You are starting at zero. No manuscript. No cover. No listing.
Ninety days sounds tight, yet it is absolutely possible if you focus on the right steps and cut the busywork. Every week should move you forward.
This guide shows exactly what to do, when to do it, and what to ignore so you can hit “publish” without burning out.
Week 1: Lay the Groundwork
Goal: Set up your publishing environment and lock your book’s promise.
Do this:
- Create or update your KDP account, complete the tax interview, payout details, and enable two-step sign-in.
- Decide your formats: ebook, paperback, or hardcover. Ebook is fastest.
- Define your reader promise in one sentence. This is the payoff the book delivers.
- Scope the length. For beginner-friendly nonfiction, 25k–35k words keeps you on schedule. For genre fiction, follow the range your top sellers use.
- Pick a working title and subtitle. Clear is better than clever at this stage.
Why it matters: Admin delays and unclear goals eat up weeks. With setup complete and your promise locked, the outline writes itself.
Weeks 2–3: Validate the Idea and Map the Book
Goal: Prove there’s demand, then create a structure you can follow.
Do this:
- Search Amazon for your topic. Note the top sellers, their covers, prices, and review gaps.
- Build a keyword list from titles and subtitles in your niche. These will shape your metadata later.
- Shortlist two main categories that match reader expectations and give you a chance to rank.
- Outline the book:
- Nonfiction: Introduce the problem, walk the reader through steps, close with the result.
- Fiction: Establish character goals, stakes, midpoint turn, climax, and resolution.
Checkpoint: If your outline doesn’t excite you, fix the angle now. It won’t magically improve at 30,000 words.
Weeks 4–6: Draft Without Drama
Goal: Finish a clean first draft that delivers on the promise.
Daily routine:
- Target word count: 1,000–1,200 for nonfiction, 1,200–1,800 for fiction.
- Write in two 45-minute blocks each day.
- No in-session editing. Fixes happen after writing, not during.
Tips:
- Start each chapter with a clear question or scene goal.
- End with a cliffhanger (fiction) or a quick win (nonfiction).
- Use placeholders for stats or details to keep momentum.
If stuck, switch to a later chapter and return later. Progress beats perfect order.
Week 7: Structural Edit
Goal: Fix the big-picture flow.
Do this:
- Read through quickly, marking only major issues.
- Cut repetition, move related sections together, and tighten chapter takeaways.
- Ensure every chapter moves the reader toward the promised outcome.
If a chapter doesn’t serve the reader promise, it goes.
Week 8: Line Edit and Beta Feedback
Goal: Smooth the read and get outside input.
Do this:
- Read aloud to spot clunky phrasing.
- Replace vague statements with specific actions or examples.
- Send to 3–5 beta readers with three questions:
- Where did you skim?
- What confused you?
- What helped you most?
Give them one week to respond, then move on.
Week 9: Proofread, Front Matter, Back Matter
Goal: Eliminate surface errors and add supporting content.
Do this:
- Proofread for spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
- Add front matter (title page, copyright, dedication) and back matter (one strong call-to-action: newsletter signup, related book, or bonus).
- If this is part of a series, reserve a “Coming Next” page.
Keep your back matter focused. One clear next step works better than a menu.
Week 10: Formatting and Cover
Goal: Produce ready-to-upload files.
Interior:
- Choose your formatting tool (Kindle Create, Atticus, Vellum, or Word with styles).
- Lock trim size (5×8 or 6×9 are common).
- Export a clean EPUB for Kindle and a print-ready PDF for paperback.
Cover:
- Match the visual style of top sellers in your category.
- Make sure the title is clear at thumbnail size.
- For print, create the full wrap with spine width based on your page count.
Check your files in KDP’s previewer and fix any warnings before publishing.
Week 11: Retail Readiness and Pre-order Options
Goal: Make your product page convert visitors into buyers.
Do this:
- Write a blurb with a strong hook, a short benefit-focused middle, and a clear close.
- Fill backend keywords with real search terms.
- Finalize categories.
- Add A+ Content with visuals and bullet points.
- Ensure your “Look Inside” sample is polished and starts strong.
If setting a Kindle pre-order, give yourself extra buffer days for review and any fixes.
Week 12: Launch Week
Goal: Sell 100 copies to targeted readers, gather reviews, and build momentum.
Day 1: Announce to your email list. Ask for honest reviews. Price to encourage early units. Turn on small auto ads.
Day 2: Share an excerpt on social media and in relevant reader groups.
Day 3: Check ad data. Pause poor performers. Update blurb if needed.
Day 4: Post a blog article related to your book with a link to your Amazon page. Remind ARC readers to review.
Day 5: Move converting keywords to manual ads with tighter bids.
Day 6: Send a second email to your list with a fresh angle.
Day 7: Run a short discount promo if your niche responds to it.
After Launch: Weeks 13 and Beyond
Goal: Keep steady sales and prepare the next release.
Weekly rhythm:
- Test one small change per week (blurb tweak, subtitle adjustment, secondary category).
- Keep a small auto ad running to find new targets.
- Move winners to manual campaigns.
- Keep asking real readers for reviews.
Formatting and ISBN Choices
Ebook: Export a clean EPUB. No ISBN needed.
Print: Choose between KDP’s free ISBN or purchasing your own. Match trim size to your niche. Export a PDF with embedded fonts and correct margins.
Cover and Blurb Checklist
Cover:
- Genre-appropriate style.
- Bold, readable title.
- Hierarchy that leads the eye from title to subtitle to author name.
Blurb:
- Hook that speaks to the reader’s desire or problem.
- Middle that promises the journey or result.
- One-sentence call-to-action.
Reviews and Social Proof
Ethical review building:
- ARC team from your email list.
- Back-of-book review request.
- Reader magnets to attract your ideal audience before launch.
Fifteen thoughtful reviews from genuine readers will help far more than a pile of generic ones.
Ads That Learn Quickly
Start small:
- Auto-targeting to discover keywords.
- Manual keyword targeting based on auto campaign results.
- Product targeting against similar books.
If CTR is low, check your cover and title. If CTR is good but sales are low, improve your blurb or pricing.
The Full 90-Day Timeline
Days 1–7: KDP setup, reader promise, scope, working title, keyword and category shortlist.
Days 8–21: Validate topic, complete outline, brief cover.
Days 22–42: Write daily, aim for target word count.
Days 43–49: Structural edit.
Days 50–56: Line edit and beta reading.
Days 57–63: Proofread, add front/back matter, format interiors.
Days 64–70: Finalize cover, export files, clear preview.
Days 71–77: Finalize product page, add A+ Content, set pre-order if applicable.
Days 78–84: Prep ARC team, write launch emails, set up ads.
Days 85–90: Launch week actions.
Smart Shortcuts That Save Time
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FAQ
Do I need to publish ebook, paperback, and hardcover all at once?
No. Ebook plus paperback is plenty for a first launch.
How long does KDP take to approve?
Anywhere from hours to a few days. Build in buffer time.
Can I set up a Kindle pre-order?
Yes, but only for ebooks. Print goes live after approval.
What’s the best word count?
Match the range your top sellers use in your niche.
When should I start ads?
When your page is retail ready and you have a few reviews.
