Ultimate Book Launch Checklist for Self-Published Authors

Planning to publish your next book soon? Don't launch without this.

If you're a self-published or indie author getting ready to release a new book, your launch strategy matters more than almost anything else. The right steps can mean the difference between a few trickle-in sales and a book that climbs the charts, gets Amazon visibility, and fuels your long-term royalty growth.

This book launch checklist is designed specifically for authors who want to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes, and follow the exact steps we use to help authors build six- and seven-figure careers.

8 Book Launch Mistakes Self-Published Authors Should Avoid

Too many great books fail at launch simply because the setup wasn't done right. Here are the most common launch mistakes we see (and fix!) in our coaching program.

1. Launching an Unedited Book

Typos, grammar mistakes, or pacing issues can hurt reviews and sink your sales. Professional editing is non-negotiable.

2. Skipping the 30–90 Day Pre-Launch Window

Your launch actually begins months before your release date. If you're not building momentum ahead of time, you're losing out on visibility and sales.

3. Launching on Holidays or Holiday Weekends

Unless you're writing holiday-themed book, these dates usually mean lower visibility and fewer sales.

4. Uploading the Wrong File

This happens more often than you’d think. Double-check the manuscript file and format before launch day.

5. Poorly Formatted or Incomplete Blurb

Your blurb is your sales pitch. Make sure it's clean, compelling, and formatted to convert on desktop and mobile.

6. Not Optimizing Metadata, Categories & Keywords

Amazon’s algorithm can’t sell your book if it doesn’t know who it’s for. Metadata is how your book gets discovered organically.

7. Skipping ARC Reviews or Giving Too Little Time

No ARC reviews = no social proof on launch day. And rushing readers doesn’t help. Give your ARC team at least 6 weeks to read and review.

8. Failing to Stack Promotions Strategically

One promo isn't enough. A launch stack—booked ahead of time—is what triggers the visibility algorithms and gets Amazon to recommend your book.

What a Successful Book Launch Looks Like

Now that you know what not to do, here’s what goes into a high-converting book launch strategy:

1. Professional Editing + Correct File Upload

Double-check everything, from typos to the uploaded manuscript, to ensure readers have a seamless experience.

2. 30–90 Days of Pre-Launch Prep

Use this time to book promos, schedule newsletters, line up reviews, and finalize your metadata. Last-minute launches rarely succeed.

3. Send Out 100–250 ARC Copies

Build a reviewer team who will read and post reviews across platforms-Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, etc. Give them 6 weeks minimum.

4. Leverage Categories, Keywords & Reader Psychology

We use a method called Reader Psychology to help authors align metadata with buying behavior. This is how our clients “trigger the algorithm” without paying for visibility.

5. Stack Your Promotions

A promotion stack helps build momentum across launch week, each promo amplifies the next. We show authors how to do this in a way that’s optimized for Amazon’s systems.

How We Help Authors Nail Their Launch

At Seven Figure Author Career, we’ve helped over 500 authors become national bestsellers, and thousands more turn their backlist into scalable income. Here’s how we help authors set up book launches that actually sell:

• Personalized feedback on your metadata, categories, and keywords, based on your actual target reader

• ARC reviewer strategies to help you gather 100–250 early reviews

• Launch stack templates that take the guesswork out of promotion

• Advanced metadata tricks to help Amazon recommend your book to the right buyers

• Ongoing launch support to extend sales beyond day 1 and avoid the 30-, 60-, and 90-day cliff

Our system is guaranteed because we’ve tested and refined it across genres, platforms, and author experience levels.

Want Your Next Book Launch to Be Your Best One Yet?

You can keep trying to figure this all out on your own, or you can shortcut your path with the exact system we’ve used to help authors build royalty engines from the ground up.

If you're ready to launch smarter (not harder), and surround yourself with authors who are scaling fast without burning out, we recommend doing the first step and joining our free Facebook group "The Book Marketing Hub: Self-Publishing & Advertising Strategies."

Inside, you’ll get:

• Access to launch resources and exclusive training

• Feedback from bestselling authors and coaches

• Early access to swipe files, cheat sheets, and case studies

• A space for authors serious about turning their writing into financial freedom

Your next level as an author doesn’t start with another book, it starts with the right strategy.