Before launch: 6 to 8 weeks out
The best book launches start well before release day. Use this time to make sure your book is easy to find and easy to say yes to.
- Know your reader. Write down who your book is for, which similar authors they read and where they spend time online. Every later decision gets easier.
- Get your cover and description right. Your cover must look at home in your genre, and your description should open with a hook, not a summary.
- Choose keywords and categories. On Amazon KDP, pick the categories and keywords readers of your genre actually use. This is one of the cheapest ways to be discovered.
- Build a small launch team. Invite readers to get an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Never pay for reviews; it breaks platform rules and can get your book removed.
- Set up your author platform. A simple author website and an email sign-up give you an audience you own, not one that depends on an algorithm.
Launch week
- Tell your email list first. The people who signed up are your most likely buyers.
- Post where your readers are. For many genres that means BookTok and Bookstagram. Short videos about the story, characters or themes usually beat plain "buy my book" posts.
- Ask your launch team to post reviews. Early honest reviews help new readers decide.
- Consider small, targeted ads. Amazon Ads and Meta Ads can work well when aimed at readers of similar authors. Start small and measure.
After launch: keep the momentum
- Watch what's working. Track sales, reviews and ad results, then put more effort into the channels that bring readers.
- Refresh your listing. If sales slow, test a new description, keywords or price promotion.
- Keep building your list. Every reader who joins your email list is someone you can reach for your next book.
Want help with your launch?
Book marketing takes time and consistency. If you'd rather focus on writing, our book marketing service plans and runs your launch campaign, optimises your Amazon listing and helps you build a lasting author brand.
