Book Launch Checklist: 90 Days Out

Why 90 days matters

Most of the work that determines whether a launch week feels quiet or busy actually happens well before release day. Reviewers, retailers, and your own audience all need lead time, so the 90-day window before launch is when positioning, outreach, and logistics come together.

90 to 60 days out

• Finalize your cover, title, and back-cover copy, these should not change after this point.
• Set up or update your author website with a clear book landing page.
• Begin building your advance reader list (people who will receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review at launch).
• Draft your press release and identify a target list of relevant outlets and journalists.

60 to 30 days out

• Send advance copies to your reader list with a clear, easy ask: post a review on launch day.
• Set up your Amazon and retailer listings so they are live and ready for pre-order if you are doing one.
• Schedule your social media content for launch week, do not plan to write it in the moment.
• Reach out to podcasts, local media, or newsletters that reach your target readers.

30 days out to launch day

• Confirm all retail links and formats (ebook, print, audiobook if applicable) are live and correct.
• Remind your advance reader list that launch day is approaching.
• Prepare a simple launch day post for your own channels, and ask friends, family, and early readers to share it.
• On launch day itself, post consistently rather than all at once, and respond personally to anyone who engages.