Behind the Scenes of My Writing Routine: From Manuscript to Book Launch

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​Every author has their unique writing process, and for me, it’s a mix of writing, social media, and preparation, all carefully balanced around the stage of my book’s development. Over the years, I’ve found a rhythm that works well, adapting my routine depending on whether I’m deep in the writing process or gearing up for a book release. Here’s a peek into my typical day and how things shift as publication gets closer.

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Writing Time (Morning to Mid-Afternoon)

When I’m not close to publishing a book, I spend around 70% of my time on writing. My mornings and early afternoons are my most productive hours. I sit down with my manuscript, cup of coffee in hand, and dive into the world I’m building. This part of the process is like crafting a story’s heart and soul.

For me, mornings are all about getting the words on the page. Whether it’s a quiet small-town romance or an epic fantasy battle, I let myself get lost in the writing. I keep my social media activities to a minimum during this phase, dedicating only the remaining 30% of my day to it.

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Two Months Before the Release

Once I get closer to the book’s release date, around two months out, the routine starts to shift. It’s a delicate balance between writing and the business side of being an author. This is where the 50/50 split comes in. My mornings still belong to my characters, but my afternoons take a turn toward marketing.

I use this time to plan for the book’s release. This includes prepping teasers, writing blog posts, scheduling social media, and preparing newsletters. It’s all about creating a buzz around the upcoming book.

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Near the Release Date

When the finish line is in sight, my focus shifts completely. For about 15 days leading up to the release and shortly after, I go into launch mode. My writing takes a backseat, and my entire focus is on promoting the book.

At this point, I dedicate 100% of my time to social media, emails, and coordinating the book launch. It’s an exciting but intense period where everything revolves around getting the word out. During these days, I’ll be scheduling live Q&As, posting countdowns, and engaging with readers.

This all-hands-on-deck approach continues for about two weeks post-launch to ensure the book has the best chance of success.

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Finding Balance

The beauty of this routine is its flexibility. I get to spend the majority of my time in the worlds I love to create, but when it’s time for business, I know exactly how to switch gears. This balance between creativity and marketing is key to keeping the process enjoyable yet effective.

As I prepare for the next release, I know the switch to launch mode will come soon, but for now, I’m enjoying the calm before the storm. And when the time comes to shift focus, I’ll be ready for the exciting journey to bring my book to readers.