Best Email Marketing Service Providers for Authors: a 2025 List!

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Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for authors, helping you build direct connections with readers, promote book launches, and create loyal fans. Unlike social media, where algorithms control your reach, email puts you in control—allowing you to engage your audience on your terms.

Choosing the right email service provider (ESP) can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of the best options specifically for authors. Whether you’re a first-time self-publisher, a fiction writer with multiple series, or a nonfiction expert selling courses alongside books, there’s an email platform that fits your needs.

I always start with the assumption that authors do not have a reader magnet, so I pulled a list of all the services that integrate with BookFunnel.  A BookFunnel account is basically my best practice recommendation for reader magnet giveaway, ARC distribution, and initial email list growth.  If you have to pay for one thing as you’re starting your author/publishing career, I would say pay for BookFunnel (and I say that as a website expert who adamantly wants every single author to have their own website!).  In fact, I stan BookFunnel so much, I just published a whole in-depth article about how BookFunnel should be the first money you spend as an indie author. Seriously!  

Below, you’ll find the best email marketing platforms for authors, along with a quick breakdown of their features, pricing, and what I think makes each one stand out, along with the action I think you should take today to see if that provider is right for you (don’t worry, I’m not asking you to spend any money today). Note:  I did not include MailChimp on this list, and here is why.

1. MailerLite – MailerLite is my # 1 recommendation for you. It is a simple, affordable, and feature-packed email marketing tool that’s perfect for authors, and I say that even after revisiting all of them, every single year for this article. It offers automation, landing pages, and a bunch of other cool stuff you don’t even know you need yet, making it great for both beginners and experienced marketers. MailerLite is the service I use the most (and the only one I actually pay for!).  MailerLite integrates seamlessly with BookFunnel (which is something you really do need from the very beginning), and honestly, I find their interface the simplest and most user-friendly to work with. I know ease of use is really important to authors (because many of you are not tech-savvy, and I get that!), so MailerLite is my # 1 recommendation for you. 

• Why? Affordable, easy-to-use, excellent automation, and great for newsletters.
• Key Features: Free plan (1,000 subscribers), automation, landing pages, A/B testing.
• Ideal For: Authors growing a list, sending automated sequences (e.g., your welcome email and that onboarding sequence I keep talking about).
• Pricing: Free for 1,000 subs, then starts at $10/month. What I like most about them is that they don’t gatekeep their features and functionalities behind any kind of paywall.  Free account holders can use (and get familiar with) all of the features until it exceeds 1,000 subscribers, which is honestly just amazing for author education. I’m always hyping up free tools that can help authors learn about business and grow their lists in the process, and I think Mailerlite is the best for that.
• What to do right now:  Sign up for a free account and look around to see if you like it.

2. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) –Best Overall for Authors

ConvertKit is built specifically for creators, including authors, making it an excellent choice for book marketing. It provides powerful automation, seamless reader segmentation, and integrations with book-related tools like BookFunnel and Patreon.

• Why? Built for creators, powerful tagging & automation for reader segmentation.
• Key Features: Free account goes to 10,000 subscribers, paid tiers include automation & advanced sequences.
• Ideal For: Fiction & non-fiction authors who want segmented marketing (e.g., genre-specific readers).
• Pricing: Starts at $9/ month

3. EmailOctopus – Best Budget Option

• Why? Cheapest paid email marketing tool with all essential features.
• Key Features: Simple automation, segmentation, and a free plan up to 2,500 subscribers.
• Ideal For: Indie authors looking for a low-cost email platform.
• Pricing: Free up to 2,500 subs, then $8/month.

4. AWeber –  Great for Beginners

• Why? Simple and beginner-friendly, good for authors who are new to email marketing.
• Key Features: Drag-and-drop email builder, autoresponders, RSS-to-email for blogs.
• Ideal For: Authors new to email marketing or who have a blog/newsletter.
• Pricing: Free up to 500 subs, paid starts at $12.50/month.

5. GetResponse – Best for Selling Directly to Readers, Great for Authors with No Website at All

• Why? Includes funnels, automation, and eCommerce integrations.
• Key Features: Landing pages, webinar hosting, eCommerce (sell books directly).
• Ideal For: Authors wanting to sell direct from email 
• Pricing: Free up to 500 subs, paid starts at $15/month.

Email Service Provider (for Authors) Comparison Table

Book Promotion Sites: A Guide to Newsletter Promos

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Book promotion sites with large email lists of engaged readers (like BookBub, for example) can significantly boost your book’s visibility and sales. Here’s what you need to know about using these platforms effectively.

Understanding Book Promotion Sites

Book promotion sites maintain curated email lists of readers interested in discovering new books, typically at discounted prices or for free. These platforms segment their audiences by genre, allowing authors to reach targeted readers interested in their specific type of book and hopefully gain new readers along the way.

