Book Launch Checklist

book_launch_checklistAuthors 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:

  1. This checklist goes along with my recorded webinar: How to plan a book launch
  2. You can download a printable, pdf version of this checklist here.

How to Self Publish Your First BookReady 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!

Leave a comment



A.J Sendall

10 years ago

Thanks Kelsye. A very comprehensive and useful list.
I think I need to reframe...

Kelsye

10 years ago

Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your books!

samwilding1

10 years ago

Excellent

Safirah Irani

10 years ago

Thank you for that but first i need a publisher . Can you advice on how to get my story heard?

Kelsye

10 years ago

That's a very complicated question to answer in a comment reply. I recommend reading Jane Friedman's post "Start here: How to get your book published."
http://janefriedman.com/2012/01/28/start-here-how-to-get-your-book-published/

Lessons Learned from a Book Launch » Wordhelper » Editing, Writing, Resumes, and More!

10 years ago

[…] For a nice pre- and post-launch checklist, go to http://www.Kelsye.com/book-launch-checklist/. […]

Best of the Web Book Marketing Tips for the Week of August 11, 2014 - Author Marketing Experts, Inc.

10 years ago

jrosebooks

8 years ago

This is so helpful - especially the timing. Thank you!

Redding Gloria Ann

6 years ago

Great informtion as I am preparing for my first book lauch on 7-14-18.

Kelsye

6 years ago

I love hearing this! Glad the list is helplful and timely for you Gloria. Send me a note when you launch your book. I'll happily share some tweets to promote your new book.

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3 years ago

[…] You need to create some hype for your book and perhaps get some pre-orders to help your sales ranking for your book launch. […]