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Blog • Book Marketing

Posted on Jul 23, 2020

How to Plan a Successful Book Launch in 6 Easy Steps

Hitting ‘publish’ on a book you’ve spent months (or years!) writing is a moment you want met with a bang, not a whimper. To that end, if you want people to read your new publication, you need to direct their attention to it. And that’s where planning an effective book launch comes in.

Unless you’re Beyonce , your pre-launch strategy should focus on making your book discoverable to new readers, as well as letting existing fans know about your latest title. While many authors tiptoe around this kind of book promotion — either because it seems overwhelming or like an endeavor that taints artistic expression — to build a self-publishing career, you’ll need to get comfortable with the more entrepreneurial side of publishing.

We’re here to help you do just that! In this post, we break down the six key components of launching a book. To jump straight to our free book launch checklist, click here or download it directly below!

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1. Launch your book with a price promotion

In self-publishing lingo, a price promotion is when you discount your book for a short period of time, during which you engage in concentrated marketing activities. There are two main benefits to launching your book with a price promotion:

Attracting new readers. If you’re an indie author just getting your feet wet in the publishing world, chances are you don’t have much of a following yet. Perusing readers are much more likely to take a chance on an unknown author if their book is heavily discounted (or free!).

Discoverability. The primary goal of a launch is to give your book as much visibility as possible while it’s still new. One of the best ways to do this is to land your book on Amazon’s Best Seller list, as this is a heavily populated browsing-reader zone. The more copies of your book you sell, the more Amazon will feature it in its top charts, and the more copies you'll sell, so on and so forth — it’s a cycle you definitely want in on!

Learn more about how to get your book on the Best Seller list in our post on selling ebooks on Amazon .

Launch at free to score reviews

As we mentioned earlier, book reviews are an incredibly powerful sales tool, as they provide prospective readers with social proof that other people are reading (and, ideally, enjoying) your book. Making your book completely free for a few days gives readers a no-risk opportunity to “buy” your book — and maximizes your chances of receiving those precious reviews.

Note that if you’re launching your book on Amazon, only those enrolled in KDP Select can set a book’s price to free. (However, Written Word Media does have this ‘price matching’ workaround that has allowed authors not enrolled in KDP Select to set up a free discount). Finally, check out our post on how to get book reviews for even more tips, or our directory of book review blogs !

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Launch at $0.99 to get ranked in Amazon’s paid store

When it comes to attracting as many new readers as possible, a free book will always be superior to a $0.99 book. However, you may wish to avoid the free strategy in hopes of earning at least some royalties (35% on Amazon for books priced under $1.99). In addition, on Amazon, any sales you make while your book is listed as free will only boost your ranking in the free store. So you may decide to run a $0.99 promotion in order to ensure that when your free promotion ends, you don’t lose your ranking.

Launch at $2.99 for maximum royalties

While there is something to be said about the psychology of “free” or a price that begins with “0,” $2.99 is still a respectable launch price. The main boon of launching at $2.99 is that it’s the lowest price with which authors begin to earn 70% royalties from Amazon.

Bottom line: Run a free or $0.99 promotion for new titles in order to find an early audience and garner reviews. Run a $2.99 promotion on existing titles that already have reviews to boost your revenue. But before you commit to anything, make sure you're fully versed in Amazon self-publishing royalty rates.

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2. Have reader reviews ready to go

There’s nothing quite like word of mouth when it comes to promoting a product. Sure, an ad (more on those later) can tell readers why you think your book is for them. But reviews from other readers will be far more effective in convincing prospective customers that’s the case.

With your competitive price helping drive traffic to your page, furnishing your page with reader reviews is the way to seal the deal! In terms of numbers, having about 20 reviews is the sweet spot that will achieve a strong effect of social validation, while not giving the impression you went out and bought hordes of reviews.

So how do you go about securing this pre-launch feedback? Here are a few groups to reach out to:

• Existing followers (user reviews). If you’ve got a social media following, an established author website or blog , or a mailing list set up, offer your existing followers free advanced reader copies (ARCs) in exchange for early reviews. Fans of your genre are your ideal reviewers — if they buy your book on Amazon, their purchasing history will train its algorithms and help your book turn up in the also-boughts of similar titles.
• Book review blogs (editorial reviews). You can find a whole directory of book review blogs here, many of which accept ARCs.
• Reedsy Discovery (editorial reviews). For $50, submit your book to Reedsy Discovery and get matched up with a book reviewer in your genre. You'll not only receive the opportunity to receive feedback from an experienced reviewer, but you'll also get your own personalized book page, like this one .
• Friends and family. Amazon heavily discourages sock-puppet reviews but as long as your friends and family have actually bought your book (and you're struggling to get other user reviews) there's little harm in getting some of them to leave an honest write-up.

