As authors, we know that writing the book is just one part of the journey. The next step—promotion—can feel just as daunting as the writing process, if not more so. There’s so much advice out there about how to sell your book, from mastering social media to building email lists, attending book fairs, and engaging in speaking gigs. But here’s the truth: not every promotional strategy works for everyone. The key is finding what feels authentic to you and what complements your personality.
If the idea of selling makes you break out in hives, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news is that you can find a book promotion strategy that aligns with who you are and how you prefer to engage with your readers. So, let’s explore some ways to promote your book while staying true to your unique self.
1. The Social Butterfly: Leverage Social Media
If you’re a natural people person who loves engaging with others, social media might be the perfect platform for you to promote your book. Instagram, X, and Facebook offer direct ways to interact with readers and other authors. You can share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process, post quotes from your book, and engage in fun discussions around your genre.
Instagram is fantastic for visual storytelling—post cover reveals, mood boards, or quotes from your book paired with eye-catching images. If you’re comfortable on camera, consider doing live videos or hosting Q&A sessions.
X is all about real-time engagement. You can join conversations about your genre using hashtags, connect with book bloggers and reviewers, and participate in writing sprints or bookish chats.
For a more personal connection, Facebook groups allow you to build a community around your books. Create a group where fans can discuss your work, share their favourite characters, or talk about upcoming projects.
If this feels like a natural extension of how you already engage online, then use it to your advantage. And remember, authenticity is key—your audience will connect with you more if your posts feel genuine rather than forced.
Action Step: Focus on one or two platforms where you feel most comfortable. Engage regularly with your audience by sharing content that excites you and matches your personality.
> Tip: Use hashtags like #bookstagram, #amwriting, or #authorsofinstagram to connect with readers and fellow authors.
2. The Introvert: Focus on One-to-One Engagement
For those of us who feel more at home behind a book than on a stage, large-scale promotion strategies can feel draining. If you’re introverted, don’t think you have to suddenly transform into a charismatic public speaker to sell your books. Instead, focus on one-to-one engagement and more intimate forms of promotion.
Consider reaching out to readers directly through your email newsletter. You can create a personal connection by sharing updates about your writing, snippets from upcoming projects, and personal stories about your journey as an author. Newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with your readers without the fast-paced nature of social media.
If you feel comfortable writing but not speaking, consider guest blogging. Contributing articles to websites and blogs within your genre can help you reach a wider audience without having to step into the spotlight. You could write about your experiences as an author, give advice on writing, or share stories about the themes in your books.
Another great option is engaging with book reviewers and book clubs. Many readers love to dive deep into the stories they read, and by offering to participate in Q&As with small book clubs, you can create meaningful connections with your audience without feeling overwhelmed.
Action Step: Start with a simple, monthly newsletter where you can connect with readers on your terms. Focus on building meaningful, one-on-one relationships with your audience.
> Tip: Personalize your email greetings and replies to build deeper connections with readers.
3. The Public Speaker: Take the Stage
If you’re someone who thrives in front of an audience, then public speaking might be your promotional sweet spot. Speaking at book fairs, literary festivals, and author panels allows you to connect with readers who are eager to learn more about you and your work. Public speaking gives you the chance to show your personality, tell stories about your book’s creation, and answer questions directly from your audience.
Consider hosting book launch events in local bookstores or libraries, where you can meet fans face-to-face and sign copies of your book. Or, if you want to reach an even broader audience, virtual speaking events, such as webinars or live interviews, allow you to share your message from the comfort of your home.
Podcasts are another great avenue if you enjoy speaking but want to do so from a more private setting. Appearing as a guest on writing and book-related podcasts can help you reach a new audience, establish yourself as an expert in your genre, and give you the opportunity to discuss your books in-depth.
Action Step: Research upcoming book fairs, festivals, or podcasts that are relevant to your genre. Start by reaching out to one or two and offering to speak or be interviewed.
> Tip: When preparing for a public speaking event, practice answering questions about your book, your inspiration, and the writing process to engage your audience.
4. The Creative Mind: Think Outside the Box
If traditional marketing methods don’t appeal to you, consider thinking outside the box when it comes to promoting your book. As an author, your creativity doesn’t have to end with writing your story—you can bring that same energy into your marketing efforts.
For example, you could create a book trailer to promote your work in a visually compelling way. There are plenty of tools available that allow you to make short videos without any prior editing experience. Share your trailer on social media, your website, and even during virtual book tours.
Another fun option is to offer exclusive content to readers, like downloadable bonus chapters, character art, or annotated excerpts from your book. This kind of promotion can work especially well if you’ve already built an engaged fan base who are eager for more insight into your world.
Book giveaways are another creative strategy to attract new readers. Partner with other authors in your genre to offer a bundle of books as a prize for readers who sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media.
Action Step: Brainstorm one unique, creative way to promote your book, whether it’s through a trailer, giveaway, or exclusive content. Use your natural talents to create something special that will grab your readers’ attention.
> Tip: Offer a free short story or character art download in exchange for joining your mailing list to build your readership while showcasing your creativity.
5. The Collaborator: Partner with Others
If you enjoy working with others, collaboration could be the perfect promotional strategy for you. By partnering with other authors, influencers, or book bloggers, you can leverage their audiences while building relationships in the industry.
Cross-promotions with authors in your genre can be as simple as doing a newsletter swap, where you feature each other’s books in your respective newsletters. Or, you could co-host a virtual event or giveaway. This not only introduces your book to new readers but also creates a sense of camaraderie among authors.
You might also consider reaching out to bookstagrammers or book bloggers for reviews, features, or interviews. These influencers have built communities of readers who trust their opinions, and getting your book in front of them can be a great way to grow your readership.
Action Step: Reach out to one author or influencer in your genre this week to explore the possibility of a cross-promotion or collaboration.
> Tip: When approaching potential collaborators, focus on building a genuine relationship first, rather than just asking for a favour.
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Finding Your Promotional Groove
No matter your personality type, there’s a way to promote your book that feels natural and engaging. The key is to experiment with different strategies until you find one that resonates with both you and your readers. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, there’s a promotion strategy that suits you. The important thing is to stay true to who you are, because readers can always tell when you're being authentic.
So, tell me: what book promotion strategies have worked for you? I’d love to hear what’s been effective and how you’ve embraced your unique strengths as an author to get your book out there!
Share your favourite promotional strategies in the comments below.
In case you found this post in a random way and don’t know me, Hello, my name is Fran and I’m an author. Discover more about me personally and my women's historical and contemporary fiction novels when you join my readers' community! Click on the link below to receive a free short story along with a monthly newsletter filled with exciting updates and exclusive content.
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