[some initial ideas from JD working with ChatGPT:]

Book launch checklist

Here’s a detailed, structured overview of the key factors and strategies that indie fiction authors should consider when trying to build visibility and sell more books, especially during and after a launch:

🧭 1. Establish your author platform

Author Website

  • Your website is your home base — a professional hub for readers, media, and partners.
  • Include:
    • An engaging About page with your author bio and photo.
    • A Books page with covers, blurbs, and purchase links.
    • A Mailing list sign-up form (integrated with ConvertKit, MailerLite, or similar).
    • Links to your social media, blog, and upcoming events.
  • Optimize for SEO by including keywords readers might use to find your genre (“cozy mystery author,” “dark fantasy romance,” etc.).

Mailing list building

  • Start early, even before your first release.
  • Offer a reader magnet (a free short story, novella, or sample chapters) in exchange for signups.
  • Use platforms like BookFunnel, StoryOrigin, or Prolific Works to distribute the magnet automatically and compliantly.
  • Maintain consistent communication — send monthly or biweekly newsletters with updates, sneak peeks, and reader engagement content (polls, fan art, etc.).

💌 2. Leverage reader communities

BookFunnel for beta readers & sharing your ARC

  • Upload your manuscript or ARC (Advance Reader Copy) to BookFunnel to securely share with:
    • Beta readers (for early feedback).
    • ARC readers (for early reviews on launch day).
  • Set expiration links or watermarks for protection.
  • Integrate with your email list to segment beta/ARC readers for future launches.

Street Team / Launch Team

  • Recruit a small, dedicated group (10–50 people) of super-fans or early readers.
  • Offer perks (exclusive content, early access, acknowledgments) in exchange for:
    • Posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads during launch week.
    • Sharing social media graphics, quotes, and teaser images.
  • Communicate through a private Facebook group, Discord server, or email list segment.

💰 3. Advertising and distribution strategies

Choosing between Kindle Unlimited (KU) and wide distribution

  • KU (Amazon exclusive):
    • Benefits: Page-read income, access to Kindle Deals and Countdown promos, and visibility in Amazon’s ecosystem.
    • Best for: Genre fiction with high Kindle readership (romance, thriller, fantasy).
  • Wide release (Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, etc.):
    • Benefits: Diversifies revenue, builds a global readership, and supports libraries (via Draft2Digital or Smashwords).
    • Best for: Authors focused on long-term brand growth and not reliant on Amazon exclusivity.

Advertising platforms

  • Amazon Ads (AMS): Run Sponsored Product or Lock Screen ads targeting authors/titles in your niche.
  • Facebook/Instagram Ads: Great for email list growth and preorders; test small audiences first.
  • BookBub Ads: Effective for backlist visibility or discount promos; expensive but powerful with proper targeting.
  • Use A/B testing to measure ROI — test copy, images, and calls-to-action.

📣 4. Promotional sites and cross-promotion

Promo sites

  • Paid email promos can drive downloads and visibility during launch or discount periods.
  • Popular options include:
    • BookBub Featured Deals
    • The Fussy Librarian
    • Ereader News Today (ENT)
    • Freebooksy / Bargain Booksy
    • Book Rebel
  • Always align the promo type with your goals: freebie for visibility, discounted sale for ROI.

Newsletter swaps

  • Exchange mentions with authors in your genre using StoryOrigin or BookFunnel’s group promos.
  • Only swap with authors whose audience overlaps yours.
  • Keep reader trust by promoting quality, relevant books.

🔍 5. Long-term visibility and branding

Social media and content marketing

  • Focus on one or two platforms you enjoy — authenticity beats overextension.
  • Share progress updates, character art, behind-the-scenes posts, or reader testimonials.
  • Use Reels/TikToks or Pinterest boards to visually engage readers.
  • Repurpose content across platforms (blog → newsletter → Instagram post).

Book reviews and social proof

  • Encourage honest reviews — early and plentiful reviews drive algorithmic boosts.
  • Use services like Booksprout or Hidden Gems to get early reviews (vet for legitimacy).
  • Display positive reviews on your website, social channels, and in Amazon “Editorial Reviews.”

Public relations and media

  • Depending on the nature of your book and your professional reputation, you may want to craft a press kit with your bio, book description, high-res cover image, and contact info.
  • Pitch to book bloggers, genre podcasts, and indie author newsletters.
  • Appear on relevant podcasts, YouTube channels, or virtual book tours.

🧩 6. Timeline and execution strategy

Pre-launch (3–6 months out)

  • Finish cover and blurb.
  • Build pre-launch hype via newsletter and social media.
  • Recruit beta readers and launch team.
  • Set up preorder (if applicable).

Launch month

  • Send ARC copies and coordinate review posts.
  • Run Amazon/Facebook ads.
  • Schedule promo site placements.
  • Send launch-day newsletter and street team reminders.

Post-launch (1–3 months)

  • Continue ads for backlist.
  • Run a “thank-you” or “bonus epilogue” campaign to engage readers.
  • Collect testimonials and cross-promote with other authors.

🎯 7. Key takeaway strategy

Success for indie fiction authors comes from consistent, strategic engagement — not a single viral moment. The core pillars are:

  • Ownership of your audience (via your website and mailing list).
  • Relationship-building with readers and peer authors.
  • Ongoing visibility through advertising, promotions, and authentic storytelling.

Indie Author Visibility & Launch Blueprint

A practical guide for self-published fiction authors to plan, launch, and sustain visibility and sales for a new book.

Part 1. Laying the Foundation (3–6 Months Before Launch)

  • Building your author platform (website, social media, branding)
  • Setting up your mailing list and creating a reader magnet
  • Using BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to deliver freebies and collect emails
  • Recruiting beta readers and early reviewers

Part 2. Assembling Your Launch Team

  • How to create and manage a “street team” or “launch team”
  • Setting expectations and communication channels
  • Providing early access and incentives for your readers
  • Coordinating social media and review campaigns

Part 3. Crafting a Smart Release Strategy

  • Deciding between Kindle Unlimited vs wide distribution
  • Setting up preorders and prelaunch buzz
  • Preparing your BookBub, Goodreads, and Amazon pages
  • Optimizing metadata, keywords, and categories

Part 4. Launch Week Game Plan

  • Coordinated review posting
  • Paid and free promo site placements
  • Newsletter announcements and swaps
  • Cross-promotions and social media rollout plan

Part 5. Paid Advertising That Works

  • How to set up Amazon Ads effectively (and avoid common traps)
  • Running Facebook or Instagram ads for discovery
  • BookBub ads for scaling post-launch
  • Measuring ROI and tracking ad performance

Part 6. Sustaining Momentum After Launch

  • Continuing ads and list growth
  • Engaging your newsletter with valuable content
  • Planning series launches and backlist promotions
  • Getting featured on blogs, podcasts, and reader communities

Part 7. Templates & Tools

  • Launch checklist
  • Sample newsletter sequence (pre-launch → post-launch)
  • Launch team onboarding email template
  • Budget planning worksheet for ads and promo sites
  • Suggested tools and platforms