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3. Announce your book launch

If a book is published and no one knows about it, does it make a sale?

Well, no. While this might feel like a trite, obvious tip, it’s a vital one: you need to use any and all platforms at your disposal to tell the world about your book launch.

Here are a few book launch ideas to help you do just that.

Design eye-catching social media posts

Use a free design tool like Canva or consider hiring a professional designer to help create social media posts that show off your new book! These posts should use eye-catching images of your book, indicate its genre, and mention the important details — like price (especially if you’re running a price promotion!) and where readers can purchase your book.

To see how it’s done, take a look at how Mark Guerin utilizes social proof by highlighting a positive reader review, while Howard of Warwick features his discounted price and signals to readers that fans of Terry Pratchett will enjoy his historical novel.

Run a giveaway for your subscribers

One of the best things an aspiring career-author can do is develop a mailing list. By setting up a newsletter for fans to enjoy, you’re also building a list of people you can easily reach out to any time you launch a new book. Establishing a mailing list is a lot easier than it sounds, and you can get started right away by enrolling in our free course on setting up your mailing list .

And if you’ve already got a group of subscribers, go a step further than just announcing your launch — run a giveaway , choosing a few select winners to receive free, inscribed copies of your book!

Alternatively, you can offer subscribers a sneak peek of your new title and let them read the first chapter for free — enticing them to click your retail links to learn more (and pre-order).

Cross-promote your launch with other authors

While the world of traditional publishing may seem shrouded in ivy-gated mystery, the self-publishing community is accessible to all. Look around and you’ll find tons of writing communities and critique circles where you can connect with fellow authors on their own self-pub journeys.

And besides the moral support these groups provide, joining forces with an author in the same genre to cross-promote each other is a great way to create buzz for your book! You might simply announce their new release to your own mailing list, while they feature your book to their subscribers.

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Or you can be a little more adventurous and take over each other’s social media accounts, giving followers a ‘day-in-the-life’ taste of a new author they might just love — while letting them know about your newly published book, of course. You can also host a Facebook Live session, in which you interview each other about your new books — like Jojo Moyes and Sophie Kinsella . The options are endless!

Host a book launch party at a local bookstore

Alright, so this one might not be possible right now . But once the pandemic passes, you should remember not to overlook the power of “local.” As a self-published author, you are now a local business owner, and fellow local bookstores may be willing to partner with you to host a book launch party; it’s a way to mutually drum up business for your separate endeavors, similar to the symbiotic relationship of two cross-promoting authors.

When the time comes, you can invite family and friends, post flyers around your neighborhood and on local community boards, and reach out to local news outlets to see if they’d be willing to feature you. At each actual event, you can give a reading and host a Q&A session. You can even invite other local authors to present brief readings from their own books, and maybe they’ll have you at their next event, too — more symbiosis!

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4. Schedule features on book promotion sites

In order to gain readers on Amazon, you need to climb the rankings. But how do you climb the rankings without Amazon customers? You can rely on a strong social media presence or a growing mailing list. Or you can turn to book promotion sites that will feature your discounted book on their blog or in their newsletters to readers.

Apply for a Bookbub Featured Deal

Bookbub is by far the most effective book promo site — and scoring a Bookbub Featured Deal is considered the jackpot for indie authors. However, even if you meet their minimum requirements , it’s incredibly competitive to score a featured spot.

You can increase your chances by submitting as often as possible. You might not get featured during your actual launch, but there’s never a bad time to be featured by Bookbub. To that end, we’ve created this free Bookbub calendar which will remind you when it’s time to submit again.

Boost traffic to your book by “promo stacking”

Luckily, there are a number of other reputable promo services you can turn to, and our directory of book promotion sites is a great place to start. And while they may not have the same reach as Bookbub, you can achieve a similar boost in traffic to your newly launched book by “promo stacking” — or scheduling a few promos at once for each day that your book is discounted.

Here are a few of our top recommended book promotion sites to start with (in addition to Bookbub):

• Robin Reads — title must be free or $0.99, they have 194,000 readers.
• Freebooksy — title must be free, they have 490,000 readers.
• Kindle Nation Daily — they have multiple price options and 288,000 readers.
• The Fussy Librarian — title must be $5.99 or less, they have 119,000 readers.
• Bargain Booksy — title must be between $0.99-$5, they have 305,000 readers.

