Bala karthiga M

You Wrote a Book. Now What?

You poured your soul into writing your book. But here’s the brutal truth: No one cares. Not unless you make them care.

Most self-published authors fail at marketing not because they’re bad at it, but because they’re following garbage advice. “Just post on Instagram and hope for the best” isn’t a strategy. It’s a recipe for obscurity.

So, if you actually want to sell books (and not just to your mom and supportive best friend), here’s the real, no-BS list of 25 ways to market your self-published book like a pro.

25 Ways to Market Your Self-Published Book (No Fluff, Just Results)

1. TikTok/Reels, Even If You Think You’re Too Old for It

TikTok and Reels are where books go viral. You don’t have to dance, but BookTok thrives on snippets, reviews, aesthetic shots, and emotional appeals. Cry dramatically over your book. Readers eat that up.

Example: Alex Aster (Lightlark) exploded on TikTok, leading to a major publishing deal. You might not land a contract, but you will get eyes on your book.

2. Twitter (Where Readers Actually Hang Out)

Bookish debates, Goodreads goals, and #WritingCommunity threads—Twitter (X) is full of potential fans.

How to win: Engage in book-related convos. Be witty. Share behind-the-scenes peeks. DO NOT just post “BUY MY BOOK”—nobody cares.

3. Amazon Ads That Don’t Suck

Amazon ads can work if you do them right.

• Target comparable books properly. (No, you can’t compete with Stephen King.)
• Test different ad copy. Short and snappy wins.
• Start small. $5/day beats throwing $500 into the void.

Example: Mark Dawson cracked Amazon ads and now makes six figures from self-publishing.

4. Email List = Your Secret Weapon

Social media is fickle. Your email list is yours.

• Offer a free short story or bonus content to sign people up.
• Send regular, non-boring emails.
• Build relationships, not just “buy my book” pitches.

Example: Joanna Penn built an email list that generates sales with every new book launch.

5. Get On Podcasts

Podcasts = instant credibility and free promo.

• Find indie book podcasts.
• Pitch them with a compelling reason why you would make a great guest.
• Be an entertaining guest. (Yes, really.)

Example: Many indie authors sell thousands of copies just from one solid podcast appearance.

6. Run a Goodreads Giveaway

A Goodreads giveaway gives you massive exposure to thousands of book lovers.

• Give away multiple copies—the more, the better.
• Goodreads automatically promotes your giveaway to potential readers.
• Use it to gain reviews and visibility.

7. Sell Directly on Your Website

Amazon takes a huge cut. Selling direct gives you more profit and control.

• Use platforms like Payhip, Gumroad, or Shopify.
• Offer perks like signed copies, merch, or exclusive content.
• Collect emails so you can sell more books later.

8. Make Your Cover So Good It Hurts

A bad cover kills sales. Period.

Your cover needs to stand out but still look professional.

Hire a pro designer. (Seriously.)

Look at bestsellers in your genre and match their style.

9. Offer Signed Copies

People love personalized experiences. Signed books feel special.

Promote it as an exclusive, collector’s item.

Offer limited signed editions.

Include a short note to make readers feel valued.

10. Join Facebook Reader Groups

Your audience is already gathered in Facebook groups.

• Don’t spam. Participate and add value first.
• Share helpful book discussions before mentioning your book.
• Find groups that match your genre and readership.

11. YouTube: Start a BookTube Channel

YouTube is long-term marketing gold.

• Create content around your book’s theme or genre.
• Post book reviews, writing advice, or behind-the-scenes videos.
• Mention your book naturally within your content.

12. Host a Virtual Book Launch

Make your book launch an event, not an afterthought.

• Use Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube Live.
• Read an excerpt, answer fan questions, give away books.
• Make it fun and engaging—not a boring sales pitch.

13. Guest Post on Book Blogs

Getting featured on book blogs exposes you to new readers.

• Offer valuable content (not just self-promo).
• Find blogs that cover your book’s genre.
• Include a clear CTA to your book.

14. Use BookBub’s Ads

BookBub ads can be a goldmine if done right.

• Target readers of similar books.
• Test different ad creatives and blurbs.
• Start with a small budget before scaling.

15. Do a Limited-Time Free Promotion

Giving your book away temporarily can boost long-term sales.

• Free books get downloads, reviews, and ranking boosts.
• Pair it with an email opt-in to capture readers.
• Use KDP Select’s free promo days if you’re exclusive to Amazon.

16. Run a Discounted Promo with a Countdown Timer

Scarcity = urgency = more sales.

• Offer a limited-time discount and use a countdown timer.
• Promote the deal via email, social media, and ads.
• Pair it with a BookBub or BargainBooksy ad.

17. Get Book Influencers to Shout You Out

Social proof sells. Get Bookstagrammers, BookTubers, or TikTokers to feature your book.

• DM influencers and offer a free copy.
• Look for micro-influencers (they’re more likely to say yes).
• Ask them to post an honest review or unboxing video.

18. Write a Killer Book Description

Your blurb is your sales pitch. Make it punchy.

• Hook readers in the first sentence.
• Use short, compelling paragraphs.
• End with a clear CTA: “Grab your copy now.”

19. Optimize Your Keywords on Amazon

Amazon is a search engine. Use the right keywords to get discovered.

• Research with Publisher Rocket.
• Use long-tail keywords readers actually search.
• Tweak metadata to improve rankings.

20. Build a Fan Community (Discord, Facebook, Patreon)

Loyal fans = long-term sales.

• Start a Facebook group, Discord server, or Patreon.
• Offer exclusive content, Q&As, or sneak peeks.
• Keep the community active and engaged.

21. Run a BookBub Featured Deal (If You Can Get One)

BookBub Featured Deals are the holy grail of book promotions.

• They can generate thousands of downloads or sales overnight.
• Competition is fierce, so apply repeatedly.
• Even if you don’t get a Featured Deal, their ads platform can still be powerful.

23. Turn Your Book Into an Interactive Experience

Gamification hooks audiences.

• Create a choose-your-own-adventure-style experience on platforms like Instagram Stories or Twitter threads.
• Use interactive elements on your website.
• Consider an interactive newsletter where readers vote on book decisions.

24. Speak at Events & Literary Festivals

Becoming a speaker makes you an authority.

• Apply to panels, book fairs, or virtual summits.
• Position yourself as an expert on your book’s themes.
• Bring copies to sell in person (because people love buying signed books).

25. Create a Companion Workbook, Journal, or Bonus Content

Readers love extra material.

• If your book is non-fiction, a workbook version can increase sales.
• Fiction authors? Offer deleted scenes, character backstories, or an exclusive novella.
• Bundle them with your email list signup for added value.

Free Download: The Ultimate Book Marketing Checklist

Want all 25 tips in a handy checklist you can keep forever?

Grab it here. (No sign-up needed, but if you want more brutally honest book marketing advice, join my email list.)

Download The Checklist Now 👇👇👇👇

Final Truth Bomb

Your book won’t sell itself. No one wakes up thinking, “I wonder what self-published book I should buy today.” You have to make them care.

Do even half the things on this list, and you’ll sell more books than the authors still waiting for “word of mouth” to magically take off.

Now go. Market your book. Sell copies. Be the author who actually gets read.