December 4, 2024
One of the biggest challenges that self-publishing authors face is coming up with effective book marketing ideas. Once the book is complete and sent off to the printer, self-publishing authors often fret over strategizing how to get the book into the hands of potential readers. But with the help of social media platforms, online book sites, and a willingness to connect directly with potential readers in a variety of different ways, self-published writers can utilize a host of creative book marketing ideas to boost readership, grow their audience, and build a strong name-recognition among potential readers.
Take a look at our 15 creative and effective book marketing ideas that can help you get your book in front of potential readers while you build your author brand with the literary-minded world.
The first and least techy option is to find ways to physically get in the room with potential readers. Set up book readings at local libraries, events, or book clubs. Local authors can be an excellent resource for these locations and activities, and you may be able to reach a new audience by offering to introduce your book at these types of events.
In addition, author book signings can be a fun way to meet with potential readers in person. These may occur at libraries, bookstores, or even literary conferences offering signing tables or areas for new, experienced, or even genre-specific authors. Connecting with a genre organization through social media, literary circles, or booksellers can help self-published authors find an interest in promoting a new book that their readers might like.
While attending in-person events might seem daunting to someone who feels most comfortable behind a keyboard, podcasts offer some of the same potential marketing benefits as in-person events. Writers can use their expertise in their corner of the literary world to the microphone with a podcast. These wildly popular recorded sessions are the perfect way for many writers to connect with potential readers because each session can be partially scripted while allowing the podcaster to freely discuss their topic of interest in a relaxed, informative way.
Podcasts are an excellent way to promote a book, demonstrate expertise in the field, and provide behind-the-scenes context for readers about the writing or researching process. Marketing a book through a podcast allows writers to present their book to listeners in a relaxed and personable way that resonates with many people who now love to listen to their news and information daily.
If creating your own podcast isn’t a good idea, being a guest on an existing podcast can be just as helpful in marketing a book. Reach out to literary podcasters to see when they might want to feature a new book or up-and-coming author on their broadcast. Look into podcasts that cover your book’s topic, genre podcasters, or even local podcasters who may want to host you because of a geographic or other connection you have to their listeners.
Literary groups are always looking for new books to read and direct contact with an author can be a great way to bring awareness of your title to their members. An offer to do a reading for the club, providing a group discount on buying books for the group or even making yourself available for a live Q&A with the club are all ways to gain new potential readers while growing your brand at the same time.
Ask friends, family or new fans to join a fan club so you can stay connected with them regularly. Include a space on your author’s website for the fans to connect and for you to provide regular updates for these fan “insiders.” Consider offering the fan club incentives like behind-the-scenes information and sneak peeks at your new book content to build excitement.
Creating a verified author page on Goodreads is one of the book marketing ideas every author should prioritize. Many readers rely on sites like Goodreads to learn about new books by reading reviews from other authentic readers. Reviews on Goodreads will be strengthened by an author’s linked page where potential readers can learn about you as a writer, see everything you have published as well as read reviews from other readers.
Another creative book marketing idea is to connect the sale of your book with something else. If you have another published book, consider gifting your new book when a purchase is made. Or create an irresistible raffle or contest that book buyers will automatically receive a ticket or chance to win, like a set of Air Pods or a gift card given to a lucky winner.
Link a small donation to your favorite cause with the purchase of a book. Those who want to support the worthy cause will be tempted to purchase a copy, supporting both you as an author and the needy organization.
Can you write any supporting books that will directly relate to your book? Sometimes a cookbook, workbook, or other companion book is the perfect way to build your brand as well as create interest in a book. Book clubs often use a companion book in their discussions and schools or libraries may be interested in a book with ancillary materials.
Making your book as simple to purchase as possible will increase sales since potential readers will have multiple avenues to buy it. Setting up an Amazon Seller page is a great way to access the massive reach of this online giant. For self-publishing authors, utilizing an Amazon Seller page to sell your book will also increase your visibility as an author and can bring an increased level of validity to you as a writer.
Does your book include catchphrases that stick with the reader? Or do your characters have zippy one-liners that readers love? If so, you might want to consider creating book merchandise that your readers and fan club will want. Some literary merchandise might include t-shirts, book bags, bookmarks and mugs, and some merchandise manufacturers allow creators to print your merch on-demand so you won’t have to pay for unsold merchandise upfront. After all, a happy reader wearing a reference to your book, carrying a tote bag around town with a picture of your book cover or sipping coffee from a mug emblazoned with a quote is a resounding endorsement of your book to potential readers.
Partnering with another author or literary leader is a great way to get the word out about your book. Both of you might want to use book marketing ideas that are mutually beneficial, so agreeing to host another author on your podcast for a return shout-out to that author’s large fan club page can boost book sales for both. Seek out another author with whom you have something in common: your subject or theme content, genre, writing style or other characteristics that would indicate you might share a potential audience.
Often, established authors may be interested in supporting newly published authors to help grow both authors’ potential readership, so don’t be afraid to reach out to a writer who has already reached some level of success. Provide a potential partner with a copy of your book as well as any informative reviews that might help them quickly understand how working together might help you both.
Social media influencers on platforms like Tik Tok or Instagram might be interested in talking about your book for the right incentive. Reach out to them to see what their rates are and be prepared to discuss exactly what you would like to see them say, do, or promote if you reach an agreement.
Book Tok, the literary side of Tik Tok, is filled with authors and readers talking about the books, characters, and literary worlds they love. Create an author account and talk directly to potential readers to build interest. Read a few pages of your book, talk about the writing process, or do a “live” video to interact in real time with potential readers.
Book research often creates subject authority for many writers. Use authentic knowledge to submit articles as a published author to news outlets and literary publications.
Whether your book is ready to be sent to the printer or your book writing ideas are just coming together in a first draft, the biggest step in becoming a self-published author is working with a trusted printer. Publishing Xpress can help you turn your manuscript into a beautiful book in just a few days. Once your book is on its way to being ready for your readers to enjoy, get started with a few of our creative book marketing ideas to sell more copies, build your brand as an author, and create excitement about your book.
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