> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://brookevitale.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Promote a Book: 12 Budget-Friendly Tips to Drive Sales - URL: https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-promote-a-book/ - Published: 2022-12-19T14:30:50.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-09T20:14:55.000Z - Description: A detailed guide to book promotion, book publicity, and book marketing including 12 things every independent author should be doing to drive books sales. - Author: Andrew Vitale - Tags: Marketing No author has ever said, “I’m going to publish a book, and it’s fine if it flops.” We all want our books to be successful—to get in the hands of readers. After all, we write because we have something to say. But writing a great book and selling a great book aren’t the same thing. So how can independent publishers get their books out there? How can they reach a book’s target audience? In short, how can an author promote their book? By understanding the basics of book marketing and publicity. ## What is book publicity? Book publicity is typically considered free advertising. This includes author interviews, book reviews, and in-person or virtual book tours, as well as readings and events. Because publicity is free, it is harder to come by. News organizations are hounded nonstop to run human interest stories, and book reviewers can only read so many books in a year. Book publicity is a great add-on to any plan to promote a book, but its unreliable nature makes it hard to count on as the sole promotion for a book. Traditional publishing companies have teams dedicated to marketing and publicizing books. They’re working on plans to promote a book long before it even has a set publication date. That’s because traditional publishers understand that book marketing is not a last step. Instead, it should begin the moment a book is acquired (and often does with acquisition announcements), and should continue until well after a book is published. Unfortunately, independent authors rarely have an entire team at their disposal, and that can make the selling part of publishing a book tricky. Especially because readers can’t buy your book if they don’t know it exists. > Pro Tip: The idea of “free” publicity is contingent on whether you choose to hire a publicist and rely on his/her connections in the industry to boost book sales. Although publicists can often secure free promotional opportunities, the cost of hiring one can be as much as $10,000! ## What is book marketing? Book marketing is paid advertising for a book. This may include purchasing ad space on blogs, news outlets, podcasts, social media, and, even in print. Targeted book ads on Amazon also fall under the marketing category as they incur an expense to raise your book’s profile. While not ideal for a budget, book marketing is a must for any author who’s serious about getting their book out there. As any author who has gone down this road will tell you, it’s easier to pay for exposure than to find people who will promote a book for free. And book marketing guarantees exposure for your book. > Pro Tip: When planning your book marketing, beware of social media accounts that promise to reach millions of people for a fee. These are rarely legitimate accounts. Check any social media account’s engagement level (both likes and comments) before agreeing to a deal. An account with a million followers but only four comments per post won’t get you the eyes you’re after. [![75 Book Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales!](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/book-marketing-tips-cover.png)Related article75 Book Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales!75+ book marketing tips to help authors sell books. Includes ideas on website creation, advertising, social media, Amazon Direct Publishing, and media outreach.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/book-marketing-tips/) ## 12 Budget-friendly tips to promote your book It’s no secret that tailored marketing and publicity campaigns can be pricey. Luckily, there are cost-effective ways to do some of the promotional work yourself. Here are 8 budget-friendly ways to boost book sales: ### Create author pages In addition to your website, create author pages on other platforms where you plan to sell your books or gather reviews. Two must-have profiles to energize sales are Amazon and Goodreads: Amazon Author Central Page—An author central page connects you with readers on the largest book selling platform of its kind. The tools available here also allow you to control your book listings and access valuable insights such as site traffic. ![Brooke Vitale's Amazon Author Page](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-amazon-author-page.jpg) [![How to Publish a Book on Amazon: 10 Steps to Success](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-publish-a-book-on-amazon-cover.jpg)Related articleHow to Publish a Book on Amazon: 10 Steps to SuccessA comprehensive tutorial to publishing a book on Amazon, including pricing, file creation, and file upload, with a step-by-step visual guide to each stage.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-publish-a-book-on-amazon/) Goodreads Author Program—Great for quickly sharing reviews of your book and getting noticed on a hub dedicated to readers. ![A picture of Brooke Vitale's Goodreads author page.