The Book Launch Timeline: What to Do and When
A week-by-week timeline for launching a book, from 8 weeks out through the week after release.
2-Minute Summary
A book launch runs on a predictable timeline: cover reveal and pre-order setup around 8 weeks out, ARC distribution 4-6 weeks out, final promotion push in the last week, and a review-focused follow-up after release.
Why It Matters
Launching without a timeline leads to rushed, disconnected promotion — a cover reveal with no pre-order link, ARCs sent too late to generate reviews by launch day, or a launch-day email with no lead-up. A timeline turns scattered tasks into a coordinated push.
Benefits
- Coordinates ARC timing so reviews are ready by launch day
- Builds anticipation instead of a single surprise announcement
- Concentrates promotion into first-week sales, which matter for algorithm visibility
Step-by-Step: The Timeline
- 8 weeks out: Cover reveal and pre-order page live
- 6 weeks out: Send ARCs to reviewers, see our ARC program guide
- 3 weeks out: Begin newsletter and social teaser content
- 1 week out: Final reminder emails, early reviews start appearing
- Launch day: Direct launch email with the buy link, social posts
- 1 week after: Thank-you email, review requests from buyers
Common Mistakes
- Sending ARCs too close to launch, leaving no time for reviews
- No pre-order page ready when the cover reveal happens
- Going quiet in the week immediately after launch, when reviews still matter
Examples
A well-timed launch has reviews visible on release day because ARCs went out 6 weeks prior — a rushed launch often has zero reviews for the first week, which hurts both credibility and retailer visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
See below.
How AuthorLoft Helps
AuthorLoft supports pre-orders with launch countdowns, ARC management for reviewer coordination, and newsletter campaigns — the entire timeline runs from one dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I plan a book launch?
Start planning 8 weeks out, with cover reveal and pre-order setup at that point, ARCs sent around 6 weeks out, and final promotion in the last week.
When should I send ARCs relative to launch day?
About 4-6 weeks before launch, giving reviewers enough time to read and post a review by release day.
What should I do the week after launch?
Send a thank-you email to buyers and ask for reviews. The week after launch is still critical for building review count.
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