You’ve written your book, and now you’re asking, “How do I get people to read it?” Marketing might feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely manageable. So let’s break it down into actionable steps you can take to market your self-published book effectively.
First up, start with your audience. The most common mistake authors make is trying to market to everyone. Your book isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Narrow it down. Who is your ideal reader? What do they like? Where do they hang out online? The clearer you are about your target audience, the more effective your marketing efforts will be. For example, if you wrote a fantasy novel, your audience might be hanging out in Facebook groups for fantasy readers or on subreddits dedicated to epic world-building.
Once you know your audience, build your email list. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: your email list is gold. Social media algorithms change, but email is direct and personal. If you don’t have a list yet, start by offering something valuable, like a free short story or the first few chapters of your book. Use platforms like MailerLite or ConvertKit to make it easy to collect emails and stay in touch.
Speaking of social media, let’s talk about how to use it without feeling overwhelmed. You don’t need to be on every platform. Pick one or two where your audience is most active, and focus your energy there. For visual platforms like Instagram, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process, book aesthetics, or even fan art if you have it. On Twitter, engage with writing and reading communities by sharing tips, participating in bookish chats, and joining trending conversations related to your genre. The key is consistency—show up regularly and engage authentically.
Next, leverage Amazon. If you’re publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon can be your best friend when it comes to visibility. Use keywords and categories strategically to help your book show up in searches. Tools like Publisher Rocket can help you find the best ones for your book. Once you’ve got that set, consider running Amazon ads. They’re relatively inexpensive and can give your book a big boost, especially if you’re just starting out.
Now let’s talk about reviews. Reviews are social proof—they tell potential readers that your book is worth their time. Start by reaching out to your launch team or beta readers and asking them to leave honest reviews. If you don’t have a launch team, look for book bloggers or reviewers in your genre and offer them a free copy. Just remember, never pay for reviews—it’s not ethical, and it can backfire.
Collaborations can also work wonders. Partner with other authors in your genre for a giveaway, or join forces to cross-promote each other’s books. If you write nonfiction, consider reaching out to podcasts or blogs related to your topic. Getting in front of an established audience can be a game-changer.
Another strategy is content marketing. This means creating valuable, shareable content that ties into your book. For example, if your book is about time management, write a blog post or create a YouTube video with practical tips. If you’ve written a novel, you could share character backstories or create a Pinterest board inspired by your book’s setting. Content marketing builds your authority and keeps your audience engaged.
Finally, don’t forget about local opportunities. If you’ve published a physical book, reach out to local bookstores about carrying it. You can also host an author event, like a signing or reading. Libraries are another great option—they’re often open to partnering with local authors.