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!
Crime
Whitland father acquitted of child cruelty but faces family court proceedings

A 45-YEAR-OLD father from Whitland has been found not guilty of child cruelty following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discontinue the case.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, had been charged with assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, or abandoning a child in a way that could cause unnecessary suffering or injury. He had denied the allegations and was set to stand trial on June 16.
The case was reviewed at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Mar 5), where prosecutor Dean Pulling confirmed that the CPS had decided not to proceed with a criminal trial. He explained that subjecting the children to the process was not deemed to be in the public interest.
“The matter will be addressed in the family court,” Mr Pulling stated, adding that the decision did not diminish the statements provided by the children.
With no evidence presented by the prosecution, Judge Catherine Richards formally recorded a not guilty verdict. She noted that the CPS had carefully considered its decision, clarifying that while the criminal case had concluded, it had no impact on the separate family court proceedings.
News
Campaign against US military radar in Pembrokeshire gains political backing

CAMPAIGNERS from Pembrokeshire-based PARC Against DARC visited the Senedd on Wednesday (March 5) to present their opposition to the proposed Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) at Brawdy. The group argues the AUKUS-backed military proposal, supported by US President Donald Trump, could escalate tensions in space with China.
Twelve Members of the Senedd (MSs) from various political parties have endorsed a Statement of Opinion recognising widespread opposition to the project. The statement highlights concerns over DARC’s visual impact, potential health risks, and regional security implications. A petition against the proposal has gathered nearly 17,000 signatures, with campaigners calling for a Welsh Government commission to assess the issue.

Political support growing
A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “Today marks a significant shift in the political impact of our campaign. We now have cross-party backing, including from Welsh Labour MSs, strong support from Plaid Cymru, and support from the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Senedd representative, Jane Dodds.
“For the many people opposing DARC in Pembrokeshire, this shows the Senedd at its best—reflecting the views of the people who elect it. We urge all MSs to heed our community’s concerns and support the Statement of Opinion.”
The spokesperson continued: “The proposal to construct a 27-dish radar array on the skyline of the St Davids peninsula—a natural treasure and a key attraction for Welsh tourism—has been ill-conceived from the outset. The Senedd Members we met today are standing on the right side of history by opposing it.”

Concerns over militarisation
Sioned Williams MS attended the event, stating: “Plaid Cymru has a proud tradition of promoting peace, and this US militaristic project has no place in Wales.”
The campaigners argue that the DARC radar would serve Trump’s agenda for US space dominance and support Elon Musk’s rapidly expanding SpaceX network. They said: “Local opposition to this project is strong, with Pembrokeshire having a long history of resisting such proposals.
“With ‘untrustable Trump’ in the White House and Keir Starmer acting as a subordinate UK partner, we cannot assume the US will remain a reliable ally by the time DARC is completed. If this goes ahead, we risk inviting the enemy inside the gate.”
The ‘Highlighting Militarism in Wales’ event featured speeches from local PARC campaigners Roy Jones and Jim Scott, along with presentations from Academi Heddwch, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Quakers Wales, the Cardiff UN Association, and Stop the War Cardiff.

Peace vigil held at Senedd
Following the presentations, a televised Vigil for Peace took place on the steps of the Senedd. Ali Lochhead from CND Cymru spoke about the group’s vision for a peaceful Wales. The event concluded with a performance by Côr Cochion Choir and the symbolic release of two peace doves.
Heledd Fychan MS, who sponsored the event, said: “On this UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I am proud to support this event highlighting militarism in Wales.
“Plaid Cymru has a long-standing history of opposing militarism and advocating for peace. We remain committed to supporting Pembrokeshire residents in their fight against the DARC project. Today’s discussions were insightful and provided Senedd Members with a deeper understanding of the strength of opposition.”
Call to reduce military spending
Campaigners also criticised the global arms race, stating: “While Trump’s erratic realignment of global power is dangerous and unpredictable, we support his suggestion that all superpowers should reduce military spending.
“Scrapping unnecessary AUKUS infrastructure like DARC would be a meaningful step towards ending the cycle of militarisation. We, along with other campaigners in the Senedd today, believe public resources should be invested in developing future technologies and improving lives, rather than continuing outdated and unaffordable military standoffs.”
PARC Against DARC is urging Welsh residents to sign their petition and email Senedd Members to oppose the project. A template for lobbying is available on the campaign’s website: www.parcagainstdarc.com/lobbying.
News
Pembrokeshire Council Tax rise for residents at 9.35% agreed

