Launching with a KDP Countdown Deal. No longer possible?

[Dan]

I'm working on self-publishing my first novel (fiction). I've read lots of book launch type posts that talk about launching with a free 5-day KDP Countdown Deal and then slowly raising prices.

This doesn't seem to be possible anymore as your book has to be on KDP for 30 days before you can use a countdown deal (KDP docs).

What do you guys suggest as far as launching strategies nowadays?

Is it still recommended to do a free launch to get reviews and get your ranking up?

[Wmba]

Looking forward to reading the answers from people who have actually promoted their books on kindle.

Does amazon have any reference material with suggestions on how to best launch your book?

Not just amazone amazon, but also books on amazon about launching books. Check those with largest number of reviews that are at the top of ratings near 5 stars.

[Kerat]

You can't use the kindle countdown deal or free promotion when it's in the pre-order state. But you can put your book out for pre-order 30 days before it comes out. I have mine on Pre-order for ninty nine cents and when it's out I can use both the options. If you are done with your book send out arcs to book bloggers so their are reviews out there. If reviews can't be posted at the moment on Amazon have them post it on goodreads and later remind them to copy paste it on Amazon.