What I Wish I Knew Before Launching My Book: Lessons from 15 Launch Teams
I had been a Hope*Writer for less than a month when a post popped up in the Facebook group asking for folks to join a launch team.
Full transparency—I didn’t even know what a launch team was.
I had just begun my blogging and writing journey and was still figuring things out. Every day reminded me how much I didn’t know.
But the book was about a topic close to my heart, so I signed up.
Two things stand out about that experience:
I had no idea what I was doing.
I had a very small audience.
Each week, the launch manager posted instructions in the Facebook group. And every week, I tried to follow them, complete the tasks, and be a “good launch team member.”
Honestly, I’m not sure how much my posts helped spread the word—but I bought the book and left a review, so I know I made a difference in some way!
Over the last few years, I’ve joined nearly every launch team I’ve come across (unless the message went against my values—but that’s another blog for another day).
I can’t even remember them all, but I recently jotted down 15 titles I’ve helped launch.
From Community to Strategy
In the beginning, my goal was simple: build community and support fellow writers. But after I signed my own publishing contract, I started paying attention differently. I wanted to learn everything I could about book launches—what worked, what didn’t, what engaged people, and what didn’t.
I kept notes. I tracked ideas. I made lists of what I’d do—and what I’d avoid.
When it came time to launch my book, I did it without a launch manager. I had a solid checklist, a schedule, and a lot of excitement.
And honestly, it went okay.
I sold some books.
I had amazing support.
We had fun.
But looking back, there’s one big thing I would’ve done differently:
I Would’ve Talked About My Book Way Earlier
During a coaching call, we were challenged to post about our book for 40 consecutive days leading up to our launch.
Guess how far away my launch was?
Yep—40 days exactly.
So I did it.
I posted every single day for 40 days.
And it. was. hard.
But I learned something crucial: talking about your book consistently matters. If I could do it over, I’d start six months ahead of launch day—and I’d show up every day.
Here’s the truth I wish someone had told me: most of the work that impacts your book launch happens before the launch team ever begins.
Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash
What You Can Do Now (Even if Your Book Isn’t Done)
If you're writing a book, preparing to publish, or dreaming of becoming an author someday—here are some things you can start doing right now to set yourself up for success:
1. Talk About Your Book Often—Without Apology
It’s a lie that talking about your message daily is “annoying.” If someone is annoyed by your message, they’re not your audience. They may be your real-life friend, but they aren’t your ideal reader. Serve your people well.
2. Stick to Your Message
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it louder: I don’t turn on ESPN to watch Hallmark movies. Stay on message. Share content that supports your book’s themes and skip the rest.
3. Create a Lead Magnet That Connects
Don’t wait until your launch to start building your email list. Offer a free resource that deeply connects to your book’s message. Not only will this grow your list, it’ll build trust—so when your book releases, readers are already invested.
4. Join Launch Teams
Even if you plan to hire a launch manager, the experience of supporting other authors is invaluable. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and you’ll make meaningful connections with other bookish people.
5. Build a Circle of Writerly Friends
Writers get it. During my launch, my non-writer friends shared about the book maybe twice. My author friends? Three to four times a week. Writing can be lonely. Surround yourself with people who understand and cheer you on.
Photo by Fang-Wei Lin on Unsplash
Don’t Wait Until Your Book Is Done
Start now.
Even if you're in the messy middle of your draft or months away from publication, it’s not too early to lay the foundation for a successful book launch.
Ready to start building momentum for your message? You’ve got a story worth sharing. Let’s make sure the right people hear it.
My free 6-week social media challenge will guide you—step by step—with daily prompts designed to help you connect with readers and confidently share about your writing or your book. (Simply make a copy and off you go!)
👉 Six-Week Social Media Challenge
Would chatting about your process and progress be helpful? Book a FREE Strategy Session today
I can’t wait to hear from you,
Kristen
