Ali vs. Inoki Josh Gross June 2016 Marketing Plan Overall Concept​
​
An account of the events leading to the 1976 fight between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki, the fight's role in leading to the rise of MMA and sports entertainment. The book features interviews of the major players, including Inoki, and exclusive, historic photography throughout. Key terms to know right now: First pass​
: This is when the manuscript will be designed in the format of the final book. It will include the book’s contents in its entirety, but it will not be the final version that will go to print. ​
First pass will be in by 2/26​
. Digital advanced review copy (DARC)​
: This will be derived from first pass. It will be comprised of the entire book, but as I already mentioned, it will not be fully proofed at this point. We use these for our long­lead and book trade media outreach, obtaining blurbs, and getting initial interest from influencers. ​
We will have the DARC prepared by ​
3/1​
. Galleys​
:​
​
This will also be derived from first pass and will resemble a physical paperback book. Like the DARC, we will use these for early media outreach, as well as to provide an early look for our distributor and sales teams. ​
Galleys will be printed and shipped by ​
3/15​
. Digital review copy (DRC)​
: This will be the final book in PDF format. We use these in between the time when the book is finalized and when we receive the physical books in house. ​
We will have the DRC prepared by ​
4/22​
. Key Elements Next Steps Traditional media outreach (book trade, print, broadcast) ● Book trade (​
Publisher’s Weekly​
, ​
Kirkus​
etc.) ● Boxing, combat sports, mens interest, MMA, general sports, history, and wrestling TV, radio, and print publications and outlets ● Japanese or Japanese­focused media ● Sports Illustrated serialization CAMERON 1. Provide book trade and long­lead contact list by ​
2/26 2. Provide final media list by 4/1 a. Book trade b. Long­lead c. Podcasts d. Short Tier e. Blogs f. Online JOSH 1. Josh to send Cameron suggested contacts for media lists by ​
2/26 Definitions ●
●
Book Trade​
contacts are from outlets that specifically deal with book reviews ○ We will send these contacts an advanced digital review copy after first pass comes on/around ​
2/26 ○ Examples​
: ​
Publisher’s Weekly​
, Kirkus Reviews​
, ​
Booklist Long Lead ​
contacts generally come from glossy magazine publications that require a longer lead time for stories and reviews ○ We will send these contacts an advanced digital review copy after first pass comes on/around ​
2/26 ○ Examples​
: ​
Men’s Health​
, ​
Sports Illustrated ●
a.
2.
These can be personal or business contacts that may be interested in seeing an early version of the book Send Cameron update on Sports Illustrated serialization ●
●
Social media and online marketing outreach ● Blogs and podcasts ● Goodreads giveaway ● Netgalley ● Social media campaign ○ Graphic design as needed CAMERON 1. Online media list to be complete ​
4/1 a. VIP contacts and media list in ​
March 2. Goodreads giveaway to go live ​
5/31 a. Will run for one month 3. Check with Erin re: legal review before posting to Netgalley JOSH 1. Let Cameron know what kind of graphic support is needed for websites and social media Short Tier ​
contacts come from publications that go to print more than once a month (whether that be weekly or daily) and are usually newspapers. These contacts work on shorter deadlines ○ We will send over digital review copies (sent in PDF email attachment) and final copies when they’re available in ​
April ○ Examples​
: ​
Wall Street Journal​
, Newsday​
, ​
Chicago­Sun Times​
, etc. Bloggers ​
usually work off of a shorter lead time ○ Blogger outreach will start the week of ​
4/22 Online​
contacts are comprised of people who work on the online versions of traditional media ○ We will send digital review copies (and final physical copies when requested) the week of ​
4/22 ○ Examples​
: SportsIllustrated.com, MensFitness.com, etc. ○ I will also do some early pitching in March​
for any VIP media lists/contacts we develop Marketing materials ● Graphic and printing support as needed ● Thoughts on pre­order incentives? ● Video CAMERON JOSH 1. Do you anticipate having any printing needs e.g. posters, postcards, etc.? Third­party organizations ● Japanese community ● MMA, boxing, and wrestling teams and groups CAMERON 1. Research opportunities to reach out to groups JOSH 1. Do you have any suggestions teams or groups that might be interested in promoting or purchasing copies? Events ● MMA, wrestling, and/or boxing tournaments ● Combat sports conferences or tradeshows JOSH 1. Provide any knowledge on events of the like that might be worth reaching out to CAMERON 1. Research opportunities to provide books at events or trade shows