5. Use ads to promote your book launch

Another surefire way to reach new readers? Leverage the three main advertising platforms that have proven successful for authors selling their books:

Facebook ads

Facebook ads are a great tool for advertisers — much for the same reasons you may feel skeptical about it as a user. It collects data about where you live, your hobbies, interest, age, where you went to school, what event you attend, so on and so forth.

All of this information can be extremely useful to you when creating ads. If you’re launching a historical romance set in Scotland, you can specifically advertise to fans of Outlander , or readers in Scotland who enjoy romance movies. This way, you get the best bang for your buck: you can ensure the ads you’re paying for are being seen by the people most likely to actually buy your book.

Facebook Ads for Authors

In 10 days, learn to boost book sales with targeted Facebook ads.

Bookbub ads

As with Facebook, Bookbub ads are shown to readers based on interests — in this case, the authors or genres they follow on Bookbub, as well as the deals or ads they’ve previously interacted with. So when setting up your ads, you want to think about which other genres or authors are relevant to your book.

Here’s the caveat: you don’t want to pick huge, household names, as they may have many casual followers who don’t necessarily read extensively in their genre, or who simply aren’t willing to engage with lesser-known authors.

As digital book marketing expert David Gaughran puts it, “I usually get best results with authors who have between 2,000 and 20,000 followers, with 5,000-10,000 often being a particular sweet spot. You can find out how many Followers any author has on the reader side of the BookBub website.”

Formerly known as Amazon Marketing Services, Amazon's advertising platform has gone through a number of updates and iterations and is still fairly new when compared to platforms like Facebook or Bookbub. Still, Amazon Advertising has the significant advantage of presenting your ads to people on, well, Amazon. Having your book marketed “in-store” means that you’ll reach readers as they hunt for their next read . Not while scrolling through a feed full of cute animal videos 😊

And there’s more: Amazon only charges you when people click on your ad, not just for impressions. Meaning thousands of people may look at your ad, but the cost of the ad will be purely based on how many people click to learn more about your book.

Free course: Amazon Advertising

Learn how to boost sales through Amazon ads!

6. Get all your ducks in a row with our book launch checklist

At Reedsy, we’ve had a hand in the production of thousands of books — many of which have gone on to become very successful . We’ve learned all about the best practices of launching a book, which we’ve shared here with you today.

To doubly ensure you have a smooth launch process, we’ve condensed the above tips — and many others, from editing to design to marketing — in this book launch checklist. Enter your email below to download it for free!

And there you have it! With competitive pricing, ads and featured spots on book promo sites, and your ideas for announcing your book launch to your community all set, you’re ready to not only publish your book, but to gain a host of new readers too.

Continue reading

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Book Marketing & Publishing Tips

13 Creative Ways Authors Announced Their Book Launch

December 13, 2018 by Francis Bogan

To help you brainstorm creative methods to announce a book launch, we compiled this list of inventive ways authors have announced and promoted theirs. From social media giveaways to author collaborations, there are many strategies that could help you make a splash on launch day — whether you’re launching a standalone, a first-in-series title, or a sequel. And check out our free flipbook for more ideas on how to promote a book release before, on, and after launch day!

Take readers behind the scenes of your launch

TikTok is an excellent place to share short, spontaneous videos of your experiences with the highly engaged #BookTok community. Try taking readers along on your journey to publishing your latest (or first!) book!

Ayana Gray provides an authentic look into her life as she releases her first book, Beasts of Prey . She shares her excitement about the process by sharing vlog-style updates and reaction videos.

@ayanagray A really big moment in my author journey happened today. 😭 #authortok #booktok #books #fyp @penguin_teen #ItsOurHome ♬ original sound – AyanaGray

Amelia Ives promotes The Wayward Thief by revealing the original sketch for her book cover, then the completed version her cover designer created.

@ameliaivesbooks Check out @coverbookdesigns on instagram. She’s one talented artist ❤️ #bookcover #coverreveal #booktok #bookclub #bookworm #coverart #fantasy #author ♬ Pony x Only Girl In The World by Altegomusic – ALTÉGO

Post a Facebook Live video expressing your excitement

Facebook Live can be an attention-grabbing, interactive way to promote a book launch. Expressing excitement and interacting with fans can help generate buzz — not to mention, the comments and reactions they often spark can help make these posts reach farther than others.

Denise Hunter hosted a Facebook Live Q&A session for her fans, talking about her new release and any other topics her fans wanted to speak about.

