Book launch guides, step by step
Each guide covers one part of a nonfiction launch, names the platform rule or price it relies on, and links to the source. All checked October 20, 2026.
Before launch
Book launch timeline
What to do when, counting back from launch day, built around the deadlines you cannot move.
Read the guide → 8 minute readHow book preorders work
KDP's ebook-only preorders, IngramSpark's on-sale date, ACX audiobooks, and what preorders do for rank.
Read the guide → 9 minute readAdvance readers and honest reviews
Recruiting a team and getting early reviews within Amazon's rules and the FTC's.
Read the guide → 7 minute readAmazon categories and keywords
Three categories, seven keyword boxes, what is banned, and how to choose.
Read the guide → 7 minute readA launch email plan for small lists
Free email tools, growing a list before launch, and the four emails to send.
Read the guide → 8 minute readPodcasts and media
Picking shows, pitching an episode, timing interviews, and journalist requests after HARO.
Read the guide → 7 minute readPlanning a launch event
Venues, bookstore policies for self-published authors, a run of show, selling books.
Read the guide → 8 minute readA launch budget
Sourced prices of NetGalley, giveaways, reviews, deals and ads, and what is worth paying for.
Read the guide →Launch week and after
Launch week checklist
Day by day, from the final file deadline to the thank-yous.
Read the guide → 8 minute readThe first 90 days after launch
Reviews, interviews, clients, one promotion, one test, and a 90-day review.
Read the guide →Want it all in one dated plan?
The free planner puts these steps into the right weeks for your launch date.