Launching Books on Amazon: The Christmas Ostrich

How We Helped a Client Get Their Book Under the Christmas Tree (Just in Time!)

It’s beginning to look a lot like… Amazon book launch season! 🎄For one of our amazing clients, we helped make their dream come true by launching their book just in time for Christmas, and today, we're sharing how you can do the same.

Whether you're ready to sleigh your way to the best seller list or simply want to see your book nestled under a few trees, launching on Amazon doesn’t have to be a Christmas miracle—especially with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) as your little helper.

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Why Amazon KDP Is the Perfect Christmas Present for Authors

Gone are the days when you needed to write endless query letters or pitch to publishers like Penguin, hoping someone would take a chance on your story. With Amazon’s KDP, you’re in control, and here’s why that’s such a gift:

1. Creative Freedom: You get to keep full control of your work. No publishers asking for content changes, cover redesigns, or storyline edits. Your book stays 100% yours, exactly how you imagined it.
2. No Gatekeepers: You don’t need to go through the traditional pitching process to get your book out there. With KDP, you can publish without waiting for someone to say "yes."
3. Faster Launch: While traditional publishing can take months, even years, with KDP you can have your book on Amazon in just a few days—perfect for capitalising on the holiday rush.
4. Higher Royalties: KDP allows you to earn up to 70% in royalties, which is often much more than what traditional publishers offer. That means more Christmas cheer in your pocket!
5. Global Reach: KDP gives your book global exposure instantly, reaching readers in every corner of the world without needing to secure international publishing deals.

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A Gift-Wrapped How-To: Launching Your Book on Amazon

Launching a book on Amazon is easier than wrapping presents at midnight on Christmas Eve (promise!). Here's a quick stocking stuffer guide:

1. Create Your KDP Account: If you don’t have one yet, sign up for an account on Amazon KDP.
2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Ensure your manuscript is formatted correctly (see Amazon’s guidelines here) and that your cover design is as jolly as Santa’s suit.
3. Upload Your Content: Add your manuscript, cover, and essential details like book title, keywords, and genre.
4. Set Your Pricing: Decide on pricing and royalties. Remember, Amazon allows up to 70% in royalties depending on the price range you choose.
5. Preview and Publish: Use Amazon’s preview tool to make sure everything looks perfect, then hit publish. Your book will be live on Amazon within 72 hours.

🎅 Pro Tip: Want to offer your readers a sneak peek? You can enable the “Look Inside” feature to give them a preview of a few pages—like teasing a Christmas present without giving away the surprise!

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Deck the Shelves in Time for Peak Season

Timing is everything—especially if you want to catch those last-minute Christmas shoppers. Here’s a timeline to ensure your book hits the Amazon marketplace before the season peaks:

• October: Upload your manuscript, cover, and other materials no later than mid-October to give yourself time to iron out any kinks.
• Early November: Go live! This is a perfect window for launch, as early holiday shoppers are already on the lookout for stocking stuffers.
• Mid-November: You’ll want your book available by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when the Christmas shopping frenzy really kicks into gear.

Making Your Book Shine Like a Christmas Star

Once your book is live, it’s time to sprinkle in some extra festive cheer with these features:

• About the Author: Write a short bio to connect with your readers on a personal level. It's like leaving cookies out for Santa—don’t skip it!
• A+ Content: Add some basic A+ Content, such as engaging images or a visual layout that grabs attention. It's like adding a bow to your Christmas present—irresistible!
• Snippet/Preview: Let potential readers unwrap a few pages before they buy with Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature. This small gift goes a long way in boosting sales.
• Amazon’s Printing Services: If you’re planning to offer a paperback, Amazon’s print-on-demand service will save you from overstocking. Print only what you need when you need it—perfect for both the environment and your budget.

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Boosting Sales: Running Ads on Your Book

Want to boost book sales this holiday season? Amazon ads are like Santa’s reindeer, pulling your book to the top of wish lists. Here’s why:

• Targeted Reach: Get your book in front of the right audience by targeting specific genres, keywords, or competing titles.
• Sponsored Product Ads: Appear in search results or on product pages, boosting visibility when readers are browsing.
• Cost-Effective: You only pay for clicks and can control your daily budget.
• Measurable Results: Track performance and optimise your ads with detailed Amazon reporting.

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🎁 Pro Tip: To really make an impact, start running ads in early November. This will ensure your book gets traction in time for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the pre-Christmas rush.

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🎄 Final Thoughts: It's Not Too Late to Launch Before Christmas! 🎄

At Sitruna, we helped our client get their book, The Christmas Ostrich, ready in record time—no reindeer required! If you’re thinking about launching a book in time for Christmas, remember that good planning and a little help from Amazon’s tools can make all the difference.

If you're ready to unwrap your own book launch this holiday season, feel free to reach out! Or, for more details, check out this full step-by-step guide on How to Launch a Book on Amazon.

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