A breakdown of how to plan out the 30 days until your book launches

A book launch countdown builds anticipation, boosts visibility, and gives your audience a reason to stay engaged every day leading up to your release. Planning your final 30 days strategically can help maximize your reach and generate momentum that carries well beyond launch day.

Just remember that while the 30 days before your book launches are important, the most valuable time for marketing your book is from the time you begin writing your book.

Here’s how to break it down week by week, with examples and tips to help you create an engaging countdown.

Before You Start: Prep Work

Before your 30-day countdown begins, make sure you have:

• Your book available for pre-order (if applicable)

• A finalized cover

• A landing page or website

• Email newsletter and social media platforms ready

• Graphics/templates for your posts

• A call-to-action (buy, pre-order, share, join launch team, etc.)

Days 30–21: Awareness & Excitement

Focus: Introduce your book and build awareness.

Content ideas:

• Share the book blurb

• Talk about your inspiration or the writing process

• Introduce the main character or setting

• Post teaser quotes or lines from the book

• Invite readers to join your launch team

Tip: Use a countdown hashtag (e.g., #30DaysTo[BookTitle]) and encourage readers to reshare your posts.

Days 20–11: Engagement & Behind-the-Scenes

Focus: Deepen the connection with readers and show the human side of the process.

Content ideas:

• Share fun facts about your characters or world

• Post a writing blooper or a scrapped scene

• Go live on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to talk about the book

• Run polls or quizzes about the story

• Share a day-in-the-life or launch prep vlog

• Highlight early reviews (if available)

Tip: Ask your followers questions to spark engagement: “What makes you buy a book instantly?” or “Paperback or ebook first?”

Days 10–4: Urgency & Pre-Launch Buzz

Focus: Encourage pre-orders and build urgency.

Content ideas:

• Countdown graphics: “10 days to go!”

• Share a reader reaction or ARC review

• Show behind-the-scenes moments (packaging pre-order swag, setting up for launch day)

• Feature testimonials or blurbs from other authors

• Share a video trailer (if you have one)

Tip: Remind your audience what they get if they pre-order — exclusive content, entry to a giveaway, or early access.

Days 3–1: Final Push

Focus: Celebrate and make it impossible to ignore.

Content ideas:

• A personal letter to your readers about what this book means to you

• Launch party invite (virtual or in-person)

• Final teaser or quote graphic

• Share your book trailer again (if applicable)

• Encourage followers to tag friends who might like the book

Tip: Update your social media banners and bios with launch info.

Launch Day!

Focus: Celebrate, promote, and encourage action.

Content ideas:

• Launch post across all platforms

• Gratitude message to your supporters

• Share purchase links everywhere

• Go live to celebrate

• Post your first “real reader” feedback or a photo of your book in the wild

Tip: Keep the momentum going. Celebrate throughout the day and plan to follow up in the days and weeks ahead.

A 30-day countdown helps keep your audience excited, informed, and invested. By planning your content in advance and staying consistent, you can launch your book with confidence and community support.