You’re getting a first peek at a marvelous resource for all authors and aspiring authors!

My Thoughts

This is an essential resource for authors to have and use as they get ready to publish a book and launch their book baby into the world. Tammy Karesek has provided a valuable and educational tool that will help debut authors as well as seasoned authors to get their books into the hands of more readers by using social media and volunteer launch team members. According to the author, the purpose of the book is to educate, equip and encourage and this little gem does all of that and more. With step by step instructions about using spreadsheets, creating forms and setting a timetable, this book accomplishes the goal the author sets out to accomplish and does so in an entertaining and practical way that will appeal to all authors looking for common sense guidance on launching their books in a way that is cost effective as well as fun for the members of the launch team.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and show them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out! 

She’s a writer of Romantic Suspense—with a splash of sass. Her debut book, Launch That Book, released in 2023. She’s published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inaryMoments. Also, she’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, Blue Ridge Conference Blog, The Write Editing and more.

Known as The Launch Team Geek, she helps authors launch their books. You’ll also find her as a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors, the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.

Questions and Answers with the Author

1. How did you decide to write a non-fiction book instead of fiction?

Oddly, I first thought I’d be a non fiction writer. Then a friend told me to write a few chapters of the book I was working on as a fiction story. Then it became fun and I realized my mind worked very well in a fictional state! Long ago, my daughter had bought me a t-shirt, I’m talking like 1998 or so, and it said “I make stuff up.” I was always making up stories and goofing off with her and we’d make up stories as we drove around for errands and traveling on trips.

2. What publishing tips do you have for non-fiction writers?

Always have your work professionally edited—fiction or non fiction, traditional or non traditional published. You want your work to be it’s best so your readers will want your next book, and the next…

My other tip would be to do your research well for the topic you are writing about. When someone reads your book, they want to trust you know what you’re talking about.

3. What was the most fun about writing this book?

Knowing that I’m helping any author who would like to create and manage their own launch team session. I can’t do them all and I can’t reach everyone at the conferences I teach the launch team class. This allows them to gain knowledge and go for it!

4. What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Two things: 1) forgetting a step I’m so used to doing, that I forgot to write it down and 2) the people who kept telling me I was crazy for giving away my entire process for such a low price instead of a high priced online course.

5. What is the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book?

I’m my own worst enemy! I’m a perfectionist and sometimes couldn’t move to the next chapter until I went over the current chapter step by step worrying I left out one important detail!

6. When did you know that you wanted to write this book?

When it bothered me to say no to some folks that wanted to hire me to manage their launch team but I didn’t have enough room in my scheduled.

7. What are your goals for your career as an author?

I have several fiction stories in the works. And I do have two or three more non fiction books taunting me to “just do it” and get them written!

8. What is next for you in the writing world?

Currently I am waiting on a response to a submission requested from Love Inspired Suspense. And I’m working on another Romantic Suspense. Once finished, I have a contract from an agent waiting for me!

9. What was your process like as you wrote “Launch That Book”? Did you do an outline or research to create your book?

Because I taught a two plus hour class and two large conferences this year, I realized that my notes I’d created to have on hand and in order for the process would make a great table of contents! the only research I had to do was looking up exact sizes for graphics, some other information on apps I use so I could share those details. But most was from my eight week process for the launch.

10. How did you decide what you would include in the book?

I gave my entire process which builds on itself as the launch session works towards the launch day. I left nothing out, no secret hints or tips—I shared it all!

11. After writing this book, would you rather review a book or write another book? Why?

Well – my answer is actually both! Since 2012, I’ve participated in launch teams of close to 290 now. Some were readers, others I was an author’s helper, and another chunk I was the team manager. With every book I launch for an author, I also read and review them. If I were to close up the launch team geek, I’d still be reading and reviewing as I know how important those reviews are for an author. But I plan on writing and reviewing as long as I can.

12. What is the best advice you can give to someone who is considering writing and publishing a book?

If you’re going to traditionally publish a book, plan on going to a decent sized conference where agents, acquisition editors and publishers will be. Most publishers won’t accept cold query letters. Agents and acquisition editors prefer to meet you in person to know if you would be a good fit, as in, would you be easy to work with and for. If you are going to Independently publish, do your homework to know if you want to list only on Amazon or would like to list other places. How you register with Amazon could lock you in to just their publishing arm.

13. How many hours per day did you spend writing? Did you have a daily schedule that you liked to stick with?

Never enough! I’m working toward a minimum of one hour per day. But because I own my own Virtual Assistant and Launch Team Manager company, some of my days are spent working for my clients (who I love, by the way!)

14. Who or what encouraged you to write your book?

My biggest cheerleader – my hubby, Larry! He knows I love to teach and share and kept listening to me whine that I can’t do all the launches and can’t teach enough of the folks at conferences. One day last February I said, “I should just write it all in a book and then they could get it.” He looked at me and grinned. I looked back and asked, “what are you smiling about?” He said, “Sounds like you fixed your own dilemma – now get in there and write it.” I stared at him for a few minutes and said, “Well, sure. Okay.”

15. What is the last book that you read? And what are you reading now? Do you have a favorite genre to read?

Countdown by Lynette Eason was my last one. Right now I have three launch books queued up on my iPad coming out soon!

I’m drawn to Romantic Suspense, but won’t turn down Romance books, especially because I write Romantic Suspense with a splash of Sass!