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-goodreads-author-page.jpg) ### Submit to book reviewers Unfortunately, your book’s success will rely heavily on the number of (hopefully, positive!) reviews it receives —the more reviews, the more visible your book will be in search results. It’s worth noting, however, that Amazon tends to frown on one-sided reviews posted by family and friends, so strategize your outreach with an unbiased approach in mind. Start by contacting book bloggers and influencers who specialize in your genre. You can also submit your book to blogs and literary sites that regularly post reviews. Lastly, consider larger review engines like Kirkus. Once the reviews start pouring in, share them across your social media and website. And don’t forget to add them to your author pages! ![An example of an editorial review from the site Reader's Favorite](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-editorial-review-example.jpg) [![Amazon Editorial Reviews: An Author's Best Marketing Tool](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/amazon-editorial-reviews-cover.jpg)Related articleAmazon Editorial Reviews: An Author's Best Marketing ToolAn overview of Amazon Editorial Reviews, including how they are different than Amazon Reviews, why they matter, and how to get editorial reviews.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/amazon-editorial-reviews/) ### Contact bloggers, influencers, and podcasters Influencer marketing is an effective way to reach your target audience. Research book bloggers and influencers who post regularly, have an engaged following, and discuss the genre of your book on a weekly basis. For example, children’s book authors might consider reaching out to mommy blogs and inquiring about partnership opportunities. Podcasts are a great way to get some “on-air” time to connect with listeners and spread the word about your book. Engaging with already-established platforms will drive more traffic to your own social media and website. ![Example of getting a blogger to review your books](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-blogger-reviews.jpg) ### Reach out to local media Local media (newspaper and television) is a great way to let your community know what you’re up to—and why. Prepare a press kit that tells local media who you are, why you wrote your book(s), and what impact you hope to have on your local community. Be prepared to supply several press photos they can use for articles. ![An example of media outreach. The profile of Charge Mommy Books in the local patch.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-media-outreach.jpg) ### Offer your book for free on Amazon Of course, only for a limited time! This will entice readers to take a chance on your book and, hopefully, leave a positive review, shuttling your book higher into search results. [![Top Book Promotion Services and Book Promotion Sites in 2023](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/book-promotion-services-cover.jpg)Related articleTop Book Promotion Services and Book Promotion Sites in 2023Book promotions are a great way get extra eyes on your book, and offering a free eBook or deeply discounted eBook can help drive reviews. But how can you know which book promotion services are worthwhile? Here we break down the top sites for book promos.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/book-promotion-services/) ### Submit to local bookstores Contact your local bookstore and inquire about their consignment policy for selling books in their storefront. Not only will this get your book directly in front of readers, but it’s a great way to create a meaningful relationship with your local bookseller for potential readings and book signings. Even chain bookstores, like Barnes and Noble, offer meet-and-greets for local authors. If you’re a children’s book author, you might also consider participating in a story time reading at your local bookstore or library. ### Participate in local book events, clubs, and festivals Don’t underestimate the power in word-of-mouth marketing. Get involved in your local book scene. Your community library is a great place to start and learn more about neighborhood events and happenings. Showing up in person is an ideal way to connect to people in your community and network with other writers and readers. Also try checking out local farmers’ markets and seasonal markets. ![An image of Brooke Vitale at a local market selling Charge Mommy Books.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-local-markets.jpg) ### Set up author readings Whether at the library, the bookstore, or a school, set up a reading of your book. No one reads it better than you do, so get potential buyers excited with a sneak peek of your novel or a full reading of your picture book! ![An example of a preschool reading done by Brooke Vitale.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-school-readings.jpg) ### Cross-promote with other authors Connecting with other authors who write in the same genre is a great way to dip into their pool of established readers, and vice versa. Reach out to authors who have similar audiences and discuss collaborative ways to build a partnership that promotes success for everyone. This might include book giveaways, contests, or even writing guest posts for one another’s blogs. ### Add your book to your email footer Make sure everyone you’re emailing is able to see that your book exists. Plugging your book in your email footer is an ideal way to get people to notice your book, sans the sales pitch or coming off as promotionally pushy. ### Create an author website Although social media is king, having a website for your author brand is very important. A professional website gives readers the opportunity to connect with you, learn about your writing background, and more importantly, provides direct access for them to purchase your books. Generally speaking, here’s what your website should include: - Author logo and photo - About page with bio - Shop page or direct links for selling books - Social media links - Contact page - Excerpts from your books (optional) - Calendar for book tours, readings, signings, and appearances (optional) ![A image of Brooke Vitale's independent publishing company's website, Charge Mommy Books.