Pick a name and verify it's available on npm
30 min
Set up package.json with bin entry + types + main
1 hr
Pick a CLI framework: commander.js, yargs, or oclif
2-4 hr
Bundle for Node with esbuild or tsup
1-2 hr
Write the README that doubles as the npm listing
3-5 hr
Set up semantic-release + Conventional Commits
2-4 hr
Set up GitHub Actions to publish on every merge
1-2 hr
Test the install + first-run experience
2-3 hr
Post-launch: monitor weekly downloads, issues, and breaking changes
Ongoing, 2-5 hr/week for the first month