Whether your book launch flopped or simply faded, a relaunch can bring new energy, readers, and sales

Most authors believe that a book launch is a one-time event.

You publish, you market, and then you move on. But here’s the truth: your book can have more than one beginning.

Maybe your original launch didn’t go as planned. Maybe you’ve grown your audience since then. Or maybe your book has been quietly gathering dust while your other titles took the spotlight. Whatever the reason, a strategic relaunch can reignite interest, renew sales, and reintroduce your work to the readers who need it.

Here’s how to successfully relaunch your book — from reworking the packaging to reactivating your promo strategy.

1. Start With an Honest Audit

Before you jump into tactics, take a moment to evaluate:

• What worked and what didn’t the first time?

• Did the cover align with your genre?

• Was the blurb effective?

• Did your marketing reach your target readers?

Use reviews, analytics, and reader feedback to guide your next steps. A relaunch isn’t just a repeat — it’s a reinvention.

2. Consider Updating Your Cover, Blurb, or Formatting

If your book wasn’t performing, the packaging might be the issue. Ask:

• Does your cover match genre expectations?

• Is your blurb emotionally engaging and action-oriented?

• Does the interior formatting feel professional?

A small visual overhaul can make your book feel like a brand new release — especially to new readers.

Tip: Share potential new covers on social media to involve your audience and generate buzz before the relaunch.

3. Pick a Strategic Relaunch Date

Avoid launching on a whim. Choose a time when you can dedicate consistent energy for at least 2–4 weeks. Align it with:

• A seasonal tie-in (e.g., spooky season for horror, holidays for romance)

• The anniversary of the original launch

• A broader event or book promotion (like a themed BookFunnel group promo)

Build anticipation leading up to the relaunch, not just during it.

4. Create a New Launch Plan

Think of this relaunch as a true event, not just a quiet update. Treat it like your book is brand new:

• Newsletter Sequence: Send a series of emails counting down to the relaunch.

• Social Media Countdown: Use reels, carousels, or tweets to tease the relaunch.

• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Talk about what you learned since first publishing.

• Limited-Time Bonuses: Offer extras like deleted scenes, printable art, or bonus epilogues.

Make the relaunch feel like a celebration — for both you and your readers.

5. Leverage Reader Reviews and Testimonials

Pull quotes from existing reviews to add credibility. Use them:

• In new graphics

• On your Amazon A+ content

• In your email marketing

If you’re lacking reviews, consider a soft ARC campaign before relaunch — reach out to bookstagrammers, TikTokers, or your own list with a free copy in exchange for honest feedback.

6. Price Strategically — Then Promote Hard

Many authors relaunch with a limited-time discount or free promotion (especially if they’re wide). Pair this with:

• Newsletter swaps

• Promo sites like BookBub, Freebooksy, or Bargain Booksy

• A group promo campaign (StoryOrigin, BookFunnel, etc.)

• An Amazon or Meta ad burst during the week of the relaunch

Even if you don’t hit bestseller status, a spike in traffic can reset your Amazon algorithm for the better.

7. Announce the Relaunch Everywhere — Like You Mean It

If you’re excited, your readers will be too.

• Post on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok — wherever your audience hangs out.

• Go live and talk about the book’s journey.

• Use before-and-after graphics to highlight the changes.

• Share a quote a day or highlight a character or theme.

This is your moment to make noise — don’t shy away from it just because it’s not your book’s “first” launch.

8. Stack the Relaunch With More Content

If you have more books in the series (or universe), now is the time to cross-promote.

• Mention the next book in your newsletter.

• Add back matter links to your next title.

• Use the momentum of the relaunch to tease what’s coming next.

Even if the book is a standalone, a relaunch can serve as a springboard into your catalog — so make sure it connects to your other work.

Your book’s first launch doesn’t define its success.

In fact, many books find their stride long after the initial release. Whether you’re giving it a new look, a better blurb, or a second chance at life, relaunching can be one of the smartest moves you make as an author.

Publishing isn’t a moment. It’s a long game.

Your story still matters — and so does your belief in it.