Authors and publishers must keep track of a great many details when launching a new book. Here is a checklist to help guide you through the process, from the book inception all the way through the first month of publication.
TIP: This checklist goes along with my recorded webinar: How to plan a book launch
TIP: You can download a printable, pdf version of this checklist here.
Book launch checklist
From the moment you first have your book idea, start the first section of tasks.
Build your author platform
- Create an author website
- Start a blog
- Build your social media
- Start an opt-in email list
Build connections
- Join writing groups
- Attend writing conferences
- Join professional organizations
Research
- Competitive research in genre
- Look for agents, editors
- Identify contests / awards
- Notice what other authors are doing.
Four months before launch:
- Create a marketing plan. Include:
- Target market
- Media channels
- Platform building
- Special offers / promos
- Events
- Metrics and goals
Three months before launch:
- Invite beta readers
- Order a Kirkus review
- Become active on Goodreads
- Plan party / launch event
- Blogger outreach
- Submit to contests
- Set up book signings
- Set up blog tour
- Set up a Google alert for your name and your book title
Two months before launch:
- Cover design input
- Ask for influencer endorsements
- Brainstorm media possibilities
- Polish BCC (back cover copy) and book pitch
- Post a teaser on your website
- Make sure you website has up to date info
One month before launch:
- Write press release
- Reach out to media contacts
- Join Google+ groups
- Join Facebook groups
- Announcements
- Post a teaser on Wattpad
- Double post blogs on Goodreads
- Guest post on other blogs
- Create a media kit
One Week before launch:
- Send reminder to Beta Readers
- Social Karma – Comment and share
- Upload media kit
- Create draft of announcement email
- Post beta reader reviews to website
- Create Amazon Associate account
Day of launch (I recommend Tuesday):
- Holy posting, Batman!
- Update Website
- Post on all social accounts
- Post in all groups
- Post on Pinterest
- Post on K Boards
- Message Beta Readers
- Message friends and family with pre-written posts
- Send announcement email to list
- Update Author Central
- Update Goodreads
- Update Shelfari
- Week of launch:
- Book launch event
- Reminder to Beta
- Social postings
Month of launch
- Post a steady flow of content and promos (3 to 1)
- Blog tour
- Interviews
- Guest posts on blogs
- Send a reminder email with event and launch info
- ASK friends and family for reviews
- Promos
- Goodreads Giveaway
- Bookbub
- Free KDP days
- Rafflecopter / Instafreebie
And keep on going!
IMPORTANT:
- This checklist goes along with my recorded webinar: How to plan a book launch
- You can download a printable, pdf version of this checklist here.
Ready to self-publish your first book? I'm leading a course called How to Self-Publish You First Book on Gutsy Creatives. Click here to register.
Best of luck on your publishing journey!
