Your book launch checklist

A book launch can feel overwhelming. A simple checklist keeps you on track so nothing important gets missed. Use this before, on, and right after launch day.

Before launch

Manuscript and files: Final proofread. Interior formatted for ebook (and print if applicable). Cover final and meeting KDP specs (resolution, trim size for print).

Metadata: Title, subtitle, and author name correct. Book description (blurb) written and proofread. Seven KDP keywords chosen. Two categories selected. Author bio and Author Central (or equivalent) set up.

Pricing: Ebook price set (and in 70% royalty range if desired). Paperback price set if you’re doing print. Decide if book one in a series is discounted for launch.

Audience: Email list signup live if you have one. Launch email drafted. Social posts or announcements drafted. Any advance readers or reviewers lined up if you’re doing early reviews.

Legal and admin: Copyright and rights clear. Any acknowledgments or credits correct. Decide on preorder vs. going live on a single day.

Launch day

Go live: Upload final files to KDP. Set the book live (or confirm preorder converts). Do a quick check: buy link works, cover and description display correctly on the product page.

Notify your list: Send your launch email with a direct link to the book. Ask for reviews if readers enjoy it. One clear email is better than several scattered ones.

Social and word of mouth: Post your launch where your readers are. Keep the message short: “My book [title] is out today. [One line about the book.] [Link].” Don’t spam; share once or twice where it fits.

Capture the moment: Take a screenshot of your live listing. Note your first sale or first review. Use it later for “thank you” posts or for your own morale.

After launch

Reviews: Thank readers who leave reviews. Don’t argue with negative ones. Keep encouraging organic reviews in your newsletter and back matter.

Ads (optional): If you’re running Amazon Ads, let them run for at least a couple of weeks. Then review search term and placement reports. Pause what doesn’t work; increase budget on what does.

Ongoing visibility: Keep your link in your bio, in back matter of other books, and in your email signature. One book can keep selling if the listing stays strong and you keep pointing people to it.

Next steps: Plan your next release or the next piece of content. Launches are a spike; long-term success comes from consistency—another book, another newsletter, another round of ads or promotions.

Use this checklist as a base and add your own steps (blog tour, podcast, etc.). A clear list makes launch day less chaotic and more repeatable for your next book.