Book Marketing for New Authors: How to Reach Readers and Sell More Books
Finishing your book is an incredible achievement. But as any experienced author will tell you, the work isn’t done when you type “The End.” Writing the book is half the journey. The other half is making sure it reaches the readers it was written for.
For new authors, the word “marketing” often feels overwhelming. Do you need a big budget? Do you need thousands of followers before launch day? Do you need to be everywhere at once? The answer is no. Book marketing is less about flashy campaigns and more about consistency, creativity, and building real connections with readers.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of book marketing as a new author — including where to start, how to keep it manageable, and what strategies actually work.
- Build Your Author Brand Early
Marketing doesn’t start the day your book launches. It starts the moment you decide to publish. Readers don’t just buy books — they buy into authors. Your brand is simply the way you show up consistently, whether that’s through your voice online, the stories you share, or the audience you engage with.
Choose Your Platform Wisely
You don’t need to be on every social media platform. Start by identifying where your readers hang out:
Romance and YA readers thrive on Instagram and TikTok.
Nonfiction readers often connect through LinkedIn or Facebook.
Thriller and sci-fi fans still love Twitter/X communities and genre-specific forums.
Pick one or two and commit to them instead of spreading yourself thin.
Decide Your Author Voice
Are you witty? Inspirational? Informative? Your tone should match your personality and the type of books you write. Consistency builds recognition. Readers should feel like they know you, even if you’ve only posted snippets of your writing process.
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- Use Pre-Launch Marketing to Build Buzz
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is waiting until their book is finished to start marketing. By the time your book is available, you want readers already curious about it. Pre-launch marketing plants the seeds.
Cover Reveals and Sneak Peeks
Sharing your book cover is an exciting milestone — make it an event. Tease the reveal with snippets or blurred images, then reveal the full cover with a personal note about what it means to you. Add short quotes, character sketches, or even a playlist inspired by your story to keep readers engaged.
Preorders Matter
Even if you don’t have a large following, setting up preorders gives you credibility. Each preorder counts as a sale on launch day, which can help with Amazon rankings and visibility. Plus, early supporters love to feel like insiders.
Build a Launch Team
Gather a small group of family, friends, or early readers who agree to read your book and leave reviews when it’s live. Give them sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates so they feel valued.
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- Leverage the Power of Email Newsletters
Social media platforms change constantly. Your email list, however, belongs to you. It’s one of the most reliable ways to connect with readers directly.
Start Small
You don’t need thousands of subscribers to make email marketing effective. Even a list of 50 engaged readers can create momentum. Offer something free in exchange for sign-ups:
A bonus short story or deleted chapter.
A “behind-the-scenes” peek at your writing process.
The first chapter of your book as a sample.
Write Like a Human, Not a Sales Pitch
When you send emails, make them feel personal. Share updates, challenges, or funny writing moments. Think of your newsletter as a conversation, not a billboard.
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- Reviews and Social Proof Are Essential
Readers trust other readers. Reviews are the backbone of book marketing, especially for new authors without name recognition.
Why Reviews Matter
Platforms like Amazon use reviews to determine rankings and recommendations. A book with 50 reviews will almost always outsell a book with 5, even if both are equally well-written.
How to Ask for Reviews
Include a short, polite request at the back of your book.
Ask your launch team to leave reviews as soon as the book is live.
Reach out to book bloggers or bookstagrammers in your genre.
Pro tip: Never pay for fake reviews. Focus on building genuine feedback from real readers.
Where to Get Reviews
Goodreads groups dedicated to your genre.
Local libraries or book clubs.
Book promotion platforms like NetGalley.
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- Think Beyond Launch Day
The most successful authors treat marketing as a long-term effort. Launch day is exciting, but most readers will discover your book weeks or even months later. Consistency matters.
Keep Posting
Don’t stop talking about your book once it’s out. Share snippets, reader reactions, or even the inspiration behind certain chapters. A book doesn’t expire the day after release.
Get Involved Locally
Reach out to local libraries, bookstores, or schools. Offer to do a reading, Q&A, or workshop. Many communities are eager to support local authors.
Repurpose Your Content
Turn blog posts into social media captions. Record short videos explaining your writing journey. Use quotes from reviews as graphics. Marketing doesn’t always mean starting from scratch — it means being creative with what you already have.
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- Free and Low-Cost Marketing Strategies
Not every author has the budget for paid ads, and that’s okay. Many effective strategies cost little to nothing.
Guest blogging or podcasting: Offer to write or speak about your writing journey.
Cross-promotion with other authors: Swap newsletter shout-outs with a writer in your genre.
Giveaways: Offer a signed copy or a small bookish gift to encourage shares.
Even small actions add up when they’re consistent.
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- Tools and Resources for Authors
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Here are a few resources that make book marketing easier:
Canva: For creating graphics, social posts, and promo materials.
BookBub: For book promotion deals and reaching new readers.
Goodreads: To connect with readers and gather reviews.
Mailchimp or ConvertKit: For email newsletters.
Hootsuite or Buffer: To schedule social media posts and stay consistent.
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The Takeaway
Book marketing doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s about building small, consistent habits that connect you with readers over time. Start early, share authentically, and think beyond just launch day. With the right strategies, your book won’t just exist — it will be read, reviewed, and remembered.
If you’re a new author wondering how to market your book, remember this: it’s not about shouting the loudest. It’s about building genuine connections, one reader at a time.
