How to Create a Marketing Plan for your Book Launch using Micro-Goals

Sue Mohr
Sep 4
2 min read

Your book is complete!!! Yahoo!

All those hours of blood, sweat and tears are behind you. You've accomplished your goal to write a book. Now what?

Well, people won't know your book is out there, unless you tell them it is out there! But don’t worry—getting the word out doesn't have to be daunting. It just takes a few simple steps and a bit of intentional planning.

Setting up some micro-goals can make this process more palatable.

Micro-goals take away the 'can't' and provide you with bite-sized pieces of can. One step at a time.

Here’s a example of a step-by-step breakdown of micro goals for creating a marketing plan for your book launch. These small, focused steps will keep you moving forward without overwhelm. Have fun with this and more than anything, remember to celebrate after each and every one of your micro goals. Get out that proverbial party hat and make sure you pat yourself on the back with each accomplishment.

Let's go!

Phase 1: Laying the Launchpad

Define your target reader (age, interests, pain points, and what they read now).
Write a one-sentence “book hook” or tagline.
Create a 3–5 sentence elevator pitch.
List your goals for the launch (sales, reviews, speaking invites, mailing list growth).
Choose a launch date (or date range).

Phase 2: Ink & Identity

Audit and clean up your current online presence (website, social media, email list).
Update or create a simple author website or a landing page on your website.
Create a branded author photo and book cover graphic.
Draft a short author bio (two versions: long + short).
Set up/refresh an email newsletter.

Phase 3: Get the Buzz Going

Brainstorm 10 potential launch partners (friends, colleagues, influencers).
Draft an email template for your launch team invite.
Create a “reader magnet” or freebie (sample chapter, guide, quiz).
Plan 5–7 social media post ideas for pre-launch.
Write 3 blog posts/articles related to your book’s themes.

Phase 4: Spotlight the Stage

Identify 10 podcasts, blogs, or media outlets to pitch.
Write a simple press release or pitch email.
Reach out to early reviewers (Bookstagrammers, Goodreads, NetGalley, etc.).
Collect 3–5 endorsements or blurbs.
Schedule interviews, guest posts, or live events.

Phase 5: Ready, Set, Launch

Schedule daily social posts leading up to launch day. (create
Send a countdown email series to your list.
Host a virtual (or local) launch party.
Offer a limited-time bonus or giveaway.
Encourage readers to leave Amazon/Goodreads reviews.

Keep the momentum going after Post-Launch --

You can share reader testimonials / reviews in your socials. Go ahead and pitch book clubs or reading groups. Keep your book alive through events. Repurpose your book content into cool short videos, or quotes and of course blog posts.

Keep using those micro-goals. They are your friend! Your book lives. Keep it fed and talk about it often. Bravo!

With Vizion,