely to resonate with your work. Research their preferences, interests, and reading habits. This information will help you tailor your marketing efforts and reach your ideal readers.
3. Build an Online Presence
Before your book launches, make sure you have a strong online presence. This includes having an author website, active social media profiles, and an email list. Your website should provide information about your book, an author bio, and links to purchase your book. Engage with your audience on social media platforms and use your email list to keep your subscribers informed about your book’s progress and launch details.
4. Create Compelling Marketing Materials
To generate buzz and excitement around the launch, you need eye-catching marketing materials. This includes a striking cover, engaging descriptions, and promotional graphics. Invest in professional design services to ensure that your book and marketing materials stand out in a crowded marketplace.
5. Leverage Pre-Orders
Offering pre-orders for your book can be an effective way to build anticipation and secure early sales. Many online retailers and self-publishing platforms allow authors to set up pre-order listings. Promote these pre-orders on your website and social media channels to encourage readers to reserve a copy before the official launch.
6. Plan a Virtual or In-Person Launch Event
Whether you’re launching your book in person or virtually, hosting an event can be a powerful way to connect with your audience. Virtual events have become more popular in recent years, offering authors the opportunity to reach a global audience from the comfort of their homes. If you opt for an in-person event, consider venues, logistics, and any COVID-19 safety precautions that may be necessary.
For virtual events, platforms like Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube can be great choices. Plan engaging content for your event, such as readings from your book, Q&A sessions, or guest speakers who can add value to the event. Make sure to promote your event well in advance to ensure a good turnout.
7. Generate Book Reviews
Positive reviews can significantly impact your success. Reach out to bloggers, reviewers, and book clubs in your genre and offer them free copies of your book in exchange for an honest review. These reviews can help build credibility and trust among potential readers.
8. Engage with Your Audience
Leading up to the launch, engage with your audience on social media and through your email list. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process, teasers from your book, and updates on your launch preparations. Encourage your readers to share their excitement about your upcoming release.
9. Offer Special Launch Promotions
To entice readers to purchase your book during the launch period, consider offering limited-time promotions. This could include discounted eBook prices, bundle deals with other books or merchandise, or exclusive access to bonus content.
10. Monitor and Adjust Your Marketing Strategy
Throughout the launch process, monitor the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Track sales, website traffic, social media engagement, and email open rates. Use this data to make informed adjustments to your marketing strategy as needed. Experiment with different tactics to see what works best for reaching your target audience.
11. Stay Persistent and Resilient
Book launches can be emotionally taxing, and not every launch will meet your expectations. It’s important to stay persistent and resilient in the face of challenges or setbacks. Keep promoting your book even after the initial launch period, and don’t be discouraged if sales are slow at first. Building a readership takes time, and every effort you put into marketing your book contributes to your long-term success as an author.
12. Express Gratitude
Lastly, don’t forget to express gratitude to your readers, supporters, and everyone who helped you along the way. A heartfelt thank-you message can go a long way in strengthening your connection with your audience.
In conclusion, celebrating the completion of your book with a successful launch is a rewarding experience that requires careful planning and dedication. By following these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can increase your chances of a successful book launch and make your literary journey even more fulfilling. Remember, your book is a labor of love, and sharing it with the world is a celebration of your creativity and passion. Enjoy the journey, and best of luck with your book launch!
Community
Milford Haven Town Council seeks nominations for 2025 Citizens’ Awards

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put forward their local heroes for recognition in this year’s Citizens’ Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Milford Haven a better place—voluntarily and without any form of payment.
Nominations are now open, and members of the public are encouraged to take a moment to think about those who deserve a special thank you. Whether it’s someone who supports vulnerable neighbours, leads a youth group, organises community events, or simply goes out of their way to help others, the Town Council wants to hear about them.
A spokesperson for the council said: “These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the unsung heroes of our town—the people whose efforts too often go unnoticed. If you know someone who gives their time freely to benefit the local community, we urge you to nominate them.”
Nominations must be submitted by 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
To obtain a nomination form:
- Email: admin@milfordhaven-tc.gov.wales
- Contact the Town Council via its Facebook page
- Telephone: 01646 692505 to request a postal form
Please note: Awards can only be granted to those working in a voluntary capacity, and previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination.
For inspiration, you can view highlights from last year’s ceremony via Milford Haven Town Council’s Facebook page:
facebook.com/milfordhaventowncouncil/posts/pfbid02f7WhKXhjtDxEqV68ujznDvFX89yhBYe8dQgXtqqY19Yb7bC7SeNYW6Ua42E4Ehevl
The council encourages everyone to get involved and help shine a light on the incredible community spirit that defines Milford Haven.
Entertainment
The authentic sound of The Rolling Stones… with the world’s premier Jagger lookalike