She responded to questions both in the video and in the comments, which helped to generate strong engagement from her fans.

Peter Sage hosted a Facebook Live on launch day of The Inside Track , letting readers ask him questions about the book and his life.

Run a giveaway on social media

Giveaways can get readers excited about a new release and active on the social media posts where you promote it. Naming the winner and asking them to post about their prize can extend the life of the campaign.

Meghan March promoted the release of Reveling in Sin with a giveaway of signed copies of all three books in the series. She took the opportunity to generate high engagement numbers!

After including links for where to purchase the new release, Meghan also promoted the previous books in the series for any readers who needed to catch up:

Kay Bratt promoted her new novel with a giveaway. When announcing the giveaway on Facebook, she included rave reviews of her new title!

She then explained how to enter to win a signed copy of the new novel and a $25 gift card, and reminded readers that they can follow her on BookBub!

Send a newsletter to your subscribers

Sending a newsletter on launch day is a great way to remind loyal fans about a book’s release. Many authors include links to purchase on each retailer to make it easy for readers to purchase wherever they prefer to buy books.

Marie Force heralded the release of Five Years Gone with a personal note to her fans. She also informed readers that they can sign up for text notifications of releases and sales — a creative way to keep fans in the loop! In this same newsletter, Marie told fans about an upcoming Facebook Live Q&A and hosted a giveaway — you can read the full newsletter here .

Cat Johnson included a preview of Hot Chick for Hire in her newsletter to fans so they wouldn’t be able to resist buying right away! You can read the full newsletter here .

Run a BookBub Ads campaign

Many authors run BookBub Ads for their new books to help drive early sales and buzz . By targeting yourself (or the author of the new release, if you’re running ads on behalf of an author), you can announce the new book to existing fans, and by targeting similar authors, you can spread the word to new readers who might be interested in the launch!

Winter Renshaw used BookBub Ads to promote Exmas on its release day, and drew fans’ attention to its great ebook price!

Sierra Simone had an ad go live on the launch day of Misadventures with a Professor . Similarly, she emphasized its low release week price, encouraging fans to buy it quickly.

Use social media stories to share positive posts about your book

The Stories feature on Instagram and Facebook lets you post additional content without overwhelming fans with too many timeline posts.

Author Brenda Novak reposted two positive reviews of her new book on her Facebook and Instagram stories on launch day.

Crossposting her Instagram Stories to Facebook let Brenda reach readers no matter which platform they prefer.

Cultivate fan discussions about the new release on your website and profiles

Encouraging and cultivating a fan discussion around a new release can further excite core readers.

Nora Roberts opened a discussion section on her blog so readers could discuss her latest release, Of Blood and Bone .

Don’t have a comments section available on your website? No problem. Encouraging discussions, especially with specific questions and prompts, in Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok comments or Twitter threads are good alternatives. Nora let Facebook fans know about the blog discussion, and many fans participated on this Facebook post as well.

Use crowdfunding platforms to reward your fans

Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular way for authors to finance their projects while engaging their fans. In addition to helping you fund future works, crowdfunding and subscription platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and Unbound can disseminate your new releases to your most devoted fans, who are willing to pay more for early access, exclusive content, or other benefits.

Zoe Adjonyoh ’s Unbound campaign below encourages community-building by offering readers the chance either to receive five signed copies of Serving Up to discuss the content with friends, or to participate in a virtual Q&A with the author and other fans.

Anthea Sharp used Kickstarter to create a special hardcover edition of her new fantasy series, Into the Darkwood . To keep the momentum going, she rewarded backers with free stories, raffles, and even a special Irish fiddle performance by the author herself!

Repost #bookstagram pics and other fan art

Fan #bookstagrams and other fan art are free and endearing content. Reposting them is a positive way to interact with popular book pages and your biggest fans. Fans love when authors repost their content — just be sure to use the Repost app or credit the fan in the caption.

J. Daniels celebrated the release day of All We Want by reposting an appealing Instagram from a book lover who posts pictures of many of her favorite books. Keep an eye out for posts like these!

Adam Silvera retweeted a fan’s sketch for the release of What If It’s Us . Pay attention to social media hashtags and mentions of the book on release day!

Promote other authors’ launches

Promoting your peers’ book launches is a great way for authors to reach new readers and show what books they’re excited about. Authors can recommend each other’s books on social media and BookBub . Even if you’re not coordinating efforts, posting about other authors’ books on their launch day can establish a mutually beneficial relationship — the next time you launch a new book, they might return the favor!

