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04 / Launch planning9 min read

Write a launch-day runbook

A concise runbook structure for coordinating the live window from readiness check to handoff.

Reading outcome

After this guide, you can:

  • Create a time-ordered launch sequence
  • Define clear handoffs and pause conditions
  • Capture decisions during the live window
01 / Sequence

Write the sequence in observable steps

A useful runbook describes events that the team can verify. Replace vague steps such as “prepare liquidity” with the exact wallet group, expected state and reviewer responsible for confirming readiness.

Keep dependencies visible. If one action relies on a confirmed transaction, balance or market state, state that condition directly before the dependent step.

02 / Control

Name one owner and one pause condition

Each consequential step needs one active owner, even when several people are watching. Shared awareness is valuable, but shared responsibility without a named decision maker slows response when the context changes.

Pair every critical step with a pause condition. Examples include an unexpected address, a balance outside the planned range, elevated fees or a transaction that has not reached the required confirmation state.

Operator check

  • One operator owns each live action
  • One approver owns each authorization point
  • Pause conditions are observable and specific
  • The fallback communication channel is ready
03 / Handoff

Record deviations before handoff

Capture material changes as they happen: skipped actions, changed limits, replacement wallets and delayed transactions. The record does not need to be elaborate, but it must preserve why the actual sequence differed from the plan.

End the runbook with an explicit handoff to post-launch monitoring. State which wallets remain active, which controls are available and who owns the next review window.

Next guide
05 / Market operationsBuild a post-launch control loop