Hey there! I’m Annie Egghart, and I’m currently the project manager for The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas, an upcoming YA novel by Jason Tanamor. This book follows a grieving teen who, struggling with bullying and trying to find hope, discovers strength in a potential superhero while coming to terms with his Filipino identity. It’s a powerful, heartfelt story, and I’m beyond excited to be part of bringing it into the world!
We’ve just wrapped up our final review before sending the book off to print—a huge milestone! We’re now diving into the launch phase, which means a lot of behind-the-scenes work. One of the first things we’re tackling is our promotional materials, like a postcard we’re designing to send out to bookstores. I can’t wait to see how it turns out. The designer is doing some fantastic work, and it’s always so exciting to watch the book come to life in new ways!
Switching Gears to Digital Marketing
Now that we’re transitioning into the digital marketing phase, it’s all systems go. My team is collaborating closely with our Online Content, Copy Chief, and Design Managers to make sure our online presence is cohesive and visually stunning. Every social media post and promotional asset is carefully crafted to capture the essence of The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas while staying true to the book’s vibe.
A lot of thought goes into our online content strategy. It’s not just about posting—it’s about creating something that resonates with our audience. We do our homework researching how other books and authors—especially those in the Filipino YA space—are promoting their work. One author we’re especially inspired by is Randy Ribay, a prominent Filipino American YA author.
Building a Cohesive Brand for the Book
At Ooligan Press, we take branding seriously. We want everything we post to feel connected to the book, from the fonts we use to the colors that match the cover art. Having a consistent visual identity is key for helping readers easily recognize the book when they see it. To achieve this, our incredible Design Manager creates a comprehensive branding document. This includes the six primary colors from the cover, complete with hex codes, as well as the specific fonts we’re using across platforms—whether they’re exclusive Adobe fonts or Canva-approved alternatives.
Staying True to the Story and Characters
A big part of our marketing approach is making sure that we’re accurately representing the story and the characters in everything we do. The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas is a coming-of-age tale, and a major theme in the book is the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, particularly in embracing his Filipino heritage. We want to honor that experience and make sure our marketing reflects it authentically.
We’re also mindful of the superhero element in the book, which is a key part of the narrative. However, we’re careful not to market the book as a comic or graphic novel, as it’s a YA novel that deals with deep emotional and cultural themes. Striking that balance in our promotional content is something we’re working hard on.
Building Buzz and Excitement
As with any book launch, generating excitement is at the forefront of everything we do. Online content is just one tool in our promotional toolkit, and we’re constantly brainstorming new ways to spread the word and get readers talking. But here’s a little challenge for you: Take a look at your favorite author’s social media pages. How does their marketing differ from the publisher’s? What’s the vibe of their posts? How do they make you excited for the book? Let us know in the comments below!👇Stay tuned for more updates on The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas as we continue working hard behind the scenes to get this book into your hands. It’s an exciting time for all of us, and we can’t wait for you to experience this powerful story.
Written by Annie Egghart.