Release Dates: When Should You Publish Your Life Story or Family History Book?

NextGen-published books

We’re all familiar with due dates. Whether we’re writing papers, paying bills, or even expecting a baby’s arrival, these dates mark a clear point by which something is anticipated to happen. 

In publishing, however, “due dates” aren’t always so fixed. While authors hit important milestones throughout the process, timelines can shift based on a number of factors. Still, one date stands out as especially significant: the release date—the moment a book becomes available to the world. 

A life story book available for pre-order. But how do you choose the date?

Choosing when to launch a life story or family history book is a strategic decision with many variables involved. Here are five key factors to consider when determining the best time to start pre-sales - and the best time to release your book into the world.

1. Holidays and Observance Periods

If the themes of a book tie directly to a specific holiday or cause, it would make sense to release that book during a relevant time of the year for those events. For example, a memoir about a parent’s life could be timed around Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Furthermore, longer recognition periods—such as Parkinson Awareness Month in April for Canadians—provide some flexibility in a book’s release while still falling within a clear window.

One NextGen author, Elizabeth Johnstone, used a thoughtful and meaningful approach when publishing her memoir, Loss Within Waves. In her book, Elizabeth beautifully shares her heartbreaking reflections of perinatal loss. With Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day taking place on October 15th, Elizabeth offered pre-orders in the fall leading up to her book’s release in early November.

2. Industry Trends

Generally speaking, fall is a popular season to publish books of many genres, including life stories and family history books. While this brings increased book-buying activity, it can also be more challenging for smaller-scale projects to stand out. Alternatively, authors may consider whether their subgenre may be better suited for a release in a different season. January, for instance, is great for inspirational titles supporting New Year’s resolutions, while February is appropriate for romance-themed stories. Aligning with seasonal trends can help bring books to readers’ attention.

One NextGen author, Gord Price, aligned the release of Wings of Resilience to the Toronto International Airshow, where he knew many of his potential readers would be convening.

3. Audience Trends

Beyond the book’s content, an author should consider the season in which their target audience is most likely to buy books. A November launch positions a book well for holiday shopping in December, which will reach many audience demographics. For a more specific example, if an author is writing a light and breezy story for working adults, a May or June release makes sense so that readers can buy the book in time for summer vacations. Understanding the rhythms of readers’ lives will help authors meet them where they are at.

4. Personal Milestones 

Looking inward, an author might choose to release their book on a day that holds deep significance to them. This might involve publishing on a birthday, a pertinent anniversary, or even in the lead-up to a conference or event that will give the author a platform to discuss their book. These dates can serve as powerful motivators to move the book forward and be an intriguing talking point for an audience.

5. Bandwidth and Availability

Launching a book takes time, energy, and emotional investment, especially if the content is personal or heavy. Regardless of what the calendar says, it’s important for authors to ensure they will have the capacity to participate in relevant activities surrounding their book’s release. It’s okay—encouraged, even—for authors to prioritize their mental and emotional readiness so they can fully engage with promotional efforts. Many of our authors choose to release their life story or family history book when they feel ready and willing to share it with their friends and family.

At NextGen, we help authors navigate these choices so their stories can reach the right people at the right time. As a Canadian family history book publisher serving clients around the world, we are happy to connect with you. If you’re unsure about the best time to publish your book, talk to a member of our publishing team today.