A book launch generates early sales, collects initial reviews, and establishes visibility for a new title. This guide covers the printing and production decisions that support a launch, from advance reader copies through inventory planning and post-launch reorders.

Timeline

Start launch preparation three to six months before your publication date.

Timeframe	Key Actions
6 months before	Finalize manuscript, begin planning
3—4 months before	Order advance reader copies, begin reviewer outreach
1—2 months before	Finalize cover design, order print run, set up sales channels
Launch week	Host launch event, distribute to sales channels
First 30 days	Sustain promotion, collect reviews, evaluate reorder needs

Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

ARCs are pre-publication copies sent to reviewers, bloggers, and book clubs before the official release date. Reviewers typically need four to six weeks to read and review before launch.

Origin Books produces short-run ARC copies at the same quality as the final edition. Order 25—100 copies depending on the size of your reviewer list. ARCs are typically marked “Not for Resale” and may include minor differences from the final edition.

For ARC printing specifications and pricing, use the pricing calculator.

Pre-Launch Printing Decisions

Format Selection

Choose formats based on your sales channels:

Softcover for events, online sales, and retail distribution (lowest per-unit cost, broad audience)
Hardcover for library sales, signed editions, and premium positioning
Multiple formats require separate ISBNs. See the ISBN guide.

Inventory Quantity

Estimate inventory based on planned sales channels:

Event sales: 50—200 copies depending on the number and size of scheduled events
Online direct sales: 50—100 copies for initial inventory
Retail and library distribution: Additional copies based on orders

Short-run printing allows reorders at any time. Starting with a moderate quantity avoids overcommitting inventory on a new title.

Proof Approval

Review a physical or digital proof before approving the full print run. Check:

Cover alignment, color accuracy, and spine text
Interior formatting, margins, and page numbering
Image quality and placement
Front matter and back matter completeness

An error in the final book means reprinting the entire run. Origin Books recommends a physical proof for any book with color content. See the file preparation guide for specifications.

Sales Channel Setup

Direct Sales

Set up your online storefront before launch.

Amazon

If listing on Amazon through KDP Print or Amazon Advantage, set up the listing before launch day so the book is purchasable when promotion begins. See the Distribution Guide for channel details.

Bookstore and Library Outreach

Approach local bookstores and libraries before launch:

Provide a sell sheet with your book’s details, ISBN, retail price, and cover image
Propose a reading or signing event at the bookstore
Contact the library’s acquisitions department with a review copy

See the Distribution Guide for details on bookstore consignment, library outreach, and review sources.

Launch Week

Launch Events

Host a reading, signing, or release event at a bookstore, library, or community space. Have printed inventory available for immediate sale. Cover finishes like foil stamping and 3D Spot UV are visible at a display table.

Book Clubs

Contact local and online book clubs in your genre. Many welcome books by independent authors, particularly when the author joins the discussion in person or virtually.

Post-Launch

Collecting Reviews

Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and library review platforms drive long-term discoverability. Follow up with ARC recipients who have not yet posted reviews.

Reorders

If the first print run sells through, reorder in any quantity from 25 copies up. Origin Books stores specifications from previous orders to ensure consistency across print runs.

Award Submissions

Research book awards and competitions in your genre. Many have submission windows that align with a new release. Examples include the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, and Ben Franklin Awards.

Launch Checklist

3—6 Months Before Launch

Complete all rounds of editing
Order ARCs from Origin Books
Compile list of reviewers and media contacts
Send ARCs to reviewers

1—2 Months Before Launch

Finalize and approve cover design
Set publication date
Order full print run
Set up online storefront
Contact local bookstores and libraries
Prepare sell sheet and promotional materials

Launch Week

Host launch event
Distribute books to sales channels
Contact book clubs

First 30 Days

Follow up with ARC readers for reviews
Submit to relevant book awards
Evaluate inventory and plan reorder if needed

Last updated: January 2026