How to Plan for Your Book Launch: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide from One Indie Author to Another

If you're an indie author staring down a launch date and feeling equal parts excited and terrified, you're in good company. I've been there too—heart racing, wondering if anyone will care about the story I spent months (or years) pouring into. Launching a book can feel like shouting into a crowded room and hoping someone turns around. The good news is you don't need a massive budget, a viral moment, or endless energy to make it work. A clear, realistic plan turns the chaos into something manageable—and even enjoyable.

Here is a straightforward way to plan your launch without getting overwhelmed. These are the steps I use and the ones that have helped other indie authors get their books into readers' hands.

1. Start Early – Give Yourself 3–6 Months

The biggest mistake is waiting until the book is finished to think about launch. Begin planning 3–6 months ahead. Use a simple calendar (Google Calendar or a notebook) and mark your launch date. Then work backward:

- 6 months out: Final edits, cover design, blurb writing.

- 4 months out: Set up pre-orders (Amazon makes this easy), start building your ARC team.

- 2 months out: Create launch graphics, schedule social posts, line up promo sites.

- 1 month out: Send ARCs, ramp up teasers, set up email blasts.

This timeline prevents last-minute panic and lets everything build gradually.

2. Build an ARC Team Early

Reviews on launch day matter—a lot. Aim for 10–30 honest reviews in the first week. Use StoryOrigin or Booksprout to recruit Advance Reader Copies (ARCs). Offer the book free in exchange for honest reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog.

Be selective: Look for readers who finish most of their ARCs and read in your genre. Send a friendly thank-you note when they apply, and give clear instructions (deadline, where to post, no spoilers). Follow up gently a week before the deadline. A strong ARC team creates momentum and helps Amazon's algorithm notice your book.

3. Set Up Your Author Platform

You need a simple home base. At minimum:

- A basic website (Wix, WordPress, or even Linktree) with your bio, book links, and email signup.

- An email list (MailerLite or ConvertKit—free tiers work great). Offer a reader magnet (first chapter, short story, or bonus content) to grow it.

- Social accounts (X/Twitter and TikTok are especially strong for fantasy right now). Post consistently: teasers, behind-the-scenes, fun polls.

Don't try to be everywhere—just focus on 1–2 platforms where your readers hang out.

4. Plan Your Pre-Launch Content

Create a simple content calendar. For the last 4–6 weeks:

- Share snippets (non-spoilery).

- Post about your inspiration (e.g., real-world myths that shaped your world).

- Run a countdown ("8 days until launch! Here's a fun fact...").

- Offer a pre-order incentive (bonus chapter, character art).

Use Canva for easy graphics. Schedule posts with Buffer or Hootsuite so you don't have to log in every day.

5. Line Up Promotions and Swaps

Join group promos on StoryOrigin (fantasy and cozy ones are great). Swap newsletter mentions with other authors in your genre. Schedule a discount or free promo on book 1 to drive read-through to your new release. If you have a small budget, Amazon Ads (keyword targeting) can help, but organic efforts often outperform paid ones for indies.

6. Launch Day & Beyond

On launch day: Share everywhere—social, email, groups. Go live if you're comfortable (TikTok or X Spaces). Reply to every comment and review.

After launch: Thank reviewers, track sales/rankings (KDP dashboard), and celebrate every milestone. Plan your next book or series push right away—momentum is everything.

The most important thing: Be kind to yourself. Launches are emotional. Some days feel magical; others feel quiet. That's normal. Focus on the readers who do find your book—they're the ones who matter.

If you're in the final stretch like I am right now (my sequel launches in just a week!), know that you're already doing the hardest part: showing up. You've got this.

Speaking of which, if you'd like to support an indie author and get the audiobook bundle for my cozy fantasy series (Book 1 fully narrated + early access to Book 2), here's the link: https://payhip.com/b/eUnqG

Thank you for reading. What's one thing you're doing to prepare for your launch? I'd love to hear in the comments.