A successful book launch doesn't happen by accident. It requires careful planning, coordinated execution, and sustained momentum. This checklist covers every step from three months before launch day through your first 30 days post-launch. Follow it to maximize your debut sales and set your book up for long-term success.
Phase 1: Pre-Launch (3 Months Before)
1. Finalize Your Manuscript
Ensure your manuscript has been through professional copy editing and proofreading. No book should launch without this step.
2. Commission Your Cover Design
Your cover should be genre-appropriate, professional, and eye-catching as a thumbnail. Get it finalized early — you'll need it for marketing materials.
3. Write Your Book Description
This is your sales copy. Study the bestselling book descriptions in your genre. Write a compelling hook, tease the conflict or promise, and end with a call to action. Create versions for Amazon, your website, and social media.
4. Set Up Author Accounts
- Amazon Author Central
- Goodreads Author Profile
- BookBub Author Profile
- Social media accounts (if not already active)
5. Build or Update Your Author Website
Create a book-specific landing page with cover image, description, pre-order links, and email signup. Explore AuthorsTask's author website services.
6. Start Building Your Email List
Offer a lead magnet (free chapter, bonus content, or reader resource) in exchange for email signups. An email list of even 500 engaged subscribers can power a strong launch.
7. Select Your Publishing Package
Choose your publishing package and confirm formatting, distribution channels, pricing, and launch date.
Phase 2: ARC Distribution (6 Weeks Before)
8. Prepare Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)
Create digital ARCs (PDF or ePub) for early reviewers. Include a note asking for an honest review on launch day.
9. Identify ARC Readers
Reach out to book bloggers, BookTok/BookStagram influencers, genre-specific reviewers, and your email list for ARC volunteers. Aim for 30–50 ARC readers.
10. Send ARCs
Distribute ARCs with clear instructions: review on Amazon and Goodreads on or after launch day. Make it easy by providing direct links.
11. Run a Goodreads Giveaway
Start a giveaway 4–6 weeks before launch. This builds your "want to read" count and generates buzz in the Goodreads community.
12. Submit for Editorial Reviews
Submit to editorial review services. Professional book review services provide credible third-party reviews you can use in marketing.
Phase 3: Marketing Setup (2–4 Weeks Before)
13. Create Marketing Assets
- Social media graphics (cover reveal, quotes, countdown)
- Book trailer video
- Author photos (professional quality)
- Email templates for launch announcements
14. Schedule Social Media Content
Plan 3–4 weeks of content: cover reveal, excerpt teasers, behind-the-scenes posts, reader Q&A, countdown posts, and launch day announcements.
15. Prepare Email Launch Sequence
Draft 4–5 emails: announcement, countdown, launch day, follow-up reminder, and thank you. Schedule them in your email platform.
16. Write Your Press Release
Draft a professional press release and identify media targets: local newspapers, genre publications, podcasts, and online media.
17. Set Up Amazon Advertising
Prepare Amazon ad campaigns to go live on launch day. Research keywords, set your budget, and create ad copy.
18. Configure Pre-Orders (Optional)
If your platform supports it, set up pre-orders to accumulate early sales that count toward launch day rankings.
Phase 4: Launch Week
19. Confirm Everything Is Live
Verify your book is available on all platforms. Check the listing: cover displays correctly, description is accurate, categories and keywords are set, and purchase links work.
20. Send Launch Day Email
Email your entire list with a personal message, purchase links, and a request to share. This is your highest-converting moment.
21. Activate Social Media Blitz
Post launch announcements on all platforms. Go live on Instagram or TikTok. Share your story of writing the book. Engage with every comment and share.
22. Distribute Press Release
Send your press release to media contacts and through distribution services.
23. Activate Amazon Ads
Launch your prepared Amazon ad campaigns. Monitor performance daily during the first week.
24. Reach Out to ARC Readers
Send a friendly reminder to ARC readers to post their reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Make it easy by providing direct links.
25. Engage Your Network
Ask friends, family, colleagues, and fellow authors to share your launch on their social channels. Personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Phase 5: Post-Launch (First 30 Days)
26. Monitor and Optimize Ads
Review Amazon ad performance weekly. Pause underperforming keywords, increase bids on winners, and test new campaigns.
27. Follow Up with Reviewers
Thank readers who left reviews. Follow up with ARC readers who haven't yet posted. Share positive reviews on social media (with attribution).
28. Continue Social Media Content
Maintain your posting frequency. Share reader reviews, behind-the-scenes content, and related value content. Don't go silent after launch day.
29. Explore Cross-Promotion
Partner with other authors in your genre for newsletter swaps, social media shoutouts, or joint promotions.
30. Plan Your Next Marketing Phase
Evaluate what worked during launch and plan ongoing marketing: social media campaigns, billboard advertising, or international book fair representation. The launch is just the beginning.
Launch Day Success Metrics
- Sales rank: Track your Amazon sales rank throughout launch day and week
- Reviews: Aim for 10+ reviews in the first week, 25+ in the first month
- Email opens: Your launch email should achieve 30–50% open rate
- Social engagement: Track shares, comments, and new followers
- Ad performance: Monitor ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sales) — target under 70% for launch
Need help planning your book launch? AuthorsTask's book launch services provide comprehensive launch strategy, execution, and ongoing promotion to maximize your book's success.