PEMBROKEHIRE taxpayers are to see their bills increase by 9.35 percent after “political tribalism was set aside,” but an alternative lower proposal by the Conservative group was defeated.
Today’s March 6 meeting of full council was to consider three potential increases in council tax, 9.85 percent previously recommended by Cabinet, a 9.35 percent rise proposed by the Independent group led by Cllr Huw Murphy, which was later supported by the ruling coalition, and a 7.5 percent rate proposed by the Conservative group.
The council was to decide the annual budget, which includes the council tax element, on February 20 but that meeting was deferred until March 6, in part awaiting the final Welsh government local government settlement, which saw the county gain a small amount of extra money, worth roughly an extra £500,000, reducing its funding gap to £26.9m.
At the March 6 meeting, Cabinet member for finance Cllr Joshua Beynon moved the Independent-proposed budget be adopted rather than the previous 9.85 percent council tax rise one, seconded by Independent group member Cllr Alan Dennison.
The 9.35 percent increase adds £141.25 to the average bill over last year’s rate.
The Conservatives’ alternate budget of 7.5 percent was proposed by group leader Cllr Di Clements, saying there was a need to make “tough choices” with “a limited pot,” adding last year’s council tax increase of 12.5 percent was “one of the highest in the UK,” with “a significant rise” again proposed this year.
The Conservative proposals included addressing deficits in council leisure services by partnering with a national leisure trust, along with increasing the education budget by £6.6 million in the next financial year.
Cllr Clements added: “The budget choices will get harder and harder, we believe we cannot keep doing the same thing, slicing services until there is nothing left, that is why we are looking at alternate ways of providing services.”
She was joined by group spokesman for finance Cllr Aled Thomas who said people were “sick and tired of the status quo,” adding: “Taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened with failures of this local authority, whether vanity projects or failures to make efficiency savings; it is the taxpayer that pays for this, we owe it to them to be responsible.”
Cllr Alec Cormack, the former Cabinet member for finance, said he sympathised and supported some elements of the Conservative proposals but felt some parts were “not fully developed,” with “a very serious risk that many of these measures would not really deliver savings in 2025-’26,” adding: “I do not feel this really leads us to a balanced budget”.
After lengthy debate, the Conservative proposal was defeated by 45 votes to 13.
Leader Cllr Jon Harvey quoted from his speech when he was elected leader, saying he was happy to work on cross-party consensus politics, adding: “Cllr Huw Murphy shared a budget proposal, which we’re grateful for, not too dissimilar to the one proposed by Cabinet, considered to be a proposal we could jointly put forward, a pragmatic approach rather than an adversarial approach.”
He told members the 9.35 percent increase would lead to a county council part of the overall tax bill for the average Band D property would now be £1,651.97 in Pembrokeshire against Ceredigion’s £1,886.57 for the forthcoming financial year.
The final bill is calculated by adding the police precept, set at £360.68 for a Band D property, and individual town and community council precepts.
He warned there were still elements in the budget that were “a risk,” with challenging efficiency savings needed.
The 9.35 percent rise was backed by 46 members, with 13 against.
Speaking after the meeting, Independent group Leader Cllr Murphy said their supported proposal was “about doing what’s right by our most vulnerable, not doing what’s necessarily popular”.
He reiterated his party being “critical friends to the Administration” who would not “oppose for the sake of opposition,” welcoming the Cabinet support his party’s proposal, where “political tribalism was set aside for the good of our residents,” welcoming it as “progressive and mature politics on a very difficult subject, namely council tax”.
“In life it’s about making the difficult decisions not about making popular decisions that we are measured against.
“No tax rise is welcomed but today was a balance of offering the lowest council tax that was realistically possible versus the services we provide, much of it statutory.”
