Free Book Launch Checklist for Self-Published Authors

0/20

4–6 weeks before launch

Lock your final cover and download the high-res ebook version
Order/export your print wrap PDF and proof it at 100% zoom (spine text, bleed)
Write your Amazon description using the listing kit draft, then read it out loud once
Pick your 7 KDP keywords from the listing kit and check each has real search results
Choose 2–3 KDP categories (use the listing kit suggestions as a starting point)
Set up or refresh your author central profile with your new cover

2–3 weeks before launch

Upload your manuscript + cover to KDP and order a printed proof copy
Schedule 3–5 social posts using your mockups (shelf, desk, held-in-hand scenes)
Send your cover reveal to your mailing list with a preorder or launch-date CTA
Line up 5–10 early readers for launch-week reviews (ARC or street team)
Add the book to Goodreads/StoryGraph with the final cover

Launch week

Publish (or flip your preorder live) and verify the listing shows the right cover and price
Post the promo video on your socials the morning the book goes live
Run your ad image as a small Facebook/Instagram test ($5–10/day) targeted at your genre
Email your list on launch day with a direct buy link
Ask early readers to post their reviews in the first 72 hours

After launch

Rotate a fresh mockup into your social profiles every week or two
Check your Amazon categories and keywords after 30 days and adjust the weak ones
Add 'also by' back-matter links to your next or previous book
Start the cover brief for your next book while this launch is fresh

Ticks are saved in this browser — no account needed. Several items reference assets (mockups, listing kit, ad image, promo video) that the Book Launch Kit generates for you; each can also be done by hand.

Want this checklist done for you — with the assets?

The Book Launch Kit generates the mockups, ad image, A+ banners, your Amazon listing, ads & social copy, and a day-by-day calendar built from your launch date.

See the Launch Kit