Summer releases of fiction books see higher sales because it’s when many readers have more free time. The summer season naturally leans more toward relaxation and leisure activities.
How do you make sure your fiction book is ready to be released a year from now?
In this article, we’re covering what books do well with summer releases, the recommended timeline to follow if you want to release your novel in the summer, how long it takes to write the first draft of a novel, and questions to ask yourself as you prepare your publishing timeline.
What Books Do Well With a Summer Release?
Fiction books are better suited for a summer release. General fiction, beach reads, romance novels, thrillers, and mystery novels, as well as young adult (YA) fiction books are purchased more often during the summer.
These fiction genres do so well when released in the summer due to summer travel and leisure activities. Air travel, as well as train and car travel, all increase during the summer months because children are out of school and family vacations take precedence. Plus, people love to escape into a good book and be entertained.
How Long Does It Take to Write the First Draft of a Fiction Book?
A small set of writers can finish a first draft in a few weeks, while others take years to complete their manuscript. A good rule of thumb, however, is to give yourself six months to a year to write your first draft. This allows you to take your time and produce a well-crafted manuscript.
Questions to Ask Yourself Now to Have Your Fiction Book Ready in One Year
Here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure you are on track to start writing your book:
- Do I have a clear idea of what kind of book I want to write?
- Have I set aside time to write and edit my manuscript?
- Am I prepared to invest in professional editing and other services to make my book great?
- Have I started building my author brand?
- Do I have ideas of what I like for cover design and marketing materials?
Follow This Timeline to Publish Fiction During the Summer
Follow our sample timeline to have your book ready one year from now:
12 months before your book’s release: Start writing your first draft.
6 months before release: Revise and self-edit your work. Then find beta readers to critique your writing.
3 months before release: Hire a professional editor and start working on your marketing plans and materials.
~ 45 days before release: Work with a cover designer and typesetter to turn your manuscript into a book. Begin building buzz for your book.
1 month before release: Promote your upcoming book on social media by sharing your cover design and other details about your book.
Release day: Celebrate! Don’t forget to record yourself unboxing your books and share the video on social media.
Leave A Comment