Quick summary
- Week 1: get the foundations right.
- Week 2: build early reader support.
- Week 3: prepare your promotion and content.
- Week 4: warm up your audience and test everything.
- Launch day and after: share, thank and follow up.
Before you start
A launch is easier when you break it into small steps. Use this as a starting point and adjust it for your book, genre and audience. Some tasks, such as building an email list, take longer than 30 days, so start them early if you can.
Week 1 (days 30 to 24): foundations
- Finalize your title, subtitle and description.
- Choose categories and keywords. Check current retailer rules.
- Upload final files and cover if you are using pre-orders.
- Prepare a simple press kit: bio, photo, cover images and a short summary.
Week 2 (days 23 to 17): early reader support
- Share advance copies with a small group of readers who agreed to review honestly.
- Set up an email sign-up page and a short welcome email.
- Reach out to relevant reviewers or bloggers, politely and with a clear request.
Week 3 (days 16 to 10): promotion and content
- Research promotion options that suit your genre and read their terms carefully.
- Draft posts, teasers and graphics ahead of time.
- Prepare ad copy and keyword ideas if you plan to advertise. Keep them paused until launch.
Week 4 (days 9 to 1): warm up and test
- Remind your reader team how and where to leave reviews.
- Test your book links and your preview on phone and e-reader.
- Share teasers and a countdown.
Launch day and after
- Email your list with a direct link.
- Share your posts and thank your reader team.
- Start any planned ads and watch the results.
- In the weeks after, keep sharing, ask for reviews and note what worked for next time.
Common questions
How early should I start planning a launch?
Earlier is better, particularly for email list building and preparing your book page. If your launch is close, focus on the essentials and be realistic about the rest.
Do I need paid ads for a launch?
Not necessarily. Many authors start with their email list, reader team and organic content, and add ads once the page is converting.
Want help planning your launch?
We can build a launch plan around your book and your readers.
See Book Launch Strategy