Corinne Michaels supported the releases of Love Online , Break My Fall , and other new books on their release day, using the hashtag #Oneclicktime, which other authors also use.

M. Mabie returned the favor when Michaels released Not Until You . The mutual promotions provide both of these authors with free exposure to each other’s fan bases.

Helen Hoang promoted her own release, along with other authors’ new releases on the launch day of her novel The Kiss Quotient .

Collaborate with authors to co-promote a book launch

Similarly, collaborating with fellow authors to promote new books together lets you share audiences, reach new readers, and drive sales. Interviewing another author about a new release is an increasingly popular method. Authors can also often run joint giveaways, publish posts on each other’s blogs, or establish plans to promote each other’s books in frequent posts. These strategies provide more extensive exposure than single social media timeline posts, and are often free.

Jojo Moyes published a video on Facebook in which fellow author Sophie Kinsella interviews her to promote After You . This was a great cross-promotional strategy since each author got exposure to the others’ fan base.

Similarly, Libby Fischer Hellmann interviewed Julie Hyzy on Facebook Live the day after she launched Virtual Sabotage , giving them free exposure to each other’s fan bases.

Release and share a book trailer

Posting book trailers or short animations can catch readers’ eyes when they’re scrolling through their feeds. This type of exciting content also provides readers with something they can easily share.

Crystal Hana Kim released a preview video of If You Leave Me on its release day, containing positive blurbs and appealing graphics.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Crystal Hana Kim 김하나 (@crystalhanak)

Lauren Palphreyman also spotlights reviews in the trailer for her novella The Yule Prince , which she serialized for a limited time on Radish. The caption includes details on the offer and clear directions on how to redeem it.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lauren Palphreyman (@laurenpalphreyman)

Make an announcement on your blog or website

Your own communication channels can help you announce a launch to the readers most likely to buy the new book. Many authors update their website’s homepage on launch day to promote their newest book. That way, readers can easily find the synopsis and retailer information!

Brandon Sanderson announced a Kickstarter for four secret novels on his website’s blog. The secret project went on to become the most-funded Kickstarter of all time!

Hank Phillippi Ryan converted the front page of her website into an advertisement for Trust Me . She added blurbs from comparable authors, which is a clever way to build anticipation among readers who might love those authors as well.

Do you have other creative ideas for announcing a book launch? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to share this post? Here are some ready-made tweets:

Click to tweet: Need help promoting your book launch? Here are some creative ways authors have announced theirs! bit.ly/2SIOzMZ

Click to tweet: I love these ideas! Check out how these authors announced their book launch. bit.ly/2SIOzMZ

This post was updated with new examples on November 10, 2022.

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Home » Promoting & Marketing » How to plan a book launch: step-by-step guide

2. Decide on a launch date

Choosing the right date to launch your book is more than just marking a day on the calendar. It’s a strategic decision that influences the visibility and momentum of your launch. Here are a few tips to help determine the best launch date.

• Research publishing trends: Research trends and publishing calendars to understand when books in your genre typically hit the shelves. There are reasons specific genres perform better at certain times.
• Consider external factors : Give thought to major holidays, events, or other significant book releases that could overshadow your launch. Choose a date when your book can shine without unnecessary competition.
• Plan pre-launch activities: Ensure you have ample time for pre-launch marketing activities , gathering reviews, and setting up distribution. A rushed book launch could lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress.
• Align with retailer timelines: Some retailers have specific timelines for setting up pre-orders or listing new books. Ensure your chosen date aligns with these requirements to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
• Leverage seasonal opportunities: If your book’s themes are related to a specific season, holiday, awareness month, historical event, or trending topic, launch in that timeframe. You can leverage the raised awareness to improve your chances of securing media coverage.
• Remain flexible: Be prepared to adjust if unforeseen circumstances arise. Flexibility is critical to navigating the unpredictable world of book publishing.

By carefully selecting your launch date, you set a clear timeline for all your pre-launch activities and ensure your book debuts when it can capture attention and achieve your defined objectives.

3. Establish your budget 

Timeline: 5 to 10 months before launch

A successful book launch doesn’t happen by chance. It requires careful planning and strategic investment. A well-thought-out budget ensures you allocate resources efficiently, optimizing every dollar spent. 

Take stock of how much money you can allocate to your book launch without straining your finances. Consider your personal funds and potential income from pre-orders or other book-generated revenue streams.

