The Ultimate Book Promotion Checklist

Pre-Launch Preparation

1. Complete your manuscript and ensure it’s professionally edited and proofread. A polished manuscript increases your book’s chances of success by delivering a better reading experience.
2. Format both eBook and paperback/print-on-demand versions properly. Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional and meets retailer requirements. Check out formatting tools like Vellum.
3. Design a high-quality, genre-appropriate cover. A professional cover is your first chance to make an impression on potential readers. Find cover designers on platforms like 99designs.
4. Ensure consistent fonts, spacing, and design in your interior formatting. This helps avoid readability issues and ensures your book feels cohesive. Explore formatting templates for Word or InDesign.
5. Finalize metadata: Include a clear title, subtitle, author name, ISBN, keywords, and categories. Metadata is essential for discoverability and helps retailers recommend your book. Understand Amazon metadata best practices here.
6. Craft a professional author bio and obtain a high-quality author headshot. A well-written bio introduces readers to you, while a good headshot conveys professionalism. Learn how to craft an engaging author bio.
7. Build or optimize your author website. A professional website serves as your online hub for books, updates, and audience engagement. Check out author website examples.
8. Select and configure a newsletter service: Options include MailerLite, ConvertKit, or EmailOctopus. Your newsletter is a direct line to readers and critical for long-term engagement. Compare email marketing services here.
9. Develop and distribute a Reader Magnet. Offer a freebie (short story, bonus chapter, etc.) in exchange for email sign-ups to build your mailing list. Use tools like BookFunnel to distribute reader magnets.
10. Set up or optimize your social media profiles. Focus on platforms where your target readers are most active and keep branding consistent. Find tips for authors on Instagram here.
11. Create a book landing page featuring: The cover, summary, reviews, purchase links, and an opt-in for your reader magnet. A well-designed landing page can significantly boost conversions. Learn how to create effective landing pages.
12. Identify your niche and target audience. Research where your ideal readers spend time online and what they enjoy. Discover tools for audience research.
13. Choose a primary social platform and focus on building a following. Consistency and authenticity are key to attracting readers. Check out guides for authors on TikTok.
14. Post engaging content relevant to your audience. Share a mix of personal insights, teasers, and interactive content to keep your followers engaged. Learn what content works for authors.
15. Promote your Reader Magnet to convert followers into email subscribers. Highlight the benefits of your freebie in posts and profile bios. Find reader magnet ideas here.
16. Interact consistently with followers to build community and recognition. Respond to comments, engage in discussions, and establish your presence. Learn social media engagement tips.
17. Set a realistic launch date, allowing time for pre-launch activities. Consider factors like editing, ARC distribution, and promotional buildup. Find a book launch timeline template.
18. Define your goals (e.g., sales, reviews, newsletter growth) and budget. This helps you stay focused and avoid overspending. Calculate your publishing budget.
19. Assemble a launch team (e.g., beta readers, ARC reviewers, and a street team). These supporters help spread the word and provide critical early reviews. Learn how to build a street team.
20. Create a detailed marketing calendar, including social media posts, emails, and interviews. A plan ensures consistent outreach and prevents last-minute stress. Download a free marketing calendar template.

If you have no audience at all, this is where you will need to pause and focus on employing the Follower Funnel Method for six months to a year (or more). Building a foundational audience is critical to ensuring your book has an engaged group of readers ready to support its release. The follower funnel method includes identifying your niche, consistently engaging on one or two social media platforms, creating valuable content, and converting followers into email subscribers via a compelling reader magnet. While this step takes time, it is essential for long-term success. Learn more about audience-building strategies here.

Advance Review & Buzz Building

21. Distribute ARCs via trusted reviewers, BookFunnel, NetGalley, or BookSprout. Early reviews build credibility and help attract more readers to your book. Discover how to distribute ARCs effectively.
22. Provide clear review instructions for platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. Simplify the process to make it easier for reviewers to leave feedback. Learn how to request reviews professionally.
23. Use ARC feedback to generate social proof and collect blurbs for marketing. Positive quotes from early readers can be used in ads and promotional materials. Get tips on leveraging reviews for marketing.
24. Set up pre-order pages on platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Pre-orders help create momentum and boost visibility on launch day. Learn how to set up pre-orders.
25. Announce pre-orders via newsletters, social media, and your website. Include an enticing call to action and exclusive offers to encourage early purchases. Find pre-order marketing strategies here.
26. Offer incentives (e.g., exclusive content or early-bird pricing) to encourage pre-orders. Make the deal irresistible to build excitement and boost sales. See examples of pre-order bonuses.
27. Post a cover reveal to generate excitement. Use social media or email to share your cover and ask for feedback or engagement. Learn how to plan a cover reveal.
28. Share sneak peeks, excerpts, and behind-the-scenes content. These small previews keep your audience intrigued and looking forward to your book’s release. Discover creative teaser ideas.
29. Countdown to launch day with engaging posts or quizzes. Include fun facts, polls, or interactive elements to maintain interest. Find countdown post examples here.

