Nothing beats the creative control you get with self-publishing your own book. You set the tone, decide exactly how you want it to look, and publish it just the way you want it, without having to jump through hoops set by a traditional publisher.
But self-publishing your book means you have to self-market it as well which can be daunting. But just like your book was a labor of love, marketing your book can be, too — and you can tailor it to your own personality, interests, and strengths.
It’s a good idea to make sure you have the marketing basics in place before you go wild on trying something new. That means you’ve established your:
• Email list and newsletter
• Press release to local news outlets
• Author website with info about your book
• Social media profile for your author presence
If you haven’t yet, get started on those elements. You could set up your author page first, and then use that as a link when you create your social media feeds (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter).
Be sure to invite people to sign up for your email mailing list, because establishing your email list is important for reaching people who are already interested in what you have to say.
Writing a press release will alert relevant news outlets that you are publishing a book, giving them a way to contact you in case they’d like to interview you for a story.
With your website and social media established, you have laid the groundwork to build buzz around your book. You want to grab attention with something new and different and invite people to buy your book and engage with you.
Here are some marketing ideas you may not have tried yet to bring attention to yourself as an author and allow you to promote your self-published book, discuss what it’s about, and entice new readers to check it out.
Podcasts have been skyrocketing in popularity, and that’s a trend not likely to fade soon. Offer your time as a guest on a podcast in your field of expertise or your genre of writing and be sure to let people know where they can find your book.
Or, take it a step further, and create your own podcast. This gives you complete control over the product and can help in marketing your next book, too.
Marketing your book combined with raising money for a good cause may make it more likely for people to participate, and it will help you do a good deed, as well.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to set up your author page on Goodreads and make sure people can leave reviews of your book. Readers are always looking for their next read, and Goodreads is a popular way for them to find new books. Make it easy for potential readers to discover you.
Another important thing to do if you haven’t yet is to set up your Amazon seller’s page. This has the potential to open up a wide new market for your book, so it’s an important step to take.
This is one of the really fun and creative book marketing ideas! You probably have a couple fans already (even if they’re related to you!), so why not create a street team or fan club? These are people who can help you spread the word, because they are enthusiastic supporters of your work. They can post cards or flyers around town or get active on social media and forums. Be sure to reward them with free books or even merch - see below.
Is there a message in your book that would look good on a T-shirt? Have you created lovable characters that beg to be put on a mug or tote? Creating and selling merch not only provides another stream of income, it also acts as silent word-of-mouth advertising.
These are traditional tactics in an author’s marketing push — but there are ways you can think outside of the box. Why not host a theme night, a Zoom reading, or a costumed, socially distant tour? Use your imagination and readers will find you.
Connect with book clubs and offer your book as a selection. Better yet, work up some thoughtful discussion questions that members can use as they discuss your work.
You could use the discussion questions you created in the tip above to write a workbook that operates as a standalone companion to your book. This could offer added value, especially if your book is non-fiction or how-to.
Find an irresistible draw (new AirPods? A wine gift basket?), and create a contest, raffle, or giveaway to attract readers. For example, offer raffle tickets to people who have bought your book to give them a chance to win.
Why not collaborate with an exciting name in your field or genre? Such a pairing could be powerful, even greater than the sum of its parts, helping each of you spread awareness and accomplish your goals.
Or, you could connect with an influencer, such as a popular Instagram account in your field or genre and let them try your book in exchange for an honest review. YouTube is another great place to find influencers to connect with.
Don’t underestimate the power of creating your own videos. You can do a whole series discussing your book, its contents, even your behind-the-scenes process. Videos are a great way for readers to connect with you personally.
Depending on your field of expertise, you may get a lot of traction by submitting thought leadership articles to leading publications. This gives you a chance to reach a slightly different audience and introduce them to your ideas. Be sure to include a link pointing to your author page so people can find your book!
Hopefully, you’ve found one or two creative book marketing ideas for your self-published book that you haven’t tried before. Remember, book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint — start before you’ve published, and carry on long after your book has been printed.
Ready to print your book? 48 Hour Books can help! Give us a call to begin the process. Reach us at 1-800-231-0521 or contact us online. And if you’d like a deep dive on how to self-publish your book, order our Ultimate Guide to a 48 Hour Book to see the steps (and the quality!) for yourself.
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Marjorie Hilton September 06, 2023
48 Hrs has printed my book Thank you, it looks good. I have two questions: 1) Where do I learn how to price my book, and 2) How do I order more? My previous communication with 48hrs has been through my formatter Cathie Carswell. Now it is time for me to take over. Thank you, Marjorie Hilton Book: I'll Trade You. Tales of trade in the ancient Near East
48 Hr Books September 06, 2023
Hi Marjorie! You will be able to see your per book price when you calculate your cost with our price calculator or when you go to place your order. What you plan to price your book at once this cost is determined is completely up to you, based on the profit you wish to make off each book. You can easily re-order your books by clicking on "Reorder" next to your book title when you log into your account. If you need help accessing your account, then please call us at 800-231-0521.
PIERRE MUJOMBA February 25, 2023
Can you help me to give to my text the dimensions that I want (11 mm x 18 mm) ?
48 Hr Books March 06, 2023
Hi Pierre! We will need to know more information about the dimensions you are requesting. Please email or call us with your question and we will connect you with a prepress technician. We also have online chat available at our website! Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-231-0521
Raymond Wells June 11, 2022
Hi Marcy! I’m happy to read this article because like any author I could use all the help I can get
48 Hr Books June 13, 2022
Hi Raymond! We are glad you found the article helpful!
Angela Kerns January 29, 2022
Is it possible to get a quote of estimated cost for printing a book with you?
48 Hr Books January 31, 2022
Hi Angela! You can get pricing any time using our price calculator. If you prefer to receive a quote over the phone, please call us at 800-231-0521. Here is the link to our cost calculator: https://www.48hrbooks.com/self-publishing-cost#/steps/binding
Lorenzo Clemons December 22, 2021
Great information sharing. It is clear and full of thoughtful directions. Thanks for guiding newbie’s…
48 Hr Books December 22, 2021
Thank you for reading, Lorenzo! Happy you found it helpful!