written by John Hodgkinson | The Epic Book Launch Series
January 12, 2026
Every book launch looks sudden from the outside.
This one is no different and deserves a new publish date of February 3rd, 2026.
A post appears.A cover is revealed.A story steps into the light.
But what most readers never see is what happens before the curtain rises.
This is the story of Week One of the launch of The Wizard in Front of the Curtain—not the noise, but the preparation. Not the hype, but the intention.
Section 1: Why This Launch Is DifferentEnter your text here...
This isn’t a launch built on urgency or pressure.
It’s built on readiness.
Before a single post went live, weeks were spent quietly preparing the foundation:
- The story itself
- The reader journey
- The invitation—not the push
Because this book doesn’t ask readers to buy quickly.
It asks them to recognize themselves.
That kind of invitation requires care.
Section 2: What Was Built Before Week One
Long before launch week arrived, several essential pieces were put into place:
- A dedicated book page that explains what this story is and who it’s for
- A clearly defined Advanced Reader Circle for those who feel called to walk early
- A full reader journey:
- Book page → ARC invitation → Sign-up → Confirmation
- Short cinematic videos from different voices inside the world:
- Magos
- Sofia
- Amelia
- The author himself
Each piece was designed to answer one quiet question readers carry:
“Is this story meant for me?”
(Watch the short video clip by Magos used on Day 1 of this Epic Book Launch)
Section 3: What Happens During Week One
Week One isn’t about volume.
It’s about presence.
During this first week:
- One primary piece of content is shared each day
- Each post has a single purpose:
- Introduce the story
- Introduce a voice
- Invite reflection
- No pressure to decide
- No countdown clocks
- No manufactured urgency
Just the slow opening of a door.
(You saw the Day 1 example, here's an example from Day 2 from Sofia)
Section 4: Why an Advanced Reader Circle Matters
Some readers don’t want to arrive after the crowd.
They want to arrive early.
The Advanced Reader Circle exists for those readers:
- The ones who recognize the themes immediately
- The ones who know this story touches something real
- The ones who want to witness, not consume
(If you'd like to learn more about the Advanced Reader Circle, click the link in the image)
Section 5: What Comes Next
As the launch continues:
More voices will step forward
More reflections will be shared
The story will begin to find its readers naturally
There’s no rush.
Stories like this don’t explode.They settle.
Closing Invitation
If you’ve found your way here during Week One, that isn’t accidental.
You’re welcome to:
Explore the book
Join the Advanced Reader Circle
Or simply stay curious
The curtain has lifted—but the story is just beginning.
Explore the book:https://johnegreek.com/wizard
Learn about the Advanced Reader Circle:https://johnegreek.com/arc
Week Two Blog Post coming soon…
Questions, reflections, or something this stirred in you?
You’re welcome to reach us at
lanternkeepers@johnegreek.com