As you move through this guide, list all potential expenses for your book launch, including promotional materials, events, distribution, advertising, and professional services like publicists and designers. Prioritize these expenses based on their potential impact and necessity.

The overall cost of launching a book varies widely depending on the genre and the publishing path. For self-publishing, the average cost of publishing a book is between $2,000 and $4,000, including editing, cover design, and marketing expenses. Traditional publishing can have lower upfront costs, but marketing expenses can range from $500 upwards to over $10,000. 

The earnings of self-published authors can also vary widely, but recent surveys indicate that independent authors earn more than in years past. The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) survey found that the average income for self-published authors rose 53% in 2022, reaching a median of $12,749. However, another survey found that 33% of self-published authors make less than $500 per year, and 20% report making no income from their books. In short, take your earning projections with a grain of salt. 

4. Build an online presence

Timeline: 4 to 9 months before launch

A strong online presence is paramount for a successful book launch. It allows you to connect with your audience and establish yourself as a credible author or creator. Here’s how to go about it.

• Create a professional website : Your website is the central hub for all information related to your book and your work as an author or creator. Ensure it’s user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides all the necessary details about your book. For more, explore tips for creating a successful author website .
• Develop a dedicated book landing page : Create a specific landing page for your book on your website. This page should include a compelling book description, cover image, bio, and links to pre-order or purchase the book. Consider adding a book trailer or sample chapter to entice visitors.
• Optimize for search engines (SEO) : Use relevant keywords related to your book’s genre, themes, and content to optimize your website, landing page, or product page listings like Amazon for search engines. SEO increases visibility and helps attract organic traffic.
• Start building an email list : An email list is one of your most valuable assets for launching your book and growing your community. Include a sign-up form on your website to collect emails from interested readers . Provide an incentive, like a free webinar or exclusive content, to encourage sign-ups.
• Engage through regular newsletters : Once you start building your email list, engage with your subscribers through regular newsletters . Share updates about your book, behind-the-scenes content, and promos to keep them interested and invested in your work.
• Establish a social media presence : Identify the platforms where your target audience is most active and establish a presence there. Share regular updates, connect with your audience, and join relevant communities to increase visibility. Learn more about how to use social media to sell your book .
• Connect with influencers and bloggers : Identify influencers, bloggers, or other creators in your niche who might be interested in your book. Reach out to them for potential collaborations or features to expand your reach.

Building a robust online presence takes time and consistency, but the payoff is worth it. 

5. Create a social media plan 

Timeline: 3 to 6 months before launch

Social media is an invaluable tool for building buzz and connecting with your audience in the lead-up to your book launch. A carefully crafted social media plan ensures you engage effectively with potential readers and generate excitement around your book. Here are the fundamentals of crafting a strategic social media plan.

• Leverage the right platforms : Focus on social media platforms where your target audience is most active. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest are popular choices, but don’t overlook niche platforms relevant to your book’s genre or themes.
• Organize your social media content : Plan your social media posts, ensuring a consistent presence. Your content calendar should include promotional posts, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging community-building messages.
• Share your creative journey : Give your audience a glimpse into your creative process, the inspiration behind your book, and the journey to publication. Sharing in this way humanizes you as a creator and builds a personal connection with your audience.
• Tease with snippets : Include intriguing snippets or quotes from your book to pique interest. Ensure these snippets are shareable and encourage your followers to spread the word.
• Update your followers : Keep your audience informed about your book launch’s progress, upcoming events, and where they can pre-order or purchase your book.
• Given the visual nature of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, incorporate high-quality images, graphics, and videos related to your book and your creative journey.
• Spark interest with contests and giveaways : Engage your audience and increase visibility by running contests or giveaways. Encourage participants to share your book, tag friends, or use a specific hashtag to broaden your reach.

Beyond marketing, social media is a powerful tool for creating a community of supporters who are as excited about your book as you are. Use it wisely and authentically, and watch your audience grow.

6. Organize galleries and book signing events

Showcasing your original work at galleries and arranging book signing events are excellent book launch strategies. These in-person events allow readers and art enthusiasts to engage with your work, creating a memorable experience that boosts book sales and enhances your reputation as a creator.

If your book includes visual elements like illustrations, photographs, or artwork, consider organizing gallery showings of your original pieces. Contact local galleries, art spaces, or community centers for availability and terms. Highlight the unique aspects of your work and how it could attract visitors to their venue. Ensure that your book is available for purchase at these events, allowing attendees to take home a piece of the experience.

