Use this guide when you have a publication date and want to give your book a good start. Have your finished book, its description, cover image and a list of people and places where you can share news.
Step by step
Set your launch date and goal
Choose a date that gives you at least six weeks to prepare. Decide on one or two realistic goals, such as a number of early reviews or signing up readers to a mailing list. Clear goals help you choose what to do and what to skip.
Build a launch timeline
Work backwards from the launch date and list tasks week by week, such as sending advance copies, preparing posts and contacting local media. Put each task in your calendar. Leave buffer time in case something is late.
Recruit early readers
Invite a small group of readers to read the book before launch and, if they wish, leave an honest review once it is out. Never pay for reviews or ask for only positive ones, and follow each platform's review rules. Give them a clear date and a simple reminder.
Prepare your announcements
Write a short announcement for your mailing list, social media and personal contacts, using your book description and cover. Consider your local library, bookshops, community groups or local press. Prepare everything in advance so launch week is calm.
Launch and follow up
On launch day, send your announcements, check that all links and listings work and thank people who share or buy. Reply to messages and reviews politely. Keep a note of which channels actually brought readers.
Review after a month
Compare the results with your goals and note what worked. Keep the channels that brought readers and drop the rest. Plan one or two small follow-up activities to keep the book visible.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Launch date and goals set
- Week-by-week timeline in calendar
- Early readers invited
- Advance copies sent
- Announcements written
- Listings and links checked
- Results reviewed after a month
Practical tips
- Start a simple mailing list early, as it is a channel you control rather than one controlled by a platform.
- Focus on two or three channels you can do well rather than trying to be everywhere.
- Check the rules on advertising and endorsements, such as the Advertising Standards Authority's guidance, if people promote your book for you.
Common problems
Early readers have not posted reviews.
Send one friendly reminder with a direct link and thank them either way. Reviews are voluntary, so do not pressure people, and invite a larger group next time.
Launch day sales were lower than hoped.
Most books sell steadily over time rather than all at once. Look at which channels worked, improve your description or cover if readers are not clicking, and plan a follow-up push.
I feel overwhelmed by all the tasks.
Cut the plan to the few tasks that directly serve your goal and drop the rest. A small launch done well is better than a big one abandoned halfway.