Free tool
Book launch timeline generator
120 days to launch
Foundations
Define your reader and the book's one big idea
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 · overdue
One sentence for each. Every pitch, page and interview builds on them.
Set up or refresh your author website
Mon, Sep 28, 2026 · overdue
Book page with pre-order links, bio, headshot and an email sign-up.
Start (or restart) your email newsletter
Wed, Oct 28, 2026
Your list is the one audience you own on launch day.
Media preparation
Write your talking points and author one-sheet
Thu, Nov 26, 2026
Three to five angles framed as episode ideas, plus sample questions.
Research 30 to 40 podcasts that match your reader
Sun, Nov 29, 2026
Check each is active and interviews guests.
Pitch long-lead outlets and your first wave of podcasts
Thu, Dec 3, 2026
Many shows record weeks before they publish.
Send advance copies to early readers
Thu, Dec 10, 2026
Ask for honest reviews; reviewers who got a free copy should say so.
Booking and recording
Follow up on first-wave pitches
Thu, Dec 17, 2026
One short, friendly nudge with something new to offer.
Pitch the second wave of podcasts
Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Prioritise shows that publish quickly.
Record most of your interviews (weeks 7 to 2)
Thu, Jan 7, 2027
Ask each host when the episode will air.
Write bylined guest articles
Thu, Jan 14, 2027
Pitch them to publications your readers already read.
Recruit and brief your launch team
Thu, Jan 28, 2027
Give them dates, links and simple asks.
Launch
Check your retailer pages
Thu, Feb 11, 2027
Description, categories, author page and pre-order links all correct.
Line up launch-week posts and emails
Thu, Feb 18, 2027
Schedule them around the episodes going live.
Publication day
Thu, Feb 25, 2027
Email your list, thank your launch team, share every live episode.
Share new episodes as they air
Sun, Feb 28, 2027
Newsletter, social and your website's press page.
After launch
Pitch evergreen shows
Thu, Mar 11, 2027
Many podcasts care about the idea more than the release date.
Review what worked
Sat, Mar 27, 2027
Which episodes, articles and emails drove sales and sign-ups?
Send thank-you notes to hosts
Sun, Apr 11, 2027
Good guests get invited back for the next book.
“Every task, dated from your publication day.
FAQ
Book launch timeline questions
Still deciding?
A free 20-minute call. We'll tell you honestly whether podcasts fit your book.
Book a call01How far in advance should you plan a book launch?
Start the foundations (website, email list, positioning) about six months out, and media outreach such as podcasts about three months before publication. Podcasts and magazines often work weeks or months ahead.
02What should be on a book launch timeline?
Positioning and one-sheet, media and podcast research, pitching waves, recording dates, advance copies, launch team, retailer page checks, launch-week emails and posts, and post-launch follow-up.
03What if my launch date is less than 12 weeks away?
Compress the plan. Do the overdue items now, pitch every show in one wave, prioritise podcasts that publish quickly, and accept that some coverage will land after launch, which extends your launch window.
Your turn at the mic
Launching in the next six months?
Book a free call and we'll walk through your timeline together.
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