A book launch is a moment, but book marketing is a timeline. Authors often wait until the book is live to think about visibility, which leaves little time to prepare messaging, assets, outreach and reader touchpoints.
Eight to twelve weeks before launch: build the foundation
Clarify the target reader, central message and positioning. Finalize the cover direction, author biography and core book description. Make sure the author website or landing page can capture interest and direct readers toward the right next action.
Four to eight weeks before launch: create reusable assets
Prepare cover graphics, quote cards, short excerpts, author photos, social content and email copy. Build a small bank of materials instead of creating every post on the day it needs to be published.
Two to four weeks before launch: coordinate outreach
Begin contacting relevant reviewers, podcasts, communities, media opportunities or professional networks when appropriate. Not every book needs the same channels. The best mix depends on audience, genre and author goals.
Launch week: make the path simple
Readers should not have to search for where to buy the book or what it is about. Keep retailer links, website messaging and social profiles consistent. Focus the campaign around a few repeatable reasons the book matters rather than a different message every day.
After launch: keep building discovery
Continue publishing useful content related to the book’s themes, repurpose interviews, test new audience angles and update marketing based on what is getting attention. A structured book marketing strategy should evolve after launch rather than stop when launch week ends.
The goal is not to create noise for seven days. It is to build enough clarity and consistency that the right readers can continue finding the book.