A to Z of Book Promotion

A to Z where to promote your book. [Back to School for Authors]

Just as going to school to learn is required of everyone, creating an engaging and effective promotional strategy is essential for authors looking to maximize the visibility of their books. From traditional avenues to digital platforms, the opportunities are vast.

In honor of the back-to-school season, here's an A to Z list of places where authors can promote their books, ensuring a wide-reaching impact:

A - Amazon: Arguably the largest online retailer for books, offering various promotional tools for authors, including Amazon Advertising and the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select program.

B - Bookstores are a given. But, a tool that can be really helpful for spreading the word is Bookfunnel. Not just for sharing your books or freebies, Bookfunnel is also great for collaborating with other authors.

C - Conventions and Conferences: Participating in literary conventions and conferences can provide authors with networking opportunities and the chance to sell their books directly to readers.

D - Digital Libraries: Platforms like OverDrive and Hoopla allow authors to make their books available in digital libraries, reaching readers who prefer borrowing over purchasing.

E - Email Newsletters: Building an email list and sending out newsletters is a direct way to keep your audience informed about new releases and promotions and get to know you better. Mailchimp is our favorite but anything that you find easy and in your budget is great.

F - Facebook: Utilizing Facebook pages and groups dedicated to book lovers can help authors engage with potential readers. In addition, your own page can help you to create a community of fans. Another F word [no, not THAT one] to think about is Farmers Markets. I've had several authors not only enjoy setting up at local markets but they've sold quite a few books.

G - Goodreads: An essential platform for authors to connect with readers, join book clubs, and participate in Q&A sessions.

H - HelloBooks: A popular site among readers looking for discounted books. Authors can promote their book deals here to reach millions of avid readers. Easier and cheaper than Bookbub. Perfect for Promo Stacking. They have hooked up with Written Word for some email promos to more than one group. Check it out as it's less expensive than most people think.

I - Instagram: With visual storytelling, authors can build their brand and engage with a younger audience through posts and stories. #Bookstagram is a popular hashtag.

J - Journalists and Bloggers: Reaching out to journalists and bloggers for reviews or interviews can significantly boost a book's visibility.

K - Kickstarter: Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter can be used for raising funds for book projects, and generating pre-release buzz.

L - Libraries: Local libraries often host book readings and author meet-and-greet events, offering a community-based approach to book promotion. Make sure to make friends with your local program director. If you'd like to get your book into libraries, check out Cari Dubiel's The Author's Guide to Libraries.

M - Metricool: Automating social media posts across various platforms can help authors maintain a consistent online presence. This is my current favorite social media scheduler as you can even schedule your stories, reels and Pinterest pins.

N - NetGalley: A service where authors can provide advance copies of their books to professional readers for reviews.

O - Online Book Clubs: Joining and participating in online book clubs can introduce your work to communities of avid readers.

This episode of our private podcast talks about free promotions, including podcasts. Get your FREE private podcast download HERE.

P - Podcasts: Appearing on podcasts that cater to your book's genre or themes can help you reach out to a wider audience. This is a great place to give away a freebie and also grow your email list. There are some groups in Facebook to search for opportunities but I have found Podmatch.com to be really helpful. It's like a dating app for podcasters but keeps it organized and so easy.

Q - Quora: Answering questions related to your book’s subject matter can establish you as an authority in your field.

R - Reddit: Participating in relevant subreddits allows authors to engage with niche communities and promote their work.

S - Smashwords: An e-book distribution platform that makes it easy for authors to distribute their books to major retailers and now a part of Draft2Digital.

T - TikTok: Using hashtags and engaging with literary communities on TikTok can increase book visibility. #booktok is a thing here and may authors are also setting up shops to sell their books on TikTok.

U - University and College Campus Events: Speaking at educational institutions can introduce your book to an academic audience if you're a non-fiction writer and for fiction, you can reach readers where they are.

V - Virtual Book Tours: Organizing online book tours can reach readers globally without the need for physical travel. But, I do very much recommend in-person events as well.

W - Written Word is my favorite way to promo stack for your book. They have a membership that has so many benefits like discounts, support, a FB group and the BEST dates for promos. Just $10 month. Here's my affiliate link to check it out.

X - Xing: A German professional network like LinkedIn where authors can connect with other professionals, potentially opening up opportunities for promotions. [This one was tough..... 😝]

Y - YouTube: Creating a YouTube channel to discuss your book, share insights, and connect with readers can enhance your online presence. In addition, publishing YouTube shorts is a great way to repurpose your reels and TikToks.

Z - Zine Fairs: Participating in zine fairs can attract readers interested in indie and self-published works. Various large cities, like Cincinnati, are even having annual festival events around Zines.

This A to Z list provides a comprehensive roadmap for authors seeking to promote their books across a variety of platforms. By leveraging these opportunities, authors can significantly increase their book's reach and success.

If you are looking to join an amazing community of authors and create your marketing strategies and promotions piece by piece while writing your book [or living your life], email me for a FREE pass to check out the Authors' Allies RoundTable. We'd love to meet you. Get a FREE copy of our ebook: 10 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan. 

Rebecca Paciorek is an Online Business Manager specializing in assisting authors, coaches, and speakers in their business growth through traditional and digital means.