That's what I planted last August. I was happy with it, deer liked it. Reason I planted it in the fall is because there is less weed competition in the fall and also you don't have the possibility of the summer heat and dry spell ruining the new seeding. As far as plot prep, soil testing is always a good idea and then of course, weed control. I sprayed with roundup twice, tilled, sprayed again, then went over with a drag to loosen the soil and planted. Had a nice crop up until the first good freeze.
Good Luck with your plot.