Choosing the Perfect Release Date for Your Life Story Book

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 various 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 makes sense to release that book during a relevant time of the year. For example, a memoir about a parent’s life could be timed around Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Longer recognition periods—such as Parkinson Awareness Month in April—provide flexibility in a book’s release while still falling within a clear window.

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

2. Industry Trends

Generally, 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. Authors may consider whether their subgenre may be better suited for a release in a different season.

For instance, January is great for inspirational titles supporting New Year’s resolutions. February is perfect 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 with 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 when their target audience is most likely to buy books. A November launch positions a book well for holiday shopping in December, reaching many demographics. 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.

4. Personal Milestones

Looking inward, an author might choose to release their book on a day that holds deep significance to them. This could 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 can be intriguing talking points 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 crucial for authors to ensure they have the capacity to engage in relevant activities surrounding their book’s release. It’s okay—encouraged, even—for authors to prioritize their mental and emotional readiness. This way, 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.

Conclusion

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.

Choosing the right release date is crucial. It can significantly impact how your book is received. By considering holidays, industry trends, audience behaviors, personal milestones, and your own availability, you can make an informed decision. Remember, your story deserves to be shared at the right moment. Let's make it happen together!