Book Marketing
Marketing is what makes or breaks a self published book. Without a publisher backing you, visibility depends entirely on your efforts such as promotion, reviews, and audience building. Most self published books sell fewer than 250 copies and many under 100, not because they lack quality but because they lack exposure. Strong marketing is what turns your book from published to profitable.
How to Reach Readers and Sell More Books
Publishing your book is just the beginning. Marketing is what gets your book discovered, builds your audience, and drives consistent sales. A strong strategy uses multiple platforms, each serving a different purpose in your growth as an author.
Key Book Marketing Platforms & How They Work
Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok)
Functionality:
Build an audience, share content, and engage directly with readers.
Best For: Awareness and long-term growth
Budget:
Free (organic content)
$5–$60/month for ads
What to Do:
Post consistently (quotes, snippets, behind-the-scenes)
Engage with your audience
Use short-form videos
Author Website
Functionality:
Your central hub for branding and credibility.
Best For: Long-term author presence
Budget:
$25–$100/year
What to Do:
Add book details and buy links
Offer a free chapter
Collect emails
Email Marketing
Functionality:
Direct communication with readers and high conversion rates.
Best For: Retention and repeat sales
Budget:
Free to $25/month
What to Do:
Build an email list early
Send updates and exclusive content
Launch your book to your list
Book Reviews (Amazon, Goodreads)
Functionality:
Build trust and improve conversions.
Best For: Credibility
Budget:
Free
$10–$60 (optional campaigns)
What to Do:
Ask readers for honest reviews
Reach out to reviewers
Add a review request in your book
Amazon Marketing (Amazon Ads + Optimization)
Functionality:
Helps your book rank and sell on Amazon.
Best For: Direct sales
Budget:
$15–$120/month
What to Do:
Optimize keywords and description
Run Sponsored Ads
Test pricing strategies
Online Ads (Facebook, Instagram, Google)
Functionality:
Reach targeted audiences beyond your followers.
Best For: Scaling visibility
Budget:
$25–$180/month
What to Do:
Target specific audiences
Test creatives
Track and optimize
Influencers & Book Bloggers
Functionality:
Leverage existing audiences for exposure.
Best For: Trust and reach
Budget:
Free (collaboration)
$25–$250
What to Do:
Send free copies
Partner for reviews
Collaborate on content
Podcasts & Interviews
Functionality:
Share your story and build authority.
Best For: Brand building
Budget:
Mostly free
What to Do:
Pitch yourself as a guest
Provide value, not just promotion
Direct listeners to your book
Goodreads
Functionality:
Reader-focused platform for discovery and engagement.
Best For: Community interaction
Budget:
Free
Optional ads
What to Do:
Create an author profile
Engage in reader groups
List and promote your book
Book Promotion Sites (BookBub, Freebooksy, etc.)
Functionality:
Promote your book to large reader audiences.
Best For: Quick visibility
Budget:
$20–$250 per promotion
What to Do:
Run discounts
Schedule promotions
Combine with reviews
Budget Overview
Low Budget ($0–$40/month):
Focus on social media, reviews, and emailMedium Budget ($40–$120/month):
Add Amazon Ads and small collaborationsHigh Budget ($120+/month):
Scale ads and run promotions
Send us your book today!
Are you a self-published author? We would love to feature your book on Self-Publishing 360 and help more readers discover your work. Send us your book link along with a short description, and we may showcase it on our website and community platforms completely free. Because every author deserves visibility, support, and a chance to grow their audience.
Self-Publishing 360 Marketing Budget Planner
A powerful budgeting tool designed for self-published authors who want to market smarter. Break down your expenses, monitor your spending in real time, and build a clear, strategic plan to launch and grow your book successfully.