Similarly, consider connecting with local bookstores, libraries, or other relevant venues to organize book signing events. You don’t need to be an accredited author to make this happen. Simply tailor your pitch to each location, explaining why your book would resonate with their clientele and how an event could drive traffic to their space. But be prepared to discuss logistics such as date, time, and any promotional efforts you’ll undertake to ensure the event’s success.

Once your events are confirmed, promote them vigorously through your online channels, local community boards, and relevant organizations or groups.

7. Embark on a blog and podcast tour

Timeline: 2 to 4 months before launch

Blogs and podcasts are powerful mediums to amplify awareness about your book and build hype among prospective readers. By appearing on various blogs and podcasts within your genre or industry, you can reach new audiences and establish yourself as a credible voice in your field.

Start by identifying blogs and podcasts that align with your book’s themes, genre, or target audience. Reach out with a personalized message, explaining why you believe your book would interest their audience and proposing a topic or angle for your appearance. Be sure to highlight unique insights or experiences you can bring to their platform.

Being featured on blogs and podcasts allows you to share your story, discuss your book in-depth, and connect with potential readers on a personal level. It’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your passion, and build momentum for your book launch. 

8. Determine a venue or streaming platform for your launch event

The launch event is a pivotal moment in your book release journey, providing an opportunity to celebrate your hard work and share your creation with the world. The format of your event—virtual, in-person, or hybrid—informs how to plan and promote this special occasion.

In-person event

If you host a physical event, secure a venue that aligns with your book’s theme and audience. Local bookstores, cafes, galleries, and community centers can be excellent options. Consider the venue size, available amenities, and associated costs.

Virtual event

Virtual events allow for a wider audience without the geographical constraints of a physical location. Choose a reliable streaming platform and test your equipment in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

Hybrid event

A hybrid event combines elements of both virtual and in-person experiences, catering to a broader audience. Ensure that both in-person and online attendees have opportunities to engage and participate. Pay attention to the technical aspects of hosting a hybrid event, ensuring that the virtual component is seamlessly integrated and provides a high-quality experience for online attendees.

9. Create a press kit

Timeline: 2 to 3 months before launch

A press kit, also known as a media kit, is a comprehensive package of information and promotional materials about your book designed to make it easy for journalists, bloggers, and influencers to cover your story. Creating a well-crafted press kit is essential in your book launch process, as it plays a momentous role in your public relations and media outreach efforts.

A press kit centralizes all the essential information and resources that media professionals need, saving them time and increasing the likelihood that they will cover your book. But what details should you include in your press kit? Here are the basics.

• Book cover and creator photo : High-resolution images that media outlets can use in their coverage.
• Press release : A concise document that announces your book launch, highlights its unique aspects, and provides essential details like the release date, available formats, and where to purchase. Learn more about how to write a press release for a book launch .
• Creator bio : A brief biography showcasing your background, achievements, and previous publications. Tailor it to highlight aspects of your story that are most relevant to your book.
• Book blurb : A captivating summary of your book, providing enough detail to intrigue but still leave them wanting to learn more.
• Contact info : Clear and easy-to-find contact details for yourself or your PR representative, ensuring that interested parties can easily get in touch.
• Testimonials or endorsements : If you have received positive reviews or endorsements from credible sources, include them in your press kit to add credibility and appeal.

Depending on your book’s content and theme, you might include additional resources such as artwork, infographics, or sample chapters.

10. Announce your book launch

Timeline: 1 to 2 months before launch

Now that all your preparations are in place, it’s time to announce your book launch to the world formally. This builds anticipation, creates buzz, and ensures your target audience knows about your upcoming release. Your announcement should be engaging and informative, providing all the essential details about your book and its launch. 

Share your announcement across all your social media channels, website, and email lists. Tailor your message to suit each platform. Offer early purchasers a pre-order discount or exclusive content to encourage immediate action. 

As the announcement gains traction, be responsive to comments, messages, and any inquiries you receive. This extra effort helps build a community around your book and shows that you value their interest and support.

11. Connect with reviewers and influencers

Expanding your book’s reach through reviewers and influencers is a strategic step in your launch plan. Identify individuals in your genre who hold sway over your target audience. Ensure your outreach is personalized and shows genuine familiarity with their work, making your book more appealing for them to review or feature.

Prepare digital or physical copies of your book and have your updated press kit ready to share, providing all the necessary information for a comprehensive review or feature. Remember to follow up respectfully if you don’t receive a response initially, and be understanding of their time constraints.

