Your launch basics
- Publication date and publisher
- A short description of the book
- Your in-house publicity contact, if you have one
- Any outlets already pitched or booked
Launch plan
How a book launch publicity campaign runs, step by step
Last updated: November 2026
A book launch publicity campaign runs in seven steps, from a goals conversation to intensive media follow-up, and each step is customized to the author.
C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists builds every launch campaign around the author's strengths and goals, then coordinates with the publisher so outreach lines up with the publication date. The result is a campaign designed to produce interviews, reviews, and features across print, radio, television, and online media, not a one-time mailing.
When should I start publicity for a book launching soon?
As early as you can. Long-lead outlets such as magazines plan ahead, and review copies need time to circulate before publication. If your date is close, contact C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists now and the firm will tell you what is realistic in the time left.
The seven steps of a customized launch campaign
A conversation about you
The campaign starts with your expertise and strengths, your media experience, and above all your professional goals: more book sales, new clients, speaking engagements, or the next book deal.
A customized media kit
The firm writes a media kit that producers, journalists, editors, and bloggers can use for background, reviews, story ideas, interview topics, and bylined articles.
A tailored contact list
Top media contacts with whom the firm has established relationships are matched to your book, with story ideas fitted to each outlet's audience.
Books and kits go out
Books and media kits are distributed to every media contact that matters for your title, timed to your publication date and coordinated with your publisher.
Daily pitching tied to the news
A continual stream of timely pitches positions you as a newsworthy expert, often aligned with breaking stories the same day they happen.
Intensive follow-up
Follow-up by phone and email turns interest into interviews, features, mentions, reviews, op-eds, and bylined placements.
Travel and appearances
Opportunities in major media markets are coordinated with your personal travel schedule, including local TV and book signings where you will already be.
What to have ready before the first call
About you
- Your area of expertise and credentials
- Past interviews, columns, or appearances
- Upcoming travel
- What you want the book to do for your career
Questions about launch timing and process
How far ahead of a launch should I hire a book publicist?
Earlier is better, because long-lead outlets such as magazines plan ahead and review copies need time to circulate. If your book is launching soon, contact C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists as early as possible so the media kit, pitches, and outreach can be timed to your publication date. The firm can tell you what is realistic for your schedule.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat happens in the first conversation with a publicist?
At C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists the work starts with a conversation about your expertise and strengths, your media experience, and above all your professional goals. From there the firm customizes a media kit and a strategic campaign designed to generate interest in you and your book.
See this answer in the full FAQDo I have to do radio and TV interviews?
No. Campaigns at C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists are built around each author's strengths, and the firm's own FAQ notes that if radio and television give you the jitters, it can focus on other media. Media coaching is also available to help authors feel confident on air and in front of live audiences.
See this answer in the full FAQCan a publicist coordinate media with my travel schedule?
Yes. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists evaluates and pursues opportunities in major media markets and coordinates appearances with your personal travel schedule. Its FAQ gives the example of arranging a local television appearance or a book signing when an author is already visiting family in another state.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat happens after the publicity campaign ends?
The goal is lasting value. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists aims to help authors form long-term relationships with editors, producers, and journalists who come to see them as experts, and its internet marketing work is designed to keep exposure going after the campaign through content for websites, blogs, and professional networks.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat if my book launched months ago with little coverage?
Publicity can still help after a launch, especially for nonfiction tied to ongoing news. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists builds pitches around timely stories and an author's expertise, not only the release date. Contact the firm to discuss where your book stands and what is realistic now.
See this answer in the full FAQBack to the guide to book publicity companies for a book launching soon