—Free Webinar—

Beyond the

Book Launch

Publishing your book was a big moment, and there’s still so much more ahead for it.

Whether you’re preparing for your launch, recently published, or have a book that’s been sitting on the shelf for a few years, there are always new ways to introduce it to readers. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh idea, an encouraging conversation, or hearing how another author found an opportunity you hadn’t considered

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Live Online Author Marketing Roundtable
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A Fresh Conversation for Authors

Join us for Beyond the Book Launch, a practical and encouraging author roundtable filled with ideas to help you get excited about marketing your book again and find new ways to connect with readers.

You’ll hear from authors and publishing professionals who have found creative ways to keep their books in front of people and turn their work into new conversations, connections, and opportunities.

Creative book Marketing Ideas

Activate Your Community

Real Author Experiences

Creative Book Signing

Book Launch Celebration

Fresh Ways to Reach Readers

Meet the Author Roundtable

Greg Justice

A bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and publishing leader helping people improve lives and turn meaningful ideas into books.

Lizzie Merritt

A certified life coach and author helping people rethink weight loss, self-judgment, and what lasting change can look like.

Todd Durkin

A bestselling author, coach, speaker, and entrepreneur helping people strengthen mindset, leadership, and purpose.

M.E. Sadd

An author and business professional whose work centers on generosity, learning, giving back, and helping others grow through connection.

Bobby Kelly

A fitness entrepreneur, author, and coach helping people create lasting change, build momentum, and thrive in life’s next chapter.

Julie Ciardi

A midlife reinvention mentor, author, and speaker helping women rediscover purpose and create an intentional next chapter.
Each panelist brings a different perspective and approach to book marketing. They’ll share what they’ve tried, what has worked, what they’ve learned, and how their books have helped them open doors and expand their reach.

This won’t be a collection of generic marketing advice. It will be an honest conversation filled with real experiences, practical ideas, and strategies you can adapt for your own book.

What You’ll Learn from Our Panel

Todd Durkin: Launch Before the Launch

How to Build Excitement, Engage Your Audience, and Create Early Momentum

A successful launch begins long before your book becomes available. Todd will share how to create anticipation, activate your community, build a launch team, and turn early enthusiasm into sales, reviews, referrals, and long-term visibility.

Julie Ciardi: Why Authors Belong on Substack

Build an Audience, Share Your Ideas, and Create a Community Around Your Book

Julie will explain why Substack can be such a valuable platform for authors. She’ll share how writers can use it to publish meaningful content, grow an email audience, deepen relationships with readers, and create continued interest in their books and larger body of work.

Lizzie Merritt: Take Your Book Beyond the Bookshelf

Podcasts, Partnerships, and Creative Ways to Reach New Audiences

Lizzie will share practical ideas for getting booked on podcasts and finding other unique opportunities to showcase your book. You’ll learn how to identify the right platforms, present a compelling story or topic, and use each appearance to build credibility and reach new readers.

Greg Justice: From Local Author to National Spotlight

How to Create Opportunities for National Exposure

Your book’s reach doesn’t have to stop with your immediate audience. Greg will explore ways to position your book for broader visibility through strategic relationships, media opportunities, partnerships, events, and other channels that can help you reach readers across the country.

M.E. Sadd: Beyond the Signing Table

How to Create a Book Signing People Remember

A book signing can be much more than sitting behind a table and waiting for readers to approach. M.E. will share how to plan an engaging, well-attended event that creates connection, encourages book sales, and leaves guests excited to tell others about you and your book.

Bobby Kelly: Make Your Launch Party Count

How to Turn One Celebration into Lasting Book Momentum

Your launch party can be more than a celebration. It can become the starting point for sales, reviews, referrals, media coverage, and future opportunities. Bobby will share how to plan a launch event that brings people together, creates excitement around your message, and gives your book the strongest possible beginning.

You’ll Leave with Ideas for Every Stage of Your Book’s Journey

Throughout the roundtable, we’ll explore:

  • How to begin marketing your book before it’s published
  • Ways to make your launch day and launch party more meaningful
  • How to create book signings that attract and engage readers
  • Opportunities to reach new audiences through podcasts, partnerships, and media
  • How Substack can help you build a lasting relationship with readers
  • Strategies for gaining visibility beyond your local community
  • Ways to revive your marketing when your efforts have slowed or stalled
  • Simple ideas you can begin using right away

Bring Your Questions and Ideas

Come ready to join the conversation. This roundtable is designed to give you a chance to ask questions, share what you’ve been trying, and get ideas from people who understand what it’s like to keep a book moving after launch.

If your marketing has felt a little quiet lately, bring that with you. You may hear an idea that sparks something new, or finally figure out what you want to try next.

Our hope is that you’ll leave feeling excited about your book again, with a handful of ideas you can actually use.

Who Should Attend?

This roundtable is for you if:

  • You’re preparing to launch a new book
  • Your book has been published, but you want to reach more readers
  • You began marketing with enthusiasm but have lost momentum
  • You’re tired of relying only on social media posts
  • You’d like to use your book to create speaking, business, media, or community opportunities
  • You want to learn from authors who have approached marketing in creative ways
  • You’re ready for fresh ideas and a little encouragement to begin again

You don’t need a large platform, a complicated marketing plan, or hours to spend promoting your book. Come with your questions, your challenges, and a willingness to explore what might be possible.

Your Book Deserves More Than One Moment

A book launch is only the beginning. The ideas inside your book can continue reaching people, starting conversations, opening doors, and creating impact for years to come.

Let’s gather, learn from one another, and discover new ways to help your book find the people who need it.