Most self-published books fail not because they are bad but because they are invisible. The launch process determines whether Amazon notices your book or ignores it.
The Three Pillars
Discoverability: can readers find your book? Conversion: do they buy when they find it? Momentum: does early activity feed the algorithm? Every launch step serves one of these pillars.
Pre-Launch: Market Validation
Study the top twenty books in your category. Check covers, prices, and reviews. Use Publisher Rocket for keyword research. Identify high-demand, low-competition opportunities.
Your Cover Is Everything
Must signal your genre at thumbnail size. Test at 120 pixels wide. If you cannot read the title or identify the genre, redesign.
Metadata Optimization
Seven keyword fields, two categories, and HTML-formatted description determine discoverability. Use the zero-repetition system.
Launch Week
First seven days set trajectory. Use ARC readers for day-one reviews. Promote on social media. Consider a brief launch discount.
The Complete System
For the full ten-week timeline with checklists, Amazon Ads guide, and fifteen mistakes to avoid, see Self-Publishing Launch Playbook from IndiePress Toolkit.