As the clock winds down on 2025, many authors are taking a breath, wrapping up the year, and thinking ahead. If you’ve published a book or are preparing one for release, now is the perfect moment to set the stage for a productive, strategic 2026 book-marketing year.
A well-organized plan today means less scrambling, fewer missed opportunities, and more consistent results all year long. Below are key steps you can take right now—plus a resource to help you get started.
1. Review Your 2025 Metrics & Lessons
Before diving into new plans, look back at what worked (and what didn’t):
- Which promotional channels delivered the most engagement or sales (social, email, events, ads)?
- Did any campaigns or events generate buzz or reviews that you want to replicate?
- What tasks kept getting postponed? What bottlenecks stifled momentum?
- Which dates or holidays in 2025 you missed but could plan for next year?
Document your insights—it will shape smarter choices in 2026.
2. Define Your 2026 Marketing Objectives
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I aim to reach more readers (expand audience), sell more copies, or build a stronger author brand?
- Will I release a new book in 2026, or focus on promoting an existing one?
- What is my promotion budget and how many hours per week/month can I devote?
- Which channels will I prioritize (online ads, blog/email, local events, collaborations, awards, etc.)?
Clear objectives let you allocate your time and resources with purpose.
3. Build Your 2026 Marketing Calendar
Once you’ve reviewed, defined objectives, and gathered lessons learned, it’s time to map out when and how you’ll execute. A calendar helps you:
- Identify key dates (book fairs, seasonal holidays, awareness months, award submission deadlines)
- Spread your efforts so you avoid big rushes and gaps
- Allocate time for content creation, launch preparation, promotion, and follow-up
If you haven’t yet, consider using the Outskirts Press Author Marketing Calendar 2026 — a structured monthly layout designed for authors to plan, track, and execute their marketing.
Explore it here: Outskirts Press Author Marketing Calendar 2026.
4. Choose Your Anchor Campaigns
Pick 2-3 major campaigns that will anchor your year—such as:
- A book launch in spring
- A summer reading challenge or giveaway
- A fall awards submission push
- A holiday-season promotion or new format (audiobook, special edition)
These campaigns help you structure your calendar, create content in advance, and build momentum rather than always chasing last-minute tasks.
5. Create Content Inventory & Systems
Marketing isn’t just doing things—it’s having the content ready when you need it. Use January to:
- Draft your author newsletter themes for the first half of the year
- Create editable templates for social posts, graphics, email headers, bookmarks or promotional materials
- Set up a content-repository (folder, drive, system) where you store visuals, blurbs, links, and promo copy
- Plan recurring monthly tasks (e.g., blog post every month, email every other month, social live every quarter)
These systems reduce stress and keep you consistent.
6. Budget & Resource Planning
Marketing takes money and time. On your calendar:
- Allocate dates and budgets for advertising (Amazon, Facebook, BookBub, etc.)
- Consider outsourcing or delegating tasks you’re less comfortable with (graphics, video, ad targeting)
- Reserve funds and time for key events or awards (entry fees, travel, materials)
By budgeting early, you avoid scrambling or overspending mid-year.
7. Schedule a Quarterly Review
Don’t set your plan and forget it. Set a reminder for March, June, and September to review:
- What’s working? What’s not?
- Are you on schedule for your anchor campaigns?
- Do you need to adjust your tactics or re-allocate resources?
- What can you prepare in advance for the next quarter?
A plan that is flexible and reviewed regularly lasts.
8. Launch Your Year with Intention
Go into 2026 confident—not reacting, but acting. Your first steps matter in setting tone and pace. For example:
- January: Send a “Book Marketing Roadmap for You” email to your newsletter list
- Early Q1: Announce your big spring campaign or book release date
- Pre-launch: Use your calendar to schedule content, create anticipation, and reach out to collaborators
By starting strong, you build momentum that carries you into the rest of the year.
Final Thoughts
Because you write—for readers, for impact, for passion—you deserve a marketing year that supports your story. Starting your planning on December 31 gives you a head start. With clarity, a calendar, anchor campaigns, content systems, and a budget, 2026 can become your most deliberate, organized, and successful book-marketing year yet.
Need help putting the pieces together? The Author Marketing Calendar 2026 is designed for this exact moment. Start today and give your book its best year.
Explore the calendar →
Here’s to a fresh year, a clear plan, and readers waiting to discover your story.
Happy New Year—and happy planning!
Outskirts Press
Where gratitude meets great publishing.
Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:
- Call 1-888-672-6657
- Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
- Schedule a free consultation
Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.
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