CAPTURING the authentic sound and spirit of The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band In The World, NOT THE ROLLING STONES have played festivals, theatres and private gigs throughout Europe, the middle east and the UK. This May, they will appear here on the Torch Stage in Pembrokeshire!
Featuring the best Mick Jagger lookalike you will ever see, truly international tribute act in demand all over Europe as well as the UK, will take you back to the Golden Age of The Stones- from Satisfaction to Sympathy for the Devil… You won’t believe it’s not Jagger!
Based on the Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and active for over six decades, they were one of the most popular, influential, and enduring bands of the rock era and pioneered the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock, and Not The Rolling Stones carry on that legacy today.
They have the unique asset of a ‘Mick and Keith’ who stagger audiences with their authenticity, also attested by the many TV and film credits they have between them.
Backed by a superb group of professional musicians that love the music they are playing; they convey their enthusiasm for the work of the world’s greatest rock and roll band.
Not the Rolling Stones will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 16 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Business
Wales leads Britain in export growth for financial and professional services

Financial exports soar by 63.5% to £4.3bn
WALES has outpaced every other part of Great Britain in export growth for financial and related professional services, according to a new report by TheCityUK.
The report, Exporting from across Britain: Financial and related professional services 2025, reveals that exports from Wales surged by 63.5% in 2022, reaching £4.3bn—significantly ahead of the national average.
Across Great Britain, total financial and related professional services exports rose by 18.4% to £158bn, with nearly half (47%) generated outside London. Wales contributed 2.9% of the UK’s total financial services exports and 2% of the related professional services total.
The report provides a breakdown of 2022 data by region and nation, highlighting the growing contribution of areas outside London in strengthening the UK’s role as a global financial centre.
In terms of export destinations, 27% of Wales’s financial services exports went to the European Union, with the remaining 73% reaching markets across the rest of the world.
Tom Bray, TheCityUK Chair for Wales and Senior Office Partner (Cardiff) at Eversheds Sutherland, said: “It’s great to see such strong growth in Wales for financial and related professional services exports. Our skill and ability to provide high-quality financial and professional services plays an important role in driving growth in Wales, creating jobs and opportunities for communities across the nation.”
Anjalika Bardalai, Chief Economist and Head of Research at TheCityUK, added: “In 2022, Wales had an extremely strong year of export growth, albeit from a lower base than most regions. Nearly half of all UK exports in financial and related services now come from outside London, reinforcing the UK’s strength as an international financial hub and the importance of regional contributions.”
Policy recommendations
TheCityUK report also outlines a series of recommendations for industry, government, and regulators to support export growth in Wales and beyond. These fall under three key areas:
1. Improving access to trade opportunities
- Better coordination between UK government, devolved administrations, and investment bodies.
- Align local growth strategies with national trade goals.
- Launch a pilot national brokerage scheme to connect capital with investable projects.
2. Expanding global market access
- Finalise FTAs with Switzerland and India, ensuring better market access and digital trade provisions.
- Use talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council to promote regulatory cooperation.
- Strengthen regulatory dialogues with major markets like the US, EU, Japan, and Singapore.
- Replicate successful models like the UK-Switzerland MRA with other global financial centres.
- Encourage domestic and international investment into UK scale-up businesses.
3. Positioning the UK for future demand
- Make the UK a global hub for data, tech, and innovation.
- Establish the UK as the gateway for international investment.
- Focus development work on high-potential markets to maximise value.
The report underlines that Wales’s performance demonstrates the growing importance of the UK’s nations and regions in maintaining the country’s competitive edge on the global stage.
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