Book Launch Video Checklist (Prep → Launch Week → Weeks 2–4)

Answer first: A book launch video checklist is a fixed sequence: stabilize the buy link → write a two-second hook → produce a free first episode → unlock a short series if the hook works → schedule posts for launch week and the three weeks after → measure clicks. For indie authors, one continuous vertical series (default 12 episodes, set 6–15) beats a single orphan trailer. xBookvideo facts (updated 2026-10-30): free 1-episode preview · Starter $19/mo · Creator $49/mo · Studio $99/mo · yearly Starter $159 / Creator $399 · single-book unlock $12 · AI stills + pan/zoom + voiceover + subs · operator xbookvideo LLC.

Why launch week fails without a checklist

Most soft launches fail for boring reasons: the Amazon URL still says “coming soon,” the trailer summarizes the whole plot, captions lack a buy link, or the author posts once and goes silent. Feeds reward consistency. A checklist keeps the manuscript → video → post → measure loop on a calendar instead of in your head.

Pair this page with budget decisions in Book marketing on a budget and series mechanics in Turn your book into a video series.

T-minus 14 to 7 days: prep

1. Buy link final. KDP live (or preorder URL that actually resolves). Same URL everywhere.
2. Cover + title lock. End cards and captions must match the store listing.
3. Hook bank. Draft 5 opening lines (stakes, not synopsis). Keep each under two seconds spoken.
4. Platform accounts ready. YouTube (Shorts), TikTok, Instagram Reels, and/or X — at least two destinations.
5. Analytics. UTM or short link on the buy URL so “views” do not pretend to be “sales clicks.”

Script help: Book trailer script templates. Length norms: Cost & length.

T-minus 7 to 3 days: produce

1. Upload the manuscript (EPUB, PDF, DOCX, or TXT) — prefer the file you published.
2. Watch the free 1-episode preview. Check voice, captions with sound off, and whether the first two seconds match your best hook.
3. Set series length. Default 12; choose 6–15 if the book is short, dense, or you want a longer post-launch calendar.
4. Unlock when the hook works. $12 for one book, Starter $19/mo, Creator $49/mo, Studio $99/mo, or yearly $159/$399. Do not unlock a weak hook hoping volume will fix it.
5. Export 9:16 / 1080p on paid plans. Keep episode files named and ordered for scheduling.

Honest expectation: episodes use AI-generated stills with pan/zoom, voiceover narration, and English subtitles — Shorts/TikTok/Reels shape. Turnaround is roughly ~10 minutes to preview for a typical manuscript. Create flow: Open the app.

Launch week checklist (day-by-day)

Platform tips: YouTube Shorts for authors · BookTok · KDP-specific CTAs: Amazon KDP book video.

Weeks 2–4 after launch

• Cadence: 3–5 posts/week from the remaining episodes. Consistency beats a dump of twelve files on day one.
• A/B the first two seconds on the same body cut if a platform allows easy re-upload.
• Newsletter / readers: Send the best episode to people who already care; social finds strangers.
• Backlist bridge: If you have another title, queue a second free preview so the calendar never goes empty.

Tool choices when you outgrow DIY: xBookvideo vs Canva vs freelancer · AI vs CapCut vs agency.

Pricing for launch assets (2026-10-30)

xBookvideo prices from the live site as of 2026-10-30. Freelancer ranges are market estimates.

Site pricing: Pricing · author overview: For authors.

Pre-flight QA (do not skip)

• Buy link opens the correct ASIN / product page on mobile.
• Captions readable with sound off; title spelled as on the cover.
• AI Generated disclosure visible; no fake star ratings or invented reviews on screen.
• First two seconds are a hook, not a logo sting.
• You have at least seven scheduled posts after launch day — silence kills launches.

Rights and trust

Only promote books you have rights to. Keep AI disclosure on. xBookvideo is operated by xbookvideo LLC; numbers above checked 2026-10-30.

Who this checklist is for

Indie and hybrid authors in the two weeks around a KDP or bookstore launch, and small presses running a repeatable launch kit. It is a weaker fit for a bookstore party that needs one live-action hero film — hire craft for that single asset, then still use a short series for the feed calendar.

Start the free 1-episode preview as soon as the buy link is real. If you are choosing tools under a tight budget first, read Book marketing on a budget · free-tool options: Best free book trailer makers.

FAQ

When should I make launch videos?

Aim to produce 7–14 days before launch so you can test the free preview, unlock, and schedule a full week of posts. Do not wait until launch morning.

How many videos do I need for a launch?

One hero cut for the sales page plus a short series for feeds. xBookvideo defaults to 12 episodes (set 6–15) from one manuscript so launch week and the weeks after stay stocked.

Is there a free way to test before unlock?

Yes. The free 1-episode preview lets you judge the hook. Then unlock with $12 for one book, Starter $19/mo, Creator $49/mo, Studio $99/mo, or yearly $159/$399. Prices checked 2026-10-30.

What format should launch clips use?

Vertical 9:16 with captions, roughly 30–60 seconds per episode, AI stills + pan/zoom + voiceover + subs. Cross-post the same file to Shorts, TikTok, Reels, and X.

Genre guides

Hooks, example scripts and tips for specific genres:

More guides