Launch Your Book the Right Way, Every Time
Launching a book without a checklist is how authors miss crucial steps: the ARC team that never got notified, the Amazon categories that weren’t optimized, the email sequence that wasn’t set up. Every missed step costs you momentum during the most important week of your book’s life.
This checklist breaks your entire launch into three clear phases so nothing falls through the cracks.
The Three Launch Phases
Phase 1
Pre-Launch (8 Weeks Out)
- ARC team setup and distribution
- Cover reveal scheduling
- Pre-order strategy
- Email list warmup sequence
- Social media teaser calendar
- Metadata optimization
Phase 2
Launch Day
- Hour-by-hour action plan
- Social media posting schedule
- Email blast sequence
- Amazon listing verification
- Price matching checks
- Review request timing
Phase 3
Post-Launch (Weeks 2-4)
- Ad campaign launch
- Review follow-up sequence
- Cross-promotion opportunities
- Sales tracking and adjustment
- Next book planning timeline
- Backlist optimization
⚡ Why Launch Week Matters
Amazon’s algorithm pays the most attention to your book during its first 30 days. Sales velocity, review velocity, and click-through rates during launch week set the trajectory for months of organic visibility. A strong launch compounds. A weak one flatlines.
📦 What You Get
✓ Complete launch roadmap
✓ Pre-launch checklist (8 weeks)
✓ Launch day hour-by-hour plan
✓ Post-launch follow-up guide
✓ Email sequence templates
✓ Social media calendar
✓ Updated for 2026
✓ Instant digital download
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start the pre-launch phase?
The pre-launch checklist starts 8 weeks before your launch date. This gives you time for ARC setup, cover reveals, pre-orders, and email list warmup.
Does this work for both fiction and non-fiction launches?
Yes. The core launch strategy (ARC readers, email sequences, ad campaigns, review acquisition) applies to both fiction and non-fiction.
Is the launch day plan really hour-by-hour?
Yes. The launch day section breaks down exactly what to post, email, and check at specific times throughout the day to maximize your first-day visibility.
What about a series launch vs standalone?
The checklist works for both. For series launches, the post-launch section includes backlist optimization and cross-promotion strategies.
Is this updated for current Amazon algorithms?
Yes. The 2026 edition reflects current Amazon ranking factors, ad platform changes, and review policy updates.