The Plan at a Glance (Beginner-Friendly)

We live in a digital age where anyone can share their creativity and build an audience. That said, books rarely “take off” by accident. Your launch goes best when you set up a few core marketing tools and then use them consistently.

Below is a simple plan for what to do 60–90 days before launch, and what to do during the first 30 days after launch (and beyond).

60–90 Days Before Launch

Your goals in this phase

1. Be findable online (basic author profiles + consistent presence)

2. Build awareness (people know the book is coming)

3. Line up early momentum (reviews, interviews, posts, and preorders)

1) Start growing your social media (pick 1–2 platforms)

You do not need to be everywhere. Choose 1–2 platforms you can actually keep up with.

Start with this simple routine:

• Post 2–4 times per week

• Spend 10–15 minutes a day engaging (commenting, replying, joining conversations)

• Follow and interact with creators, readers, and groups in your genre/topic

How to do this without being “salesy”:

• Talk about what you love in your genre/topic

• Share behind-the-scenes moments (writing, research, inspiration, “why I wrote this”)

• Recommend books you love (especially in your category)

• Ask easy questions (polls, “What do you look for in a good ___ book?”)

Pro tip: “Host the party.”
If you enjoy it, consider starting a small community:

• A Facebook group, a short newsletter, a recurring Instagram series, a YouTube topic, or blog posts

• Focus on the genre/topic, not constant self-promo
  When your book is close to launch, you’ll have a warm audience that already trusts you.

Nonfiction note:
For nonfiction, your audience follows your expertise. Join relevant groups, comment on blogs/videos in your niche, and look for speaking opportunities (even small ones).

2) Spread the word (your personal network matters)

Being an author includes selling your book. Selling is simply storytelling: sharing what the book is and why it matters.

Have a 1–2 sentence “hook” ready:

• What it’s about

• Who it’s for

• Why it’s interesting/helpful/fun

Start telling people now:

• Friends and family

• Coworkers

• Church/community contacts

• Hobby groups and clubs

Start an email list (even a small one):

• A list of 50–200 people is still valuable

• Ask: “Can I grab your email so I can let you know when the book launches?”

3) Research podcasts, news, bloggers, and influencers (make a target list)

Your current circle won’t be enough to reach everyone you want. The fastest way to grow is to tap into existing audiences.

Make a list of 20–40 targets:

• Local podcasts/radio

• Local news/community publications

• Bloggers and Bookstagram/BookTok creators

• Genre-specific Facebook group admins

• Influencers aligned with your topic

Beginner etiquette that works:

• Don’t lead with “Will you promote my book?”

• Follow them, like/comment thoughtfully, share their content when appropriate

• After you’ve engaged for a bit, message with a short, respectful pitch

What to say (simple version):

• A sincere compliment

• A one-sentence description of your book

• A clear, low-pressure request (interview, feature, review consideration)

4) Assemble your “review crew” (aim for 20–40 people)

When your book launches, reviews help readers feel confident buying. A review crew gives you early momentum.

Important Amazon rule:
If you want Amazon reviews to be “Verified Purchase,” the reviewer needs to buy the book on Amazon.

Recommended review crew goal:

• 20–40 people committed to:

  1. buying on Amazon near launch

  2. leaving an honest review within the first 1–2 weeks

Goodreads and Google Books:
Reviews there help discoverability, but they do not impact Amazon ranking the way Amazon activity does.

5) Preorders on cedarfort.com (aim for 80–100 if possible)

For friends/family who want to support you but aren’t planning to review on Amazon, preorders on our website are a great option.

What to do:

• Ask the Cedar Fort marketing team for a personal discount code

• Share your code early (ideally 6–8 weeks before launch)

• The code usually stays active through launch and often a couple weeks after (timing can be flexible)

Simple guidance:

• Use Amazon purchases for your review crew

• Use cedarfort.com (with your code) for everyone else who wants a discount

6) Create/clean up your author pages (Amazon + Goodreads)

This makes you look established and helps readers connect the book to you.

Amazon Author Central:

• Add a bio, photo, and links

• Connect your book(s) to your author profile

• Add events if you have them

Goodreads Author Profile:

• Claim your author page

• Add a bio and photo

• Consider using their tools (like widgets or giveaways) if it fits your strategy

7) Mobilize everything (4–8 weeks before launch)

This is when you shift from “setting up” to “activating.”

Do this now:

• Start booking podcast interviews and local media spots

• Confirm influencer/blogger posts

• Tell Cedar Fort what you schedule so we can create unique promo codes for specific outlets when needed

• Start posting more frequently about:

  • what the book is

  • who it’s for

  • what readers will feel/learn/experience

  • behind-the-scenes stories

Facebook event idea (optional):

• Create a simple “Book Launch” event about 2 weeks before launch

• Invite your full network

• Use it as a place to post reminders and updates

Launch Week + First 14 Days After Launch

Why this window matters

The first two weeks are the biggest momentum window because:

• People are paying attention

• Reviews arrive

• Algorithms respond to activity

1) Launch day checklist

• Post everywhere you normally show up (don’t stress new platforms)

• Send an email/text to your list

• Remind your review crew (kindly)

• Consider doing a short live video (even 3–5 minutes) to celebrate

Friendly reminder language:
“Hey! Today’s the day. If you still plan to grab the book and leave an honest review, I’m so grateful. It really helps.”

2) Share Cedar Fort content

We’ll provide personalized assets. Please share those as-is (it saves you time and keeps branding consistent).

3) Keep outreach going

• Continue scheduling podcasts, interviews, and influencer posts

• Reach out to additional outlets (momentum makes pitching easier)

• If possible:

  • book signings

  • bookstore events

  • readings

  • local community appearances

Optional but powerful: a small launch party or giveaway using author copies
If you do this, take photos/video. Content from real moments is some of the best marketing you’ll ever have.

30+ Days After Launch (and beyond)

If you still have energy and momentum, keep stoking the fire.

What to keep doing:

• Continue your 1–2 platform routine

• Stay active in your communities

• Keep pitching podcasts and niche outlets

• Look for speaking opportunities and local events

• Keep building your audience (this helps every future book)

Long-term mindset:
Being an author is a lifestyle. The goal is not a single spike. The goal is building a platform that grows over time.

Amazon + Goodreads Setup (Simple Explanation)

Why these matter

• Amazon Author Central helps readers connect your book to you and discover more of your work.

• Goodreads helps you connect with readers and genre communities.

Categories + keywords (what you should know)

Amazon allows categories and keywords to help place your book in relevant searches. Be specific and accurate.

Note:
Cedar Fort may run Amazon advertising and backend optimizations at our discretion. Sometimes Amazon asks for clarification, but most of this happens behind the scenes.

Reviews and ranking (what to expect)

• A sale can cause a noticeable rank jump

• If sales slow, rank often drops back down

• Consistent sales + verified reviews help sustain ranking long-term

Review strategy that works

• Aim for 20 verified Amazon reviews early (from your review crew)

• If you offer free copies, try to choose people outside close friends/family

• Reach out personally (not a random shout-out)

• Choose readers likely to follow through and possibly share beyond the review

A quick reality check:
Not everyone will love every book. Even top authors get both 5-star and 1-star reviews. Honest feedback can help you improve future books and better understand your readers.

Need help?

Email us at marketinginfo@cedarfort.com and we’ll help you plan your next steps and timing.