Book Promotion Ideas

This post is part of our book marketing mastery series.

All out of book promotion ideas? We've got you covered. Whether you're a self-published author or working with a small press, marketing your book is essential to reaching your audience. Here are some creative ideas to help you get started.

How to Market a Self-Published Book

• Build an author website with details about your books and a newsletter sign-up.
• Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share engaging posts about your book.
• Host live readings or Q&A sessions on Instagram or Facebook Live.
• Offer a free excerpt of your book in exchange for email newsletter sign-ups.
• Collaborate with local bookstores for readings, signings, or special events.
• Use Nextdoor or community forums to promote local book-related events.
• Run targeted ads on Facebook, Google, or Amazon to reach potential readers.
• Send advance review copies (ARCs) to book bloggers and early readers for reviews.
• Join Goodreads and participate in discussions, giveaways, or book groups.
• Create an author profile on platforms like Amazon and BookBub to connect with readers.

Creative Marketing Ideas

• Create a book trailer using tools like Canva or iMovie and share it online.
• Design limited-edition covers or special formats to attract collectors.
• Partner with subscription boxes to include your book as part of their offerings.
• Host a “story walk,” placing sections of your book in different locations around town.
• Run a fan art contest and feature the winners on your social media or website.
• Make your book available in multiple formats, including audiobooks and eBooks.
• Bundle your book with other authors in a themed box set for cross-promotion.
• Create custom merchandise like bookmarks, mugs, or tote bags to sell or use in giveaways.
• Develop Pinterest boards with visuals that match your book’s themes or characters.
• Write and share behind-the-scenes content, like character backstories or deleted scenes.

Leveraging Online Platforms

• Optimize your book’s metadata and keywords to make it easier to find online.
• Run Amazon ads to promote your book directly to readers browsing similar genres.
• Claim your author profiles on Goodreads, Amazon, and BookBub to showcase your work.
• Use Reddit to participate in genre-specific communities and promote your book.
• Create engaging content for TikTok’s #BookTok community to generate buzz.
• Share teaser quotes, memes, or excerpts on social media to intrigue potential readers.
• Use email automation to send regular updates and promotions to your mailing list.
• Write guest blog posts for websites and blogs in your genre to expand your audience.
• Use Canva or similar tools to design eye-catching graphics for promotions.
• Create a quiz or interactive game related to your book’s content or characters.

Community and Local Engagement

• Host readings or events at local libraries and bookstores.
• Collaborate with schools to offer writing workshops or book discussions.
• Promote your book at community festivals or local fairs.
• Offer signed copies of your book as prizes in local contests or raffles.
• Work with local businesses, like cafes or boutiques, to display or sell your book.
• Run small ads in local lifestyle or business magazines to reach nearby readers.
• Partner with local influencers to promote your book to their audience.
• Offer free talks or presentations about writing, publishing, or your book’s theme.
• Leave flyers or postcards about your book at high-traffic community locations.
• Sell your book in-person at farmer’s markets or craft fairs.

Reader Engagement Ideas

• Conduct reader surveys to learn what your audience enjoys and wants next.
• Encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon or Goodreads by including a request in your book’s back matter.
• Feature reader-generated content, like fan art or favorite quotes, on your social media.
• Create a street team of loyal fans to help spread the word about your book.
• Host a virtual book club discussion about your book and invite readers to join.
• Offer exclusive bonus content, like a short story or alternate ending, to your email subscribers.
• Run giveaways or contests for signed copies, swag, or personalized book dedications.
• Share thank-you notes or shoutouts to your most active readers online.
• Include sneak peeks of upcoming books in your newsletter or website.
• Launch a “read-along” event where you and your readers tackle the book together, chapter by chapter.

Paid Advertising Strategies

• Invest in Facebook and Instagram ads targeting readers of similar genres.
• Run Google Ads using relevant keywords for your book’s themes or genre.
• Use BookBub ads to reach a large, book-focused audience.
• Offer limited-time discounts and promote them through paid advertising campaigns.
• Advertise on genre-specific blogs or websites to target niche readers.
• Experiment with BookBub’s Featured Deals to boost sales during promotions.
• Run time-sensitive ads tied to holidays or seasonal themes relevant to your book.
• Test ad copy and visuals using A/B testing to see what resonates most.
• Promote audiobooks through platforms like Chirp for a different audience segment.
• Combine ad campaigns with other marketing pushes, like a price drop or launch event.

These ideas are just a starting point—pick a few that excite you and try them out! Remember, creativity and consistency are key when it comes to promoting your book. Good luck!