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-author-website-example-1.jpg) > Pro Tip: Consider how you plan to drive traffic to your author website. Finding related websites that are willing to link back to you (called a backlink) is a good way to find a new audience. You may also consider offering to write for related websites. If you’re a subject-matter expert, posting articles related to your field can also help drive readership. #### Create a Lead Magnet You might consider offering a reader magnet based on your specialty. Lead, or reader magnets, are great marketing hooks that involve offering your reader something in return for their email address. This exchange ultimately helps you grow your brand’s email list, while also building a relationship with your followers. For example, you could attract readers to your site with a free excerpt of your book, but only if they subscribe. Once signed up, you’ll be able to share weekly or monthly newsletters and email blasts with your subscribers regarding news and upcoming events related to your author brand and books. ### Get used to marketing on social media According to the latest data, there are nearly 4.6 billion people using social media worldwide in 2022\. And, thanks to highly-visual platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok, a significant percentage of those users are readers. In fact, the wildly popular Instagram hashtag #bookstagram—which has become synonymous with book reviews, hauls, and recommendations—currently boasts 81+ million posts. Other popular Instagram hashtags for authors include: #writer, #author, #writersofinstagram, #authorsofinstagram, #goodreads, #book, #bookworm, #booknerd, and #reader, to name a few. Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have built-in book communities worth taking advantage of, but to do so, you’ll need a purpose-driven content strategy. ![An image of author Brooke Vitale's Charge Mommy Books Instagram profile](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-social-media-marketing.jpg) #### Develop a content strategy To successfully sell your book online as a self-published author, you’ll have to become a content creator, too. Despite what the Internet community suggests, there really isn’t a one-size fits all marketing plan when it comes to social media. What works for you, might not work for another author. That said, there are some tried-and-true ways for developing an effective social media strategy: - Consistency is key—post often, at least 4 to 5 times a week - Utilize vertical videos—7 to 15 second reels are trending - Connect to followers with engaging captions - Spend an hour each day commenting, sharing, and liking similar content as your own - Post trending content, like a behind-the-scenes look at your work day or writing process - Don’t pay for followers—an organic following (even if small) is your best friend #### Best practices for social media Purpose-driven social media is an effective way to propel your promotion strategy forward. New features and updates allow business accounts to turn their posts into shoppable content, completely changing the E-commerce game. Understanding best practices and how to use each platform is key: - Facebook—Solidify your brand by creating an Author Page and boost book sales by designing dynamic ads that reach readers locally, or worldwide - Instagram—Easily the most well-known platform for book promotion, increase follower engagement by sharing trendy 7 to 15 second reels and watch your traffic skyrocket - Twitter—The best platform for networking with publishing professionals, this book hub is great for connecting with other authors, editors, agents, publishers, book reviewers, bloggers, and influencers - YouTube—Repurpose Instagram reels on this video giant and leap into the world of “Shorts,” a trending vertical video strategy that features clips ranging from a few seconds to a couple minutes - Pinterest—Pin your way to success with video-driven bookish content - TikTok–Otherwise known as #booktok to readers, share trending book-related content in snappy vertical video format, much like Instagram’s popular reels posts > Pro Tip: To maximize marketing benefits on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, turn your posts into shoppable content by creating a store hub in your meta business suite. Utilizing this resource will turn your everyday content into profits with the click of a button. **Try This:** Ready to put your marketing skills to the test? Try this easy content creation idea to promote your book cover on social media and amp your book’s buzz before it hits shelves: - Design two covers – create a social media poll asking followers to vote on their favorite - BOOST your post as an ad for as little as $10 to promote locally, or even nationally. Make sure your ad or post has an interactive button that directs followers to your author website, store, or contact page The truth is, even authors published by traditional publishing companies have to do their own book marketing. While the publishers can help get books on store shelves, they can’t provide a dedicated team for every book they publish. Which means that an author who wants to see their royalty grow will need to get out there and grind just as hard as an independent author. Whether you’re an independent author or a traditionally published one, know this: you can and should be out there pushing your books. Although it’s true that it will take time and perseverance to see results, especially going it on your own, it can be done.