book is finished
You did it! You hit publish. Your book is live. The excitement is real… and so is the overwhelm. Now comes the big question:
“What do I do next?”
Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned self-publisher, the weeks immediately following your book release are critical. This is when momentum can build or stall.
To help you stay focused (and sane), here’s a practical 4-week marketing plan designed to get eyes on your book, build buzz, and lay the foundation for long-term success.
Week 1: Set the Foundation
Goal: Visibility + Early Reviews
Your book is fresh. It’s time to let people know, without feeling spammy or desperate.
✅ Announce your book on social media
Keep it simple and personal. Let your friends and followers celebrate with you. A clean image of your cover + a short message about what the book means to you goes a long way.
✅ Email your list (or start one!)
Don’t have a list yet? No problem. Start one with something as simple as a Google Form or use an email service like Aweber. Share the story behind your book and offer a direct link for them to check it out.
✅ Ask 5 trusted people for honest reviews
Early reviews help build social proof. Reach out personally to a few readers, ideally those who already read your book or have supported you in the past. Ask for honest, thoughtful reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.
✅ Claim your Amazon Author Central profile
Fill in your bio, upload a photo, and link your website or social media. This helps your profile look professional and helps readers trust that you’re a real person behind the book.
Week 2: Expand Your Reach
Goal: Long-Term Discovery
Now that your foundation is in place, let’s grow your audience.
✅ Join 3 reader groups on Facebook
Pick groups related to your genre. Join the conversation. Don’t drop your link right away and participate first, build relationships, and let your book come up naturally.
✅ Post a behind-the-scenes story
People love knowing why you wrote the book, what inspired you, or what surprised you while writing it. Share this on your blog, your social feed, or your email list.
✅ Submit your book to a promo newsletter or book blog
There are hundreds of places readers go to discover new books. Even a small mention can bring fresh eyes to your work. Focus on ones that fit your genre.
✅ Reach out to 3 podcasts or YouTubers
Think niche. You don’t need to be on a huge show. Many smaller creators are open to author guests, especially if your book ties into a topic their audience cares about.
Week 3: Build Engagement
Goal: Grow Connection With Readers
At this stage, it’s less about the launch and more about the conversation.
✅ Host a live Q&A on Instagram or Facebook
Even if only a handful show up, it gives you content, builds relationships, and gives readers a reason to care. Talk about your writing process, your characters, or what you’re working on next.
✅ Share 3 tips or quotes from your book
Turn highlights from your book into simple graphics or post them as bold text. If it’s nonfiction, offer a tip. If it’s fiction, tease a line of dialogue or insight about a character.
✅ Reply to every comment or review
Reader left a review? Thank them. Someone tagged you on Instagram? Share it. Engagement builds loyalty and encourages more interaction.
Week 4: Strengthen Your Author Platform
Goal: Prepare for Longevity
Sales may spike during launch, but your platform is what sells books long-term.
✅ Create a reader magnet
Offer something of value to encourage email signups — a bonus chapter, a short story, a checklist, or behind-the-scenes notes. This builds your list and your connection with fans.
✅ Start a blog or content series
Share what you know, whether it’s about your writing journey, your genre, or your characters. Post once or twice a month. Over time, this becomes a magnet for organic traffic.
✅ Study your reviews
What do readers love? What questions do they have? Use this insight to shape your next book, or even update your book description to match what’s resonating.
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to keep showing up.
Book marketing isn’t about a single perfect launch. It’s about steady, intentional effort that builds momentum over time. This 4-week plan gives you a structure — but feel free to adapt it to fit your own style, pace, and comfort level.
Bookmark this post and come back to it. Your future readers are out there! You’ve got what it takes to reach them.