Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 12 tasks across 4 phases, about 28 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
Self-revision
Developmental edit
Revisions
Copyedit
Cover design
Interior layout and ebook formatting
Proofreading
Advance reader copies sent
Advance reader period
Retailer listings and pre-order
Launch week promotion
Post-launch marketing
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Manuscript | Self-revision | 21 days |
| Manuscript | Developmental edit | 30 days |
| Manuscript | Revisions | 21 days |
| Manuscript | Copyedit | 14 days |
| Design | Cover design | 21 days |
| Design | Interior layout and ebook formatting | 10 days |
| Design | Proofreading | 10 days |
| Pre-launch | Advance reader copies sent | 1 day |
| Pre-launch | Advance reader period | 30 days |
| Pre-launch | Retailer listings and pre-order | 3 days |
| Launch | Launch week promotion | 7 days |
| Launch | Post-launch marketing | 30 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this book publishing timeline
Self-publishing has more handoffs than most authors expect: editors, a cover designer, a formatter, a proofreader and early readers each need time. This plan sequences them and lets the cover and pre-launch work run while the text is still being edited.
It assumes a finished first draft. Traditionally published authors can use it to track their own deliverables.
Who it's for: Self-publishing authors, small presses and book coaches.
How to use it
- Open the plan. Click Open in the editor.
- Run cover design alongside editing. Unlink cover design so it starts during the developmental edit. In the task panel, remove the predecessor, then set the new start date. Then check that the task that came next still lists the earlier work as a predecessor, so delays keep cascading.
- Book freelancers early. Use the dates to book editors and designers, many of whom schedule weeks ahead.
- Share with your team. Send a read-only link to your editor and designer.
Planning tips
- Proofread after layout, not before; layout introduces its own errors.
- Give early readers enough time to read and review before launch.
- Open pre-orders only once the interior is final.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to self-publish a book?
- From a finished draft, often several months depending on editing rounds and freelancer availability. This template spans six to seven months.
- Can I plan a series?
- Yes. Add rows for each book; Solo saves unlimited projects.
- Is the template free?
- Yes. Opening and editing it is free.
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.