Self Published Book Marketing
If you are trying to figure out your self published book marketing, then you are not alone. Self-publishing has become a popular option for authors who want to take control of their book marketing and distribution.
Self publishing has become an accessible and cost-effective way for authors to reach a global audience. Amidst the rise of audiobooks, podcasts, and digital goods, print publishing has subtly made a shift to becoming accessible even for those who self publish.
But, self-publishing also means the responsibility of marketing your book falls solely on you, the author. Let’s explore some self-published book marketing ideas to help you get your book into the hands of readers.
Self publishing book marketing ideas for any approach
There is no “do X, Y, and Z and your book will be a NYT bestseller” that isn’t total hogwash. That being said, there are a few things any and all book marketers, self published or otherwise, should do as part of their marketing efforts.
These are some of the best self published book marketing ideas that will work for nearly every author, book, and genre.
1. Build an author website
Whether it is a website all about you, the author, your book(s), or a company you started and want to utilize for your self published book marketing, a website is a must.
What exactly that website might look like is entirely up to you, but it might include information like:
- The book’s summary
- Reviews
- And excerpt or excerpts
- Your bio
- A contact page
For an even more cost-effective route, you don’t even need to make anything too fancy or spend a bunch of money on a web design (though, it is a worthwhile investment down the line). Even creating a Google Site is a great way to have something to point readers to for your self published book marketing.
2 Use social media (wisely)
Social media is a powerful tool for self-published authors, there can be no question about that…but it can also be tricky to figure out.
The absolute best way to utilize social media for your self published book marketing is to think about where your potential readers are most likely to be (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, etc) and post on that platform consistently. That doesn’t mean several times a day, but it does mean that if you post on Tuesdays, you post on every Tuesday.
3. Host a book launch party
Hosting a book launch party is a great way to celebrate the release of your book and to connect with your readers. It is the bread and butter of self published book marketing because you can invite friends, family, and fans to your launch party (which can be basically anything you want), and you can also use the event as an opportunity to sign books and chat with readers.
For DSM Story Forge, for example, we hosted a live poetry reading and book signing for Mark Maier and his books 13 8 and 3 A.M. Stories. It was simple, but incredibly effective and impactful for those who were there.
4. Reach out to book bloggers
Book bloggers are a great resource for self-published authors. But, build an actual relationship with these individuals. They are more than simply a way to get your book out into the world. In our current world and culture, they function as unsung heroes of the publishing and book influencer world!
They can help you reach a wider audience and gain valuable reviews of your book. You can reach out to book bloggers by sending them a copy of your book and asking them to review it on their blog. The same goes for #Bookstagram bloggers!!
5. Utilize Goodreads
I will be honest…I have a love/hate relationship with Goodreads…but they are a helpful platform for authors looking for an outlet for their self published book marketing!
If you didn’t know, Goodreads is a social media platform specifically for readers and book enthusiasts. By creating a Goodreads author profile, you can connect with readers, give and receive book recommendations, and participate in discussions about books.
6. Start using email marketing
For your self published book marketing, there is no more powerful tool than email marketing. While you can use email marketing to keep your readers updated on your book’s progress and to let them know when it’s available for purchase, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
An email list is considered an “owned” audience. This just means that if MailChimp up and explodes one day, you would still be able to have access to the emails of your audience and can migrate to another platform or do it manually on your own. This gives you a lot of power, especially as a self published author that you can use to compete with giant publishing conglomerates.
7. Network with other authors
This is an underrated tool for self published book marketing.
Networking with other authors is a great way to gain exposure for your book. By connecting with other authors, you can learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into the publishing industry. You can also collaborate with other authors on promotions and marketing efforts. More importantly, you’ll pick up some great friends along the way!!
Get your self published book marketing in order!
Self-publishing your book is a big step, but with the right marketing strategy, you can reach a wider audience and connect with readers. And you don’t have to do it by flashing around a bunch of money and taking out private loans.
By using the self-published book marketing ideas outlined in this blog post, among others discussed on the DSM Blog, you can increase your book’s visibility, build a loyal fan base, and take control of your book’s success.
If you like what you are reading and want to see more about what is going on at DSM Story Forge, then check out Stories From the Forge. It’s a monthly update on all things DSM (Story, Content, and Gaming).
Want to see more actionable tips on how to write and how to market your books as a self-publisher? The Story Forge is going to be right up your alley. It’s a sporadic newsletter about all things writing and publishing.
If you are an author who has a book ready to go or you are wanting some help with the self-publishing route, then I would love to see what it would look like to be a DSM Author (read the info on the page and click the link to fill out an interest form so we can start talking).