Once your book is reviewed or featured, share the coverage across your channels and express gratitude to the reviewer or influencer. Positive reviews and features enhance your book’s credibility and extend its reach to potential readers, contributing significantly to the success of your launch.

12. Mobilize your super fans

Timeline: At launch

Assembling a dedicated email list of super fans can be a game-changer for your book launch. These individuals are already invested in your work and will likely provide positive reviews to help build momentum from day one. 

Before your launch, identify potential super fans from your existing network, social media followers, or email subscribers. Engage with them regularly and foster a genuine connection. Compile a list of these individuals with their contact information, ensuring you can reach out to them quickly and efficiently when your book launches. 

On your launch day, email blast your super fans, expressing gratitude for their support and asking if they would consider leaving a review. Provide a direct link for purchasing or accessing your book to make the process seamless. Having super fans ready to support your book launch with positive reviews can significantly boost your book’s early visibility and credibility, setting a strong foundation for its overall success. 

13. Leverage paid advertising

Timeline: At or post-launch

If your budget permits, paid advertising can amplify your book’s visibility and attract potential readers. Tim Ferriss used Google AdWords, now known as Google Ads, to test various titles. “The 4-Hour Work Week” was a bestseller at 1.35 million copies sold.

Platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Amazon, and Google offer robust targeting options, ensuring your ads reach the right audience. For instance, Facebook is great for its detailed targeting options (which also covers Instagram users), while Amazon directly reaches potential buyers. But paid advertising can quickly become expensive, so managing your resources wisely and targeting your ads precisely is critical.

14. Pursue book awards

Timeline: Post-launch

After your book launch, gaining recognition through awards enhances your book’s prestige and attracts additional attention. Winning or even being nominated for an award can significantly boost your book’s credibility and visibility.

Look for awards specific to your genre or the type of book you’ve created, whether it’s a novel, photography book, comic book, children’s book , or another category. Carefully review eligibility and submission guidelines. Ensure your application is complete and professional. This process may include providing copies of your book, a synopsis, a bio, and an entry fee.

If your book receives any nominations or wins an award, highlight these achievements in your marketing materials, on your website, and through your social media channels. Recognition from book awards can be leveraged for future projects, enhancing your reputation and increasing the appeal of your subsequent works.

15. Maintain post-launch momentum

Timeline: Post-launch and ongoing

The culmination of your book launch doesn’t mean the end of your promotional efforts. Maintaining momentum is crucial for long-term success and sustaining interest in your work.

Stay active and engaged with your audience through social media, email newsletters, or community events. Continue sharing updates about your book, related content, or personal anecdotes to maintain audience investment in your journey. Encourage readers to leave reviews and share their thoughts on your book. Positive feedback can be highlighted in your promotional materials, while constructive criticism can provide valuable insights for future projects.

Sustain your post-launch energy by remaining connected with your community. This connection may plant a seed for your next creative endeavor.

Last tips for launching your book

Launching your book is a critical milestone with many moving parts, so you want to ensure a seamless process as best you can. Here are some final tips to help ensure a successful book launch.

• Capture the moment : Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer for your launch event. High-quality visuals enhance your promotional efforts and provide valuable content for your online presence.
• Strategic pricing : Initially, you might want to price your book lower to attract more buyers and encourage reviews. You can adjust the price as your book gains traction.
• Prepare marketing materials : Ensure all marketing materials, from banners to brochures, are ready well in advance. They should be professionally designed and consistent with your book’s branding.
• Practice your pitch : Be ready to succinctly explain what your book is about and why people should be interested. A compelling pitch can make a big difference in capturing attention.
• Plan for contingencies : Have a backup plan for potential technical difficulties or other issues during your launch, especially if it’s a live event or virtual gathering.
• Seek support : Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or fellow creatives to help you with different aspects of the launch. Having a support network can significantly reduce the stress of the event.
• Prepare for the long haul : Remember that a book launch is just the beginning. Be ready to continue promoting your book and engaging with your audience long after the launch.

Lastly, take a moment to celebrate your hard work and the realization of your creative project. Creating and self-publishing a book is a major milestone, but launching your book is an entirely separate journey. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a rewarding book launch. 

Blurb is a vital resource for indie self-publishers, offering an end-to-end platform that simplifies the publishing and distribution process. With Blurb, you have the flexibility to sell your books through many channels, including Blurb’s no-fee bookstore , global retailers like Amazon , and thousands of other bookstores via Ingram’s extensive network. This broadens the reach of self-published works while minimizing the guesswork involved in distributing your book to the world. Learn more and start your project .

book launch , book marketing , Marketing

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