Cllr Aled Thomas of the Conservative group reacted to the vote, saying: “It’s disappointing that the Independent Group and Cabinet came together today to vote for the continued tax and spend mindset, at the expense of Pembrokeshire residents.
“The Conservative group proposed an ambitious budget with innovative ideas signalling change, and it was great to hear members across the chamber agree that change can’t come quick enough.
“Despite today’s result, the Welsh Conservative group will continue to fight for the best value for money for the hardworking Pembrokeshire taxpayers.”
‘Your needs and priorities at the forefront’
After the meeting Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon, said: “I want to reassure residents that this budget has been set with your needs and priorities at the forefront.
“Pembrokeshire, like all local authorities, faces significant challenges and increasing demands on key service areas. But we are determined to navigate them in a way that safeguards our communities and ensures we continue to deliver for Pembrokeshire.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Jon Harvey said: “Setting a balanced budget is a legal requirement and is the responsibility of Council, not Cabinet. When I was elected to the role of Leader last May, I made reference to the fact that I wished to build as much consensus as possible within the Chamber.
“This budget highlights that by working together to identify common aims and objectives, we can achieve an agreed outcome.
“As we are all too aware, the pressures across Welsh local government services are immense.
“In light of the challenges we’ve faced in recent years and continue to face, this budget will help us to avoid devastating, deeply unpopular cuts to services. It’s the only way we can protect the vital services our community relies on, while laying the groundwork for a sustainable, thriving future for Pembrokeshire.
In approving this budget we have sought to find a delicate balance between safeguarding our future and recognising the very real cost-of-living pressures faced by families in Pembrokeshire every single day.
“I became a Councillor to improve peoples lives, to help those in need and to support those who are struggling.
“Those of us that represent wards with high levels of social deprivation will only know too well how much our residents rely upon the services provided by the Council. This budget will support those in our communities that need our services most, whether this is our school children, vulnerable children and our elderly residents.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Finance Team and the Cabinet Member for Finance for all the hard work they have put in over many months on the budget proposals, to ensure we are best positioned to face the challenges ahead.”
Cllr Huw Murphy added: “On becoming Independent Group leader with Cllr Anji Tinley elected Deputy we released a statement that as a Group of Independent Councillors we would be critical friends to the Administration, and neither would we “oppose for the sake of opposition” and this can be clearly evidenced over the last 10 months within Council.
“We also stated that the Independent Group would challenge decisions which might have a negative impact on residents and where possible present alternative options. The recent budget setting is a testament to the integrity of the Independent Group where on Feb 20th we prevented a possible Council Tax of 9.85% by adjourning a meeting of Council to await a final financial settlement from WG.
“The Independent Group then prepared & submitted an alternative budget offering a lower Council Tax of 9.35% along with fewer cuts in services, which passed today (at Full Council). The decision of Cabinet in supporting the alternative budget rather than opposing it is to be welcomed where the (vast) majority of Councillors accepted the need to discharge their statutory duties where political tribalism was set aside for the good of our residents is welcomed as progressive and mature politics on a very difficult subject, namely Council Tax.
“No Tax rise is welcomed but today was a balance of offering a lower Council Tax whilst recognising the need to find appropriate reductions in certain service areas.
“Moving forward there is much work to be done within Pembrokeshire and further afield in Cardiff & London to secure adequate funding to provide services Pembrokeshire residents deserve. As a Group of Independent Councillors, we will continue to work hard for all Pembrokeshire residents in raising their concerns and holding the Administration to account.”
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