Launching a book is exciting, but without a plan, it's easy to forget critical steps that can make or break your release. This checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after launch day.
8 Weeks Before Launch
- Finalize your manuscript. All edits, proofreading, and formatting should be complete
- Lock in your cover design. Make sure you have high-resolution files for both digital and print
- Write your blurb. Test it with beta readers or your author community
- Choose your Amazon keywords. Research what readers in your genre search for
- Select your categories. Pick the most relevant BISAC categories for maximum visibility
- Set your price. Research comparable titles in your genre
- Set up pre-order if your platform supports it
4 Weeks Before Launch
- Create your landing page. Set up a book landing page with universal buy links so you have a single URL to share everywhere
- Prepare your email sequence. Write the announcement email, the launch-day email, and a follow-up
- Line up your ARC team. Send advance review copies to readers who'll post reviews on launch day
- Schedule promotions. Book any paid promotional spots (BookBub, Freebooksy, etc.)
- Plan your social media content. Create posts, graphics, and teasers for launch week
- Update your backmatter. Make sure your existing books point to the new release
1 Week Before Launch
- Verify all retailer links are live and working correctly
- Send the ARC reminder to your review team
- Queue your email campaign for launch day
- Schedule social media posts across all platforms
- Create a QR code for your book's landing page (great for in-person events)
- Generate a 3D book mockup for social media graphics
Launch Day
- Send your launch email to your full list
- Post on all social platforms with your universal link
- Monitor reviews as they come in
- Thank your ARC team and early reviewers
- Track your clicks and sales to see what's working
Week After Launch
- Follow up with your email list — share early reviews and reader reactions
- Analyze your promotion data. Which channels drove the most clicks?
- Reach out for newsletter swaps to keep momentum going
- Update your release calendar with the next book's milestones
Stay Organized
The biggest challenge with book launches isn't any single task — it's keeping track of everything. Having a centralized system where you can manage your book details, track promotions, view your release calendar, and monitor analytics makes the entire process smoother.
The authors who launch successfully again and again are the ones who build repeatable systems. Document what worked, note what didn't, and refine your process with every release.