Book Launch Checklist: Essential Tasks Before and After You Hit Publish

Publishing a book is a milestone, but the work doesn’t end when you hit “publish.” A successful book launch requires careful preparation before and strategic follow-through after. This checklist guides you through both phases.

Whether you’re a first-time author or launching your tenth title, following a structured approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Before You Publish: Pre-Launch Checklist

3-6 Months Before Launch

Start your launch preparation early. The foundation you build now determines your launch success.

Finalize Your Manuscript:

Complete professional editing (developmental, copy editing, proofreading)
Get feedback from beta readers
Make final revisions based on feedback
Proofread one last time

Design and Format:

Commission a professional book cover that fits your genre
Format your interior for ebook and print
Prepare front and back matter (title page, copyright, dedication, author bio)
Create a print proof and review it carefully

Handle Technical Details:

Purchase your ISBN (one for each format)
Write your book description and keywords
Select appropriate BISAC categories
Determine your pricing strategy
Choose your distribution platforms (Amazon exclusive vs. wide)

1-3 Months Before Launch

With your book nearly ready, shift focus to building buzz.

Build Your Author Platform:

Create or update your author website
Grow your email list with a reader magnet
Set up Amazon Author Central and Goodreads author profiles
Plan your social media content strategy

Prepare Marketing Assets:

Create a media kit with headshots and author bio
Design social media graphics
Write ad copy for future campaigns
Plan your launch week content

Line Up Reviews:

Identify ARC readers and book bloggers
Distribute Advance Review Copies 6-8 weeks before launch
Reach out to BookTok, Bookstagram, and BookTube creators
Consider book blog tour services

2-4 Weeks Before Launch

The countdown begins. Execute your final preparations.

Final Technical Checks:

Upload your files to publishing platforms
Set up pre-orders if available
Double-check metadata, categories, and descriptions
Verify pricing on all platforms

Pre-Launch Promotion:

Announce your cover reveal
Share countdown content on social media
Send email teasers to your list
Remind ARC readers about posting reviews on launch day

Prepare for Launch Day:

Schedule social media posts
Draft your launch announcement email
Prepare blog posts and guest articles
Confirm any launch events or virtual parties

After You Publish: Post-Launch Checklist

Launch Week

Your book is live. Now protect your momentum.

Announce Everywhere:

Send your launch newsletter to your email list
Post across all social media platforms
Notify friends, family, and professional contacts
Update your website with purchase links

Monitor and Engage:

Track sales and rankings across platforms
Respond to reader messages and comments
Thank reviewers publicly
Share early reviews on social media

Troubleshoot Issues:

Check for formatting errors on different devices
Address any customer complaints quickly
Monitor for piracy or unauthorized listings
Fix any metadata errors immediately

First Month Post-Launch

The initial excitement fades, but your marketing shouldn’t.

Continue Promotion:

Run paid advertising campaigns (Amazon Ads, Facebook, BookBub)
Seek podcast interview opportunities
Pitch guest posts to related blogs
Submit to book award competitions

Gather More Reviews:

Request reviews from readers who purchased
Follow up with ARC readers who haven’t posted
Encourage Goodreads reviews
Consider BookSirens or similar services for ongoing reviews

Analyze and Adjust:

Review sales data and identify trends
Assess which marketing efforts worked
Adjust your advertising spend based on ROI
Document lessons learned for your next launch

Ongoing Tasks

Book marketing never truly ends. These ongoing efforts sustain momentum.

Maintain Visibility:

Update your backlist ads when you launch new books
Participate in newsletter swaps with other authors
Run occasional price promotions
Keep your author profiles updated

Build for the Future:

Continue growing your email list
Engage regularly with your reader community
Plan your next book (series readers expect sequels)
Apply lessons from this launch to future releases

Quick Reference: Launch Timeline Summary

Timeframe	Key Actions
6 months before	Complete editing, order cover design
3 months before	Start ARC outreach, build author platform
1 month before	Upload files, set up pre-orders, announce cover
2 weeks before	Final checks, schedule launch content
Launch week	Announce everywhere, engage actively
First month	Run ads, gather reviews, analyze results
Ongoing	Maintain visibility, plan next book

Common Launch Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced authors make these errors:

Rushing the timeline: Give yourself enough lead time for editing and marketing
Neglecting pre-launch reviews: Launching without reviews hurts conversion
One-day marketing: A launch is a sustained campaign, not a single day
Ignoring your email list: Direct communication with readers converts best
Skipping the print proof: Catches formatting issues before readers see them

Your Launch Starts Now

A successful book launch combines preparation, execution, and follow-through. Use this checklist as your roadmap. Check off each item as you complete it.

The authors who see consistent success treat each launch as a project with clear milestones. They start early, build anticipation, and continue marketing long after publish day.

Ready to get your book launch-ready? Make sure you have your ISBN sorted first. It’s one of the foundational steps every professional author completes before hitting publish.

For personalized book launch guidance, Bookllo Publishing offers comprehensive services tailored to self-published authors at every stage.