Top 10 Book Marketing Tips for Authors

Alyson Lex
4 min readOct 13, 2023

If you’re about to launch your book or are in the midst of one, you know how much work it takes to get the word out and attract readers. That’s why I’ve put together these 10 tips to help you crush your book launch and make it the success it deserves to be.

If you want, you can listen to the whole interview I did on Book Marketing Mentors … or just read this post and get the main gist.

1. Start Marketing Early

As I mentioned in my interview with Book Marketing Mentors, it’s important to start marketing your book long before its release date. The earlier you start, the more time you have to build excitement and anticipation.

Get people excited about your book, and they’ll be more likely to spread the word when it finally comes out.

“Marketing is really about creating a sense of excitement and anticipation around your book,” I said during the interview. “If you can get people excited about your book before it’s even released, you’re going to have a much easier time promoting it.”

2. Build Your Author Brand

Your author brand is what sets you apart from other authors and helps readers identify and remember you.

Building your author brand means creating a consistent image across all your marketing channels, from your website to your social media accounts.

“Your author brand is essentially your reputation as an author,” I explained. “It’s what people think of when they hear your name. So it’s important to create a brand that’s consistent, memorable, and aligns with your values and the message of your book.”

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for book marketing, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to focus on the platforms where your audience is most active and engaged. And don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things!

“Social media is a great way to connect with readers and build a community around your book,” I said. “But it’s important to be strategic about it. You don’t have to be on every platform — just the ones where your audience is most active. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and engagement strategies.”

4. Connect with Influencers

Influencer marketing is a great way to reach a wider audience and build credibility for your book.

Look for influencers in your niche or genre who have a following that aligns with your target audience, and reach out to them about potential partnerships or collaborations.

“Connecting with influencers can be incredibly powerful for book marketing,” I noted.

“But it’s important to approach it with a giving mindset. Don’t just ask for something from them — find ways to add value and build a genuine relationship.”

5. Offer Pre-Orders

Offering pre-orders is a great way to generate buzz and build excitement for your book before its official release. Plus, it can help boost your book’s rankings on Amazon and other bookselling platforms.

“Pre-orders are a great way to create a sense of urgency and get people excited about your book,” I said. “Plus, it gives you a head start on sales and can help boost your book’s visibility and rankings.”

6. Plan a Launch Event

A launch event is a great way to celebrate your book’s release and connect with readers in person.

“Throwing an online launch party can be a great way to get your audience excited about your book release and drive sales,” I explained during the interview.

“Consider partnering with other authors or influencers in your genre to co-host the event and cross-promote to each other’s audiences.”

Some ideas for an online launch party include hosting a live Q&A with the author, doing a virtual book reading, or offering exclusive giveaways to attendees.

7. Utilize book clubs

“Book clubs are a great way to get your book in front of new readers and generate buzz,” I shared.

“Look for book clubs that focus on your genre and reach out to the club leader to see if they would be interested in featuring your book as their next read.”

I also suggested offering a special discount for book club members or hosting a virtual Q&A with the club to further engage with readers.

8. Leverage social media advertising

“Social media advertising can be a powerful tool for book marketing, especially when targeting specific audiences,” I said.

“Consider using Facebook or Instagram ads to reach readers who have expressed interest in your genre or similar authors.”

Some tips for effective social media advertising include using eye-catching visuals, crafting compelling ad copy, and including a clear call-to-action.

9. Don’t underestimate the power of book reviews

“Book reviews can greatly impact a reader’s decision to purchase your book,” I emphasized.

“Reach out to book bloggers, reviewers, or even your own readers and offer them a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.”

I also recommended utilizing Amazon’s review system and promoting positive reviews on social media or your author website.

10. Focus on building long-term relationships with readers

“Ultimately, the key to successful book marketing is building strong, long-term relationships with your readers,” I concluded.

“Engage with your audience on social media, offer exclusive content or discounts to your email subscribers, and always respond to reader feedback and messages.”

By implementing these tips and strategies, authors can increase their book’s visibility, connect with new readers, and ultimately drive more sales.

Remember, if you need help with your book marketing, don’t hesitate to book a call with me today! Let’s work together to create a custom marketing plan that will help you achieve your goals.

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Alyson Lex

Direct response copywriter helping entrepreneurs increase their revenue and sales. Visit www.alysonlex.com to connect & read more.