My Usual Disclaimer and Question: Are You Even Ready for Book Promotion?

Before investing in any promotional campaign, ensure your book and network are properly optimized with an effective reader magnet and prominently placed link inside your book that goes to the email signup to get the magnet. The primary goal of these promotions isn’t just immediate sales – it’s building your long-term email list of engaged readers. Without these basic platform elements in place, you’re missing the most valuable aspect of paid promotions: growing your email list for future book sales. You’re trying to gain long-term customers here, not just turn a profit on one book! Seriously– if you do not have a way for people to sign up for your email list, you are not ready to spend money on email book promotions!  Get that piece done right away!

ok, I’m going to trust that you have your reader magnet, email list signup, and website set up properly. Bonus points for a solid onboarding sequence!

BookBub: The Industry Leader

BookBub is the most influential promotion platform, boasting over 10 million readers. While their promotions can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on genre, they offer unparalleled exposure. However, they accept only 10-20% of submitted books, making approval highly competitive. All of us have been rejected multiple times for BookBub deals, so don’t get discouraged!

Key features:

• Largest reader base in the industry
• Genre-specific promotions
• New release promotions available
• Strict submission requirements
• Premium pricing structure
• Really, really hard to get

Seriously though, do NOT pay for one of these deals (even if they do happen to accept you) unless you have that email signup in place. You are more than likely NOT going to sell enough books for a BookBub promo to pay for itself, so exposure and new email signups are the main benefits to shelling out all that money.

Finally, can I just mention that BookBub is so expensive and so powerful SPECIFICALLY because they have 10 MILLION PEOPLE on their email list? If that’s not an argument for setting up your email list properly right now, I don’t know what is.

OK, now I’m going to tell you about a bunch of other websites/ email lists where you can do promos. I will also point you to David Gaughran’s website, since he is known for knowing everything there is to know about promos and has the most updated list. Plus he has a cool accent. Check him out! 

Other Major Promotional Platforms

Free Book Promotions:
Meaning– these places promote free books, not that the promotions are free)

• FreeBooksy: Premium service ($30-120 per promotion)
• EReader News Today (ENT): Mid-range option ($40-50)
• Fussy Librarian: Cost-effective ($15-79)

Discounted Book Promotions:
Meaning–your book is discounted (for a limited period of time), not that the promotion is discounted. Hope that makes sense.

• BargainBooksy: Wide range of options ($20-500)
• Robin Reads: Large, segmented lists, affordable options for promo blasts (approximately $60)
• ENT: Varied pricing ($45-120)

Strategic Timing

Optimal promotion periods:

• Within 30 days of launch for maximum impact
• During KDP Select free days (if your book is in KU)
• When running planned price promotions (like during your launch)
• During revival campaigns for older titles

Promotion Stacking

“Promo stacking” involves scheduling multiple promotions consecutively during your launch month. This strategy helps:

• Maintain consistent visibility
• Generate sustained sales activity
• Improve Amazon algorithm recognition during launch period (honeymoon period)
• Maximize marketing impact and email signup conversion

ROI Considerations

When evaluating promotion sites, consider:

• Size and quality of email list
• Genre-specific audience reach
• Submission requirements
• Booking lead times

The key to successful book promotion lies in strategic timing, careful platform selection, and coordinated marketing efforts. While BookBub represents the gold standard, a mix of smaller platforms can provide significant visibility and sales momentum for both new releases and established titles.

How Much Does it Cost to Promote a Book?

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Promoting a book is an essential step in ensuring its success, but the cost of promotion can vary greatly depending on your goals, methods, and target audience. Below is a breakdown of potential costs involved in promoting a book, along with tips to manage your budget effectively.

Before diving into any promotional strategies, make sure you have a reader magnet and email signup in place. These tools are critical for capturing leads and building a loyal audience, providing a solid foundation for all your promotional efforts. Remember, all promotional efforts (free or paid) are not just to sell books– you’re trying to build your audience!!

1. Basic Promotion Costs (Free to Low-Cost)

If you’re on a tight budget, there are several free or low-cost methods to promote your book:

• Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are free to use, but investing in paid advertising on these platforms starts at around $5-$10/day.
• The Follower Funnel Method:  No one likes hearing that this is the actual way to build your list/ your followers because it requires so much work, but this is the one that works!
• Online Communities: Engage in relevant Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and book clubs. This method is free but requires time and effort. To do this method successfully, you’ll need to join and participate in NICHE SPECIFIC groups, not groups that focus on self-publishing.  This is super important!!

