Countdown to Book Launch & Progress Report

A transparent look at where we are and what’s next. The clock is ticking!

Lighthouse in the Desert - Countdown to Launch

Liftoff target: Aug 1, 2026

—days
—hours
—mins
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Overall Progress

16%

Next Up

  • • (0%)
  • • Developmental Edit (0%)
  • • Copyedit (0%)

Progress Report

  • Core manuscript & editing
  • Manuscript
    80% on track
    Target: Feb 15, 2026 · in 140d
  • Developmental Edit ?
    0% on track
    Target: Jan 10, 2026 · in 104d
  • Copyedit
    0% on track
    Target: Mar 10, 2026 · in 163d
  • Proofreading
    10% on track
    Target: May 10, 2026 · in 224d
  • Design & production
  • Cover Design ?
    60% on track
    Target: Feb 1, 2026 · in 126d
  • Interior Layout
    0% on track
    Target: Apr 1, 2026 · in 185d
  • Print Version
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 1, 2026 · in 246d
  • Digital Version (EPUB/KF8)
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 15, 2026 · in 260d
  • Metadata & distribution
  • ISBN & Metadata
    60% on track
    Target: Feb 20, 2026 · in 145d
  • Retail Metadata QA ?
    0% on track
    Target: May 20, 2026 · in 234d
  • Distribution Setup (KDP &/or IngramSpark)
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 10, 2026 · in 255d
  • Platform & content
  • Author Website Polish ?
    40% on track
    Target: Apr 15, 2026 · in 199d
  • Blog Posts Added ?
    40% on track
    Target: Mar 30, 2026 · in 183d
  • Social Updates
    20% on track
    Target: Jul 1, 2026 · in 276d
  • Email Welcome/Launch Sequence
    10% on track
    Target: Apr 20, 2026 · in 204d
  • Outreach & PR
  • ARC Outreach ?
    0% on track
    Target: Apr 25, 2026 · in 209d
  • Media/Podcast Outreach
    0% on track
    Target: May 15, 2026 · in 229d
  • Press Kit Ready
    15% on track
    Target: Apr 5, 2026 · in 189d
  • Goodreads Page & Early Reviews
    0% on track
    Target: May 1, 2026 · in 215d
  • Funding & commerce
  • Setup GiveSendGo Crowdfunding / Fundraiser
    100% done
    Completed: Sep 23, 2025 · 8d early · See campaign
  • Pre-order Setup
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 20, 2026 · in 265d
  • Audio & extras
  • Audiobook
    0% on track
    Target: Jul 10, 2026 · in 285d
  • Book Trailer (optional)
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 1, 2026 · in 246d
  • Launch & aftercare
  • Launch Assets
    15% on track
    Target: Jul 20, 2026 · in 295d
  • Launch Day Logistics
    0% on track
    Target: Aug 1, 2026 · in 307d
  • Giveaways / ARC Follow-ups
    0% on track
    Target: Aug 10, 2026 · in 316d
  • Post-Launch Reviews & Updates
    0% on track
    Target: Aug 15, 2026 · in 321d
  • Interviews
  • Interviews Recorded
    0% on track
    Target: Jun 30, 2026 · in 275d

What the stages mean

Editing
  • Developmental Edit — Big-picture structure, pacing, clarity.
    Goal: a cohesive arc; cut/merge chapters; fix logic/pacing.
    Deliverables: Editor memo + marked manuscript + revision plan.
  • Copyedit — Line-level grammar, usage, style, consistency.
    Goal: clean, consistent voice and terminology.
    Deliverables: Style sheet + tracked-changes manuscript.
  • Proofreading — Final typo/layout catches after interior layout.
    Goal: no spelling/formatting glitches in print/EPUB.
    Deliverables: Proof list + corrected print/EPUB files.
Design & Production
  • Cover Design — Front/spine/back + retailer thumbnails.
    Deliverables: Print-ready PDF, JPG/PNG, layered source.
  • Interior Layout — Print typography & composition; EPUB/KF8 build.
    Deliverables: Print PDF (bleed/trim), EPUB/KF8 files.
  • ISBN & Metadata — ISBNs, BISAC, keywords, pricing, description.
    Deliverables: Metadata sheet + ONIX-ready fields.
Distribution & Retail
  • Distribution Setup — KDP and/or IngramSpark account + titles.
    Deliverables: Retail product pages and proof approvals.
  • Pre-order Setup — Retail pages live with assets & dates.
    Deliverables: Live pre-order links; “Look Inside” approved.
Platform & Outreach
  • ARC Outreach — Advance copies to early reviewers/media.
    Deliverables: Reviewer list + tracking sheet + 30+ requests.
  • Press Kit — Author bio, book synopsis, images, talking points.
    Deliverables: Web press page + downloadable zip.
  • Email Welcome/Launch Sequence — Short automated series for subscribers.
    Deliverables: 4–6 emails queued; links and CTAs tested.