Course 10: Launch and Ongoing Management (for Self-Published Books, UK and US) (PDF Guide)

A 32-page printable PDF guide for UK and US self-publishers whose book is nearly ready: an honest launch plan, reviews and email lists within UK, US and Amazon rules, Amazon Ads basics and how to look after the book afterwards.

It is part of Self-Publishing: From Beginner to Pro, a ten-course series of printable PDF guides from Long Room Learning. Written in plain UK English with UK and US rules side by side. Facts, prices and platform rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026. No hype and no promised sales, reviews or rankings.

What you'll learn

• What a launch can and cannot do, and how to set goals you control
• A launch calendar built backwards from KDP's and IngramSpark's real lead times
• Getting your store pages ready: A+ Content, Author Central and checks on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com
• Reviews and review copies: UK law, US law and Amazon's rules side by side
• Bloggers and creators: when a post is an ad, and how to label it
• Email lists: UK (PECR) and US (CAN-SPAM) rules side by side
• KDP promotions and honest price deals
• Amazon Ads basics, with a break-even cost-per-click worksheet and a stop-loss test plan
• After launch: a monthly routine, changing files safely, update or new edition, unpublishing, records, UK tax basics, legal deposit and a yearly audit
• Five printable handouts, including a launch calendar and a post-publication audit checklist

Who it's for

First-time self-publishers in the UK or the US whose book is ready, or nearly ready, to go on sale, and who want to launch it sensibly and then look after it properly.

Who it's not for

It does not cover writing, editing, files, covers, ISBNs or platform set-up in detail (those have their own courses). It does not teach advanced advertising or social media strategy. It is not legal, tax, financial or marketing advice, and it promises no sales, reviews or rankings.

Common questions

How do I launch a self-published book?

Plan backwards from your release date using the platforms' fixed lead times (for example, a KDP ebook pre-order needs the final file 72 hours before release), get your store page right before you tell anyone, then tell the right readers honestly. Course 10 includes a launch calendar.

How do I get reviews for my book without breaking Amazon's rules?

Giving free review copies with no strings attached is allowed. Paying for reviews, asking only for good ones, review swaps and fake reviews are banned, and Amazon does not allow reviews from family or close friends. Course 10 sets out UK law, US law and Amazon's rules side by side.

Is it legal to give free copies in exchange for reviews in the UK?

Since 6 April 2025 UK law bans fake reviews and incentivised reviews that hide the incentive, and a free copy given in return for a review counts as an incentive, so it must be disclosed. Course 10 explains the CMA's guidance (general information, not legal advice).

Can I email people about my book?

Only people who agreed to hear from you. UK rules require specific consent, with a narrow exception for past customers; US rules require an unsubscribe link, your postal address and prompt action on opt-outs. Course 10 compares the two.

Are Amazon Ads worth it for authors?

Nobody can promise they will pay off. Ads cost money per click, not per sale, so work out your break-even cost per click before you start, set a total budget you can afford to lose, and stop when it is spent. Course 10 includes a break-even worksheet and test log.

What should I do after my book is published?

Check listings, reports, payments, reviews and ads monthly and log every change. Change files on both platforms on the same day, and know which changes need a new edition rather than an update.

What you get

An instant-download A4 PDF (32 pages) to read on screen or print, including five printable handouts: a launch calendar, a review-copy and creator log, an ad break-even worksheet and test log, a book file and version log, and a post-publication audit checklist.

Digital download (PDF). General information only; not legal, tax, financial or marketing advice. Rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026 and can change at any time. Long Room Learning is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon, KDP, Amazon Ads, IngramSpark or any regulator named. No level of sales, reviews, rankings or income is promised.