Launch Week Activities

30. Craft a compelling book description and refine metadata. A strong blurb and optimized keywords improve discoverability and conversion rates. Read about writing effective book descriptions.
31. Claim and optimize your Amazon Author Central profile. Add your bio, photos, and book details to make it easy for readers to find your work. Learn how to set up your Author Central page.
32. Use engaging subject lines and include a launch announcement in your email newsletter. Share purchase links, bonus content, and a request for reviews. Get examples of effective email subject lines.
33. Share launch-related updates daily, varying content types. Include posts like “Thank you” messages, launch day videos, or live sessions. See social media ideas for book launches.
34. Host a live event (e.g., Q&A or a virtual book party). Live interaction adds a personal touch and builds stronger connections with your audience. Learn how to host a virtual book event.
35. Run ads on Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, or BookBub. Start with small budgets to test what works best for your audience. Explore guides for book advertising.
36. Adjust bids and creatives based on performance. Monitor ad metrics to identify which campaigns are generating the best ROI. Learn how to analyze ad results.
37. Run a Goodreads giveaway or host contests on social media. Giveaways attract readers and can increase your book’s visibility. Find out how to run a Goodreads giveaway.
38. Partner with other authors for cross-promotions. Teaming up with authors in your genre can expand your reach and introduce your book to a new audience. Discover strategies for author collaborations.

Ongoing Promotion & Visibility

39. Encourage early readers to leave reviews. Reviews provide social proof and help improve your book’s ranking in search results. Learn how to ask for reviews effectively.
40. Reach out to book bloggers and influencers. These partnerships can introduce your book to their established audiences. Find tips for working with book influencers.
41. Pitch yourself to podcasts, blogs, or local media. Sharing your story and expertise helps build your author brand and expand your reach. Check out tips for media pitching.
42. Engage with online and local book clubs. Offer to host discussions or provide group discounts to attract bulk purchases. Learn how to connect with book clubs.
43. Donate books to libraries and offer to host events. Libraries are a great way to increase visibility and reach new readers. Discover how to get your book into libraries.
44. Use retargeting ads on platforms like Facebook. Retargeting allows you to reach people who showed interest in your book but didn’t purchase. Find out how retargeting works.
45. Run seasonal campaigns (e.g., holiday promotions). Tie your book promotions to relevant holidays or seasonal events to boost interest. Get seasonal promotion ideas here.

Events & Appearances

46. Host webinars, virtual signings, or online workshops. These events allow you to connect directly with readers and showcase your expertise. Learn how to host virtual events.
47. Speak at online conferences in your genre. Sharing your knowledge or insights can position you as an expert and attract a wider audience. Explore speaking opportunities for authors.
48. Arrange book signings and workshops. In-person events are great for connecting with readers and building a local fanbase. Check out tips for successful book signings.
49. Participate in book fairs or festivals. These events provide networking opportunities with other authors and publishers. Find a list of book fairs and festivals.
50. Join joint signings, cross-promotions, or themed bundles. Collaborating with other authors expands your reach and attracts new readers. Discover collaborative marketing ideas.

Long-Term Strategy

51. Maintain an author blog and post updates regularly. Blogs help improve SEO, engage readers, and showcase your expertise. Learn how to create a successful author blog.
52. Send engaging newsletters to your mailing list. Share updates, exclusive content, and promotions to keep readers interested. Explore email newsletter ideas here.
53. Develop consistent branding and network with other authors. Branding helps readers identify your work, while networking opens up collaborative opportunities. Read about building an author brand.
54. Monitor sales, review trends, and engagement metrics. Use analytics tools to refine your marketing strategies and identify what works best. Check out tools for tracking book sales.
55. Adjust marketing strategies based on data insights. Experiment with different approaches to maximize ROI. Find strategies for optimizing campaigns.
56. Work on your next book or spin-offs to maintain momentum. A growing backlist helps sustain long-term income and reader interest. Explore tips for writing sequels.
57. Use your current audience as a launchpad for new releases. Encourage them to spread the word and engage with your latest work. Discover reader engagement tips.

Bonus Tips & Reminders

58. Stay organized with tools like Trello or Asana. Keeping track of tasks helps streamline your publishing process. Check out productivity tools for authors.
59. Experiment with different tactics and track results. Be open to trying new strategies and adjust based on what resonates with your audience. Find marketing experiment ideas here.
60. Celebrate milestones to maintain motivation. Acknowledge small wins like your first review or hitting a sales target. Learn about setting milestones for success.