Free · 47 items · PDF
The KDP Launch Checklist.
The 47-item checklist we run on every Amazon KDP launch, in order, organized by day. Pre-launch through 90-day sustain. The exact list we use internally.
Phase
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-7)
- ISBN purchased (Bowker, your name)
- Manuscript proofread on the formatted file
- Cover thumbnails tested against your category top-10
- Three primary categories chosen with rationale
- Seven backend keywords selected
- A+ Content modules built and submitted
- Pre-launch list emailed with the soft signal
- ARC distribution to NetGalley/BookSirens completed
Phase
Launch week (T-1 to T+7)
- Listing live and indexed (verify category placement)
- Amazon Ads campaigns bid up 25–40%
- Daily budgets at 2–3x sustain
- Email to full list on launch day morning
- Price ladder set ($0.99 → $2.99 → $4.99 across days)
- ARC reviewer follow-ups for honest reviews
- BSR monitored hourly during US business hours
- Podcast appearances booked for launch week
Phase
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30)
- Ads tiered by ACOS (top tier high bid, bottom tier paused)
- Sponsored Brand + Sponsored Display campaigns running
- Review outreach moved to organic readers
- Newsletter post-launch update with link
- BookBub featured deal submitted if eligible
- Listing rebuild iteration based on click-through data
- 30-day report compiled with spend / royalty / units
Phase
Long-tail (T+30 to T+90)
- Sustain ad management at weekly cadence
- AudibleSync promo submitted if audiobook is live
- Category reaudit (every 30 days for first 90)
- Reader-list nurture sequence migrated to monthly cadence
- In-back-matter review-request CTA verified
- Second-book outline started while audience is hot
Inside the PDF
Five pages from the actual document.
Checklist FAQ
The honest answers.
Is this the same checklist you use internally?
Yes. Same 47 items in the same order. We use it on every full-launch engagement. The version you download is identical to what is on the wall in our office.
Will the checklist work for any genre?
The structure works for any genre. The specific tactics shift — romance is heavier on the ARC / KU side; non-fiction is heavier on the podcast / list side. The checklist flags genre-specific notes inline.
Why are you giving this away?
Most authors run the checklist themselves once they see it. The ones who hire us are the ones who would rather have someone else operate it. Both outcomes are fine.
Ready when you are
Want someone else to run the checklist?
Marketing service led by an operator who has spent millions in author ad budget. The same checklist, operated for you, with weekly Friday reports.