2. Intermediate Promotion Costs ($100-$500)

For authors with a moderate budget, here are some impactful promotional options:

• Book Cover Redesign: A professional book cover can significantly improve sales. Costs range from $100-$500, depending on the designer.
• Amazon Advertising: Running ads on Amazon is one of the most effective ways to reach readers. Costs start at $50-$100/month, depending on your daily budget and bidding strategy.
• Social Media Ads: Paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook or Instagram typically cost $100-$300/month for a basic campaign.
• Book Promotion Sites: Websites like Bargain Booksy, BookBub (for featured deals), and Freebooksy can boost visibility. Prices range from $20-$400 per promotion, depending on the site and your book’s genre.
• ARC Distribution: Services like NetGalley charge around $50-$450 to distribute advance review copies of your book.

3. Advanced Promotion Costs ($500 and Up)

For those with larger budgets, these options can make a significant impact:

• Book Publicists: Hiring a publicist can cost $1,000-$5,000/month, but they handle media outreach, book tours, and other PR efforts.
• Professional Video Trailers: A high-quality book trailer can cost between $500-$5,000 and is great for social media or YouTube promotion.
• Book Tours: Virtual book tours with companies like Goddess Fish Promotions cost between $100-$500, while in-person tours can cost upwards of $1,000 when factoring in travel expenses.
• Featured BookBub Deals: These highly coveted promotions cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000+, depending on your genre and pricing tier.

4. Hidden Costs to Consider

• Time Investment: Many promotion methods (like social media and engaging with readers) require a significant amount of your time.
• Giveaways: Hosting giveaways can help build your email list but may cost $50-$200 for prizes and shipping.
• Software Tools: Tools like Canva Pro for graphic design, or advanced email marketing platforms, cost around $10-$30/month.

5. Creating a Promotion Budget

Your promotion budget will depend on your goals and the resources you have available. Here’s a suggested framework:

• Small Budget (Under $100): Focus on free strategies like social media, email lists, and networking, with minimal investment in ads.
• Moderate Budget ($100-$500): Invest in Amazon ads, professional graphics, or affordable promotional sites.
• Large Budget ($500+): Hire professionals, invest in high-quality ads, and aim for maximum exposure through premium services.

Final Thoughts

Promoting a book requires a balance of time, effort, and financial investment. While it’s possible to promote your book for free, allocating even a small budget can dramatically increase your chances of success. Start with methods that align with your goals, measure the effectiveness of each strategy, and adjust your plan as needed.

Investing in promotion isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building your author brand and reaching readers who will support your career in the long term.

How to Get the “Bestseller Badge” on Your Amazon KDP Book

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You know that orange bestseller badge you see on Amazon books? It’s actually more achievable than most authors think! The secret is that you don’t need to outsell every single book on Amazon – you just need to hit #1 in your specific category. And since Amazon updates these rankings every hour, even a short spike in sales can get you there.

Let’s talk strategy. First up, choosing your categories smartly is absolutely crucial. While Amazon starts you off with two categories, here’s a little-known trick: you can actually get up to 10 if you reach out to their support team! The key is to get specific – really specific. Instead of dropping your book in a huge category like “Self-Help,” try finding a smaller niche like “Time Management for Teens.” Way less competition there!

Want to know if your chosen category is actually achievable? Do some detective work! Check out the current #1 book in your target category and see how well it’s selling. There are tools like KDSpy that can help with this, or you can do it manually if you’re feeling determined.

Now, let’s talk about your book’s “metadata” (fancy word for all the info about your book). Your title, subtitle, keywords, and description need to be spot-on. Think about what your ideal readers might type into Amazon’s search bar. Tools like Publisher Rocket can help you find those golden keywords that lots of people search for but aren’t too competitive.

Here’s where it gets fun – planning your launch! You’ll want to gather a launch team (think of them as your book’s cheerleading squad), set an enticing promotional price (many authors start at $0.99 to get those early sales rolling), and maybe even run a preorder campaign to build buzz.

Do you have an email list or social media following? Use them! Share exciting content, maybe offer some special bonuses for launch week buyers. And don’t forget about Amazon Ads – even a small budget can help get your book in front of the right readers.

Keep track of how your book’s doing through Amazon’s KDP dashboard. Once you snag that badge, keep the momentum going with different promotions like Kindle Countdown Deals or teaming up with other authors for cross-promotion.

Here are some pro tips I’ve seen work well: Launch on weekdays when there’s less competition, encourage those early reviews (they really help with Amazon’s algorithm), and don’t be afraid to switch categories if your current ones aren’t working out.

Remember, getting that bestseller badge is totally doable – it’s all about being strategic and persistent. Once you get it, it can really help boost your book’s visibility and credibility. Pretty cool, right?

