Most first-time indie authors put all their launch budget into ads and skip the free groundwork that actually gets a new book off zero. Here are four things worth doing before you spend a dollar on promotion.
1. Know what an ARC actually is, and use it correctly
An advance reader copy (ARC) is a close-to-final version of your book you send to readers before launch, in exchange for an honest review once the book goes live. Get the timing wrong (too early, too late, or no clear posting instructions) and you lose most of the reviews you were counting on. This ARC guide walks through the full process, including how an ARC differs from a beta copy, a proof, and a galley.
2. Get your keywords right before you publish, not after
Amazon's search algorithm cares about the exact keywords in your metadata. A tool built specifically for Amazon KDP keyword research beats guessing, since general SEO tools are not built around Amazon's search behavior.
3. Get a cover that reads at thumbnail size
Most readers see your cover first as a tiny thumbnail on a search results page. A cover designer who understands genre conventions and thumbnail legibility is worth the spend, especially in a crowded genre like romance or thriller.
4. Line up your reviewers before launch day, not after
A book with zero reviews on day one starts at a real disadvantage. iWrity is a free review exchange where indie authors read and review each other's books within the same genre, which is one practical way to build a small review base heading into launch without violating Amazon's terms of service.
None of these four things costs money except the cover designer, and all four matter more than most first-time authors expect going in.
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