Alfie
Introduction
So, you’ve poured your heart into writing a book, gone the self-publishing route, and now you’re staring at the blinking cursor wondering—how do I actually sell this thing?
The truth is, writing the book is just half the journey. The other half? Marketing it like a boss. Self-publishing authors wear many hats, but with the right marketing strategies, you can give your book the spotlight it deserves.
In this post, we’ll dive into 10 actionable marketing strategies that self-publishing authors (like you!) can implement today. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already published a few titles, these techniques will help you boost visibility, drive sales, and grow your author platform.
And don’t worry—we’ll sprinkle in some handy internal resources from CoPublishing Solutions along the way to support your journey.
1. Build a Personal Author Brand
Why Branding Matters
Think of your author brand as your literary fingerprint. It’s how readers recognize you, connect with your writing style, and remember your books.
Whether you write romance, thrillers, or nonfiction, your brand should reflect your unique voice. From your author photo to your email signature—consistency builds trust.
Want to get serious about it? Head over to our guide on Advanced Publishing Growth to learn how branding plays a role in scaling your author business.
Tools to Create Your Brand
- Canva (for visual branding)
- Linktree (to connect all your platforms)
- WordPress (for a branded website)
- Publishing Tools & Platforms that help automate your brand-building efforts
2. Leverage Social Media Platforms
Best Platforms for Authors
Not all social platforms are created equal. Authors often thrive on:
- Instagram – Great for aesthetic book shots and Reels
- TikTok (BookTok) – Viral potential for short video teasers
- Facebook Groups – Perfect for building communities
- Twitter (X) – Ideal for connecting with other writers and readers
Tips to Stay Consistent
- Schedule posts using tools like Buffer or Later
- Use a content calendar
- Engage daily—respond to comments, share stories, ask questions
Want to collaborate with others? Dive into the Collaboration tag for co-marketing ideas.
3. Start an Author Blog or Website
Blog Content Ideas
- Behind-the-scenes of your writing process
- Character deep dives
- Writing advice for aspiring authors
- Book recommendations
Use Publishing Content Strategy resources to structure your blog posts and improve SEO.
How to Drive Traffic
- Share on Pinterest
- Use SEO plugins like Yoast
- Offer lead magnets to build your email list
4. Build and Nurture an Email List
What to Include in Your Newsletter
- Exclusive sneak peeks
- Discount announcements
- Writing updates
- Personal notes to build connection
Email marketing can drive more sales than social media. And the best part? You own the list!
Tools for Email Marketing
- MailerLite
- ConvertKit
- Substack
Check out our Self-Publishing Basics to learn how to start collecting subscribers right from day one.
5. Use Book Promotion Sites
Free vs Paid Promotion
Free sites are great when you’re just starting out, but paid promotions can give your book the boost it needs to climb the rankings.
Free Platforms:
- BookBub (if you can get in)
- StoryOrigin
- Freebooksy
Paid Options:
- Book Sends
- Bargain Booksy
Choosing the Right Platform
Match your genre with the platform’s audience. Promotion can also increase visibility for Book Sales and lead to more reviews.
6. Collaborate with Other Authors
Benefits of Co-Marketing
Two audiences are better than one. Co-authoring projects, anthologies, or guest posting on each other’s blogs can grow your reach fast.
Explore our dedicated guides on Co-authoring and Collaboration to start finding your writing tribe.
Where to Find Collaborators
- Facebook Groups for authors
- Local writing clubs
- Author forums like KBoards
7. Run Targeted Ads (Amazon, Facebook, Instagram)
Budgeting for Ads
Start small. Even $5/day can teach you what works (and what doesn’t). Once you dial in your audience, scale up.
Ad Copy That Converts
- Hook: “What if your soulmate was already dead?”
- Value prop: “Fans of Stephen King will love this…”
- Call-to-action: “Click to grab your copy now!”
Want to learn how to turn your book into a Publishing Business? Ads are a solid start.
8. Get Reviews and Endorsements
Reaching Out to Reviewers
Don’t be shy—ask for reviews! Reach out to bloggers, influencers, and your email list.
Offer a free ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for honest feedback.
Leveraging Early Readers
Start a “street team” who gets early access and spreads the word. Reviews impact everything—from sales to credibility.
Explore our posts tagged Book Pages to see how reviews boost page conversion.
9. Offer Giveaways and Free Samples
Attracting Readers Through Value
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Giveaways can be the gateway to lifelong readers.
Offer:
- First chapters for free
- Full ebook giveaways
- Signed copies on Instagram
Tools for Hosting Giveaways
- KingSumo
- Rafflecopter
- Goodreads Giveaways (for physical books)
You’re not just selling books—you’re building a loyal community. That’s the kind of Passive Income that pays off long-term.
10. Develop a Long-Term Content Strategy
Content Planning Tips
It’s easy to burn out if you’re just “winging it.” Instead:
- Create monthly goals
- Recycle content across platforms
- Repurpose blogs into email sequences or social posts
Dive into our Publishing Content Strategy for a deeper dive.
Using a Publishing Calendar
Plan your next 3 months of content in one sitting. Tools like Trello or Notion can help keep everything on track.
Long-term content equals long-term Monetization.
Conclusion
Self-publishing doesn’t mean going it alone. With the right mix of strategies, tools, and mindset, marketing your book can actually be fun—and effective!
These 10 strategies will help you build your platform, grow your readership, and sell more books. And remember: consistency is key. Pick one or two tactics, implement them well, and build from there.
Looking to level up your author business? Check out all the free and premium resources at CoPublishing Solutions. Happy publishing!
FAQs
1. How soon should I start marketing my book?
As early as possible—even during the writing process! Build buzz before launch day.
2. Do I need to be on every social media platform?
Nope. Pick one or two where your audience hangs out and focus your energy there.
3. How can I collect emails if I don’t have a book out yet?
Offer a free short story, sample chapter, or helpful resource related to your niche.
4. Are paid ads worth it for self-publishing authors?
Absolutely, if used strategically. Start small and test your messaging.
5. How do I find a good co-author or collaborator?
Check out forums, social groups, or our Co-authoring tag to connect with others.
6. Can I really make money from self-publishing?
Yes! With the right income strategies and persistence, many authors generate solid passive income.
7. What’s the most important thing to remember when marketing a book?
Your reader comes first. Every piece of content you share should give them value, spark curiosity, or inspire connection.