A launch is not a single day. It is a short period when you give the book your best chance of being noticed, then a longer period of steady effort. No checklist can promise sales, but a clear plan stops you from missing the basics. Use this one as a starting point and adjust it to your genre and time.
Four to eight weeks before release
- Finalise the listing. Your cover, title, subtitle, description, keywords and categories are the page every promotion will point to. Make sure it is strong. Our guide to self-publishing on KDP explains each field.
- Collect advance readers. Ask friends of the genre, newsletter subscribers and reading groups whether they would read the book early and leave an honest review after release. Never pay for reviews or ask for only positive ones.
- Set up an email list. A simple sign-up on your author website gives you a direct line to readers that no platform can take away.
- Prepare content. Write your launch emails, social posts and any graphics in advance. A short book trailer gives you something visual to share.
The week before
- Confirm the release date and check that your book is set up on every platform you chose.
- Send advance copies to your reviewers, with a reminder of when reviews can go live.
- Schedule your emails and posts so that launch day is not a scramble.
- Tell people close to you what you need: a share, a purchase, a review after reading.
Launch day
- Send your launch email and publish your posts with a direct link to the book page.
- Answer comments and messages promptly, since early conversations build interest.
- Check the book page. Make sure the cover, price and description display correctly.
- Thank the people who helped, publicly if they are happy for you to do so.
The first month after release
- Remind advance readers to post their honest reviews.
- Share short excerpts, quotes or behind-the-scenes stories over several weeks, rather than only on day one.
- Look at the results: which links were clicked, which posts got replies, which emails were opened. Do more of what works.
- Consider whether a small test of paid advertising makes sense. Only spend what you can afford to lose.
Keep going
Most books are discovered slowly. Keep a simple monthly routine, such as a newsletter, a few posts and an occasional promotion, so that your book keeps meeting new readers. If you would like a tailored plan, our book marketing service builds a launch calendar around your genre, time and budget, with honest expectations and no promises of guaranteed sales.
A final thought
A calm, well-prepared launch beats a frantic one. Do the basics well, ask real readers for real feedback and give the book time. If you want help putting any of this in place, get in touch and tell us where you are in the process.