What to Do Now If Your Book Launch Is in 6 Months

One of the most common questions we are asked here at Bublish is, "If I'm launching my book in six months, what should I be doing now?"

The short answer is a lot of premarketing. Successful book launches rarely happen by accident. They're the result of effective preparation, consistent messaging, and smart positioning. Whether you are publishing fiction or nonfiction, the months leading up to your book's launch are a key time to build a strong foundation for future success. 

With six months ahead, here are six action items you can work on now:

1. Build or Refresh Your Author Website

Your website is the nerve center of your author brand. It's where you can build and engage your email list, which is key if you want to build a fanbase. Your website should:

• Introduce you as a professional author and articulate your "why" for writing.
• Showcase your books and forthcoming releases (with pre-order links, if available).
• Include an email signup form and links to your social profiles.
• Be optimized for search engine discoverability and updated regularly.

Nonfiction authors can use their website to highlight their expertise while fiction authors can spotlight their craft and process. All authors need to make sure the colors, fonts, and images on their website complement those used for their book's cover. The mood of both should match and reinforce the author's brand messaging.

If you don't have a website yet, platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix are beginner-friendly. At Bublish, we build author websites on WordPress because it's affordable, customizable, and has many plug-and-play integrations. If you can't afford a full website, consider a landing page. You can always expand it to a full website down the road.

2. Start a Newsletter

Email remains one of the most effective ways to connect directly with readers, and sending a regularly scheduled newsletter is a great way to optimize that connection. Services like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and MailerLite make it easy to get started. These tools can be integreated with your website to capture subscriber information, automate campaigns, and build your email list. At Bublish, we use Mailchimp for its affordability, ease of use, and wide range of design options.

In your newsletter, you can:

• Share updates on your writing, publishing, and marketing journey.
• Offer free sample chapters or bonus stories.
• Encourage subscribers to become super fans with exclusive content, events, and offers.
• Build anticipation for preorders and launch with sneak peeks and teasers.

Nonfiction authors can also share expert tips or industry insights, while fiction authors might share character sketches or behind-the-scenes stories. Just remember, your newsletter should amplify your author brand and build connections with your readers, so make sure your content is engaging, authentic, and uniquely yours.

3. Practice Your Book Pitch

When people hear you're writing a book, they want to know more. Do you know how to capitalize on this opportunity? If not, it's time to work on your book pitch—a short, punchy description that compels target readers to buy your book. It should contain:

• The book's genre, reading experience, or trope.
• Quick, meaningful descriptions of your main characters and plot (fiction) or premise (nonfiction).
• Sentences that evoke emotions rather than drown readers in details.
• A call to action. End your pitch with a casual, but clear, invitation to stay in touch by subscribing to your email list.

Consider a short pitch that's about 10 seconds long and a slightly longer one between 30-60 seconds. The goal is to get readers excited about you and your book—and leave them wanting more.

4. Study Comparable Titles ("Comps")

Comps are books that are similar to yours in audience and positioning. They're the book your target audience is currently reading or has recently read. Studying your book's comps can help you:

• Understand what is selling in your book's categories and genre.
• Pinpoint where your book fits in today's competitive book marketplace.
• Learn how other authors market their books successfully.

To find comps, you can check out Amazon bestseller lists and Goodreads or use Google search or Chat GPT. Once you have a list of comps, you can study how these books are positioned and marketed. You can also use comps in your book's description. 

5. Optimize Your Social Profiles

Readers often discover new books and authors on a social media channels like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or others. Connect the dots for these potential fans, so they can easily learn more with a single click of your "link in bio." This link can:

• Take social browsers to your website for a proper welcome and invite to subscribe to your email list.
• Be maximized with tools like Linktree, Beacons, or Campsite that turn one link into many.
• Show potential fans that you're a professional who takes your job as an author seriously.

Make sure the content you share on your social channels complements your book and author brand without being "salesy." The goal of social media is to build long-term relationships with your readers. Do that, and the sales will come. Keep your social content and profiles relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with the voice of your author brand.

6. Plan Preorder & Launch Events

Preorder and launch events are a great way to build momentum for your book. You can use your social channels and newsletters to announce them to your growing fan base. Here are some types of events to consider: 

• Virtual parties on Zoom or Facebook Live where you can share insider news, teasers, and special offers. These can be held prelaunch, at launch, and after launch.
• In-person events at bookstores or libraries where you can answer readers' questions and sign copies. 
• Virtual or in-person book club appearances.
• Podcast appearances and other media events.

Get your calendar of events organized early so you're not scrambling later.

That's a Wrap

Launching a book is exciting, but takes planning and persistence. By working on these important steps now, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when your book launches in six months.

At Bublish, we help independent authors navigate every stage of the publishing journey—from professional editing and book design to distribution and marketing strategies that work.

👉 Ready to talk about your launch plan? Book a call with us so we can make sure that you are set up for success.