10. Book Launch Secrets: Get More Sales in Week 1 on a Low Budget

A successful book launch can set the tone for long-term sales, but many authors assume they need a massive budget to make an impact. The truth is, you don’t need thousands of dollars to have a strong first week, you just need a smart strategy.

The key to maximising sales without overspending is planning ahead, building momentum, and leveraging free or low-cost marketing tactics that create excitement around your book. A great launch isn’t about luck, it’s about preparation, visibility, and engagement.

Start Marketing Before Your Book Is Released

One of the biggest mistakes authors make is waiting until their book is live to start promoting it. By then, it’s too late to build anticipation, and they’re left scrambling for attention.

The best way to ensure a strong launch is to start talking about your book weeks or even months in advance. This doesn’t mean blasting “buy my book” posts everywhere. Instead, it means strategically building interest so that when your book becomes available, there’s already an audience eager to buy it.

Build an email list before launch. If you don’t already have an email list, now is the time to start one. Unlike social media, where algorithms control who sees your content, an email list gives you direct access to readers.

Offering a free short story, sample chapter, or exclusive content can encourage people to subscribe. Then, as your launch date approaches, you can send updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and reminders to keep your audience engaged and ready to buy.

Use a Pre-Order Strategy to Generate Early Sales

If you’re self-publishing, consider setting up pre-orders on Amazon or other retailers. Pre-orders help generate sales before launch day and can boost your book’s ranking when it officially releases.

If you don’t have a large audience yet, that’s okay; even a small number of pre-orders can make a difference. To encourage readers to pre-order, offer a bonus like an exclusive digital download or entry into a giveaway. Readers love feeling like they’re getting something extra, and this small incentive can increase early sales.

Create a Launch Team to Boost Reviews and Word-of-Mouth

A strong launch isn’t just about selling books, it’s about creating momentum that keeps your book visible. One of the best ways to do this is by recruiting a launch team, a small group of readers who get an advance copy of your book and agree to leave a review on release day.

Reviews play a huge role in helping new readers decide whether to buy a book. The more early reviews you have, the more credible your book appears. Your launch team doesn’t have to be huge, even 10-20 dedicated readers can make a big difference.

You can recruit team members from your email list, social media followers, or writing groups. The key is making it easy for them to follow through by sending reminders and providing clear instructions on how to leave a review.

Leverage Free Promotion Opportunities

While paid ads can be helpful, many authors overlook free promotion opportunities that can bring in just as many (or more) sales. A well-executed launch can generate buzz without spending a lot of money. Here are some ways to do it:

Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers. Many bloggers and online reviewers accept review requests, especially if your book aligns with their niche. Start reaching out well before your launch so they have time to read and post reviews around release week.
Submit to free book promotion sites. While some book promo sites require payment, others will feature new releases at no cost. Websites like BookBub, Bargain Booksy, and Freebooksy offer both free and paid options to get your book in front of potential readers.
Schedule podcast interviews or guest blog posts. If your book is nonfiction, appearing on podcasts related to your topic is a great way to build visibility. Fiction authors can reach out to book-related podcasts, guest post on writing blogs, or collaborate with other authors for cross-promotion.

Make the Most of Social Media—Without Spamming

Social media can be a powerful tool for a book launch, but many authors go about it the wrong way. Constantly posting “Buy my book!” doesn’t work. Instead, focus on engagement and storytelling.

Share behind-the-scenes content. Talk about your writing process, what inspired your book, or the challenges you overcame to finish it.
Create countdown posts. As your launch date approaches, post teasers, excerpts, or character introductions to build excitement.
Engage with readers. Respond to comments, ask for opinions (e.g., “Which cover version do you like best?”), and start conversations. Readers are more likely to buy a book from an author they feel connected to.
Use video. Live readings, short TikTok or Instagram Reels, and casual behind-the-scenes videos can get more engagement than static posts.

Leverage Your Network and Existing Readers

Don’t be afraid to ask for support. If you’ve built relationships with other authors, readers, or industry professionals, let them know about your launch. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools.

Ask readers to share your book. If someone enjoyed an early copy, encourage them to spread the word. Many readers love to support authors they believe in.
Collaborate with other authors. Partnering with other writers in your genre for a launch event, giveaway, or newsletter swap can expand your reach.
Tap into local opportunities. Contact libraries, bookstores, or writing groups in your area to see if they’d be interested in featuring your book or hosting an event.

Keep the Momentum Going After Launch Week

A strong launch is important, but what happens after the first week matters as much. Some authors put all their energy into release day, then see sales drop off quickly. To keep your book selling beyond launch week, continue engaging with your audience.

Run limited-time promotions. If your book is normally priced at $4.99, running a temporary price drop (e.g., $0.99 for a few days) can attract new readers and boost your book’s ranking.
Continue asking for reviews. The more reviews you have, the easier it is to sell books. Keep encouraging readers to leave honest feedback.
Experiment with small ads. Even if you’re not ready to spend a lot on advertising, testing a small $5-$10 per day budget on Amazon or Facebook ads can help sustain sales.
Engage your audience. Keep your email list updated with valuable content, book recommendations, and exclusive updates—not just sales pitches. Readers who enjoy your book are more likely to buy your next one, so keep them engaged between releases.

A Successful Launch Doesn’t Require a Huge Budget

A great book launch isn’t about spending the most money, it’s about building momentum through smart, strategic marketing. Starting early, engaging with readers, leveraging free promotion opportunities, and maintaining momentum after release can make all the difference. Even if you don’t have a big budget, focusing on reviews, organic visibility, and direct reader engagement can help your book stand out.

The most successful launches don’t happen by accident, they’re planned, executed with consistency, and built on genuine connections with readers. Whether you’re launching your first book or your tenth, focusing on the right strategies can help you maximise sales, generate buzz, and set the foundation for a long-term, successful writing career.

Until the next one