The “Launch with Zero,” Then Pay Method — Self Published Books and Amazon Paid Advertising

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Let’s be honest – you’ve published your book and suddenly realized you’re missing some crucial marketing pieces. Maybe you’ve been hearing about email lists and reader magnets, and now you’re wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake. Take a deep breath. While having these elements in place before publishing would have been ideal, it’s not too late to turn things around.

Also, this is just a reminder:  please don’t get mad at me and send me mean emails because you didn’t know this stuff before or because it seems difficult. I am just the messenger! I am here to help and give you free information!  Do with it what you like!

First Things First: The Email List Challenge

You’ve probably heard that “the money is in the list,” and there’s truth to that. An email list gives you direct access to your readers – no algorithms or social media platforms standing in your way. But how do you build one after your book is already out there?

Here’s what you can do right now:

Write something exclusive for your potential subscribers – maybe a short story featuring your characters, a prequel scene, or even some “behind the scenes” content about your writing process. This is your reader magnet, and it’s going to be your secret weapon for building that email list.

Then, go back and update your book. Yes, you can do that! Add a compelling invitation at the front and back of your book that offers this exclusive content in exchange for joining your email list. Tools like MailerLite or BookFunnel make this process pretty painless.

Seriously, stop what you are doing and get your email list and reader magnet in place. You need it to go on to the next step.

Your Author Website

Let’s talk about another totally crucial thing – your author website. Think of it as your piece of real estate in the digital world. You absolutely need one, and no, a Facebook page isn’t a substitute. Your website is the one place you completely control, where Amazon algorithms and social media changes can’t mess with your visibility. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, but it does need to exist and look professional. At minimum, you need an about page (make it personable!), a books page with clear buying links, and a way for readers to join your email list. That’s it! Don’t get paralyzed trying to create the perfect site. WordPress is your friend here – it powers about 40% of the internet for good reason. It’s reliable, professional, and has a huge community of users and developers. The key is making it easy for readers to find your books, learn about you, and join your email list. Think of your website as a friendly bookstore where you’re both the author and the bookseller – make it welcoming and easy to navigate. And here’s a pro tip: get your own domain name. “yourauthorname.com” looks way more professional than “yourauthorname.wordpress.com.”

Social Media: Set it Up, But Don’t Try to Do It All

Here’s something refreshing – you don’t need to be everywhere. Pick one or two platforms where your readers actually hang out. Writing YA? TikTok might be your jam. Romance? Instagram could be your sweet spot. The key is to show up consistently and actually engage with people. Share snippets of your writing life, chat about books you love, join in readerly conversations. Think of it less as marketing and more as making friends who love the same kinds of books you write.

OK, Now We’re Ready to Talk About Paid Advertising

This is where you might need to invest some money to make up for lost time. Think of it as paying your dues a different way. Amazon ads can be particularly effective because you’re reaching people who are already in a book-buying mood. Start small – maybe $5-10 a day – and watch what works. It’s like learning to drive; you don’t start on the highway.

Once you have your email list/ reader magnet / website in place (because remember, this is about building your audience for the long term, not just selling this one book), go ahead and start with an Automated Ad.  Here is a full set of Amazon book advertising instructions (and this same checklist).  Once you’ve got all that in place and have run an automated ad for a week (hopefully with some success), scale up to keyword/ category/ product ads. If you run an automated ad with no success, you might need to make some changes to the book itself, like to the cover or description. Again, I’m sorry!  Publishing is a journey!

The Long Game

Here’s the most important thing to remember: building a platform is a marathon, not a sprint. Yes, you might have started a few miles behind, but you’re still in the race. Focus on making genuine connections with readers, consistently providing value (whether through your newsletter, social media, or bonus content), and learning from what works and what doesn’t.

Remember, every successful author started with zero readers. The key difference is that some built their platform before publishing, and others (like you) are building it after. Both paths can lead to success – yours might just take a little more strategic planning and patience.

Your Next Steps

1. Create that reader magnet today. Don’t overthink it – your readers want to hear from you.
2. Set up a simple landing page for email signups. Services like MailerLite make this easy.
3. Update your book with links to your signup page.
4. Choose one social media platform and start showing up consistently.
5. Set aside a small budget for advertising and start experimenting.

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now. The same goes for building your author platform. So let’s get started!

I Am the Messenger. Please Don’t Shoot Me

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When authors come to me asking why their self-published book isn’t selling, I take a deep breath. I know what’s coming. The conversation usually goes something like this:

Author: “My book has been out for six months and I’ve only sold twelve copies. What am I doing wrong?”

Me: “Well, let me take a look at your book page… ah, I see several things we could improve. First, your cover isn’t quite hitting the genre markers. Fantasy readers expect certain visual elements that signal ‘this book is for you.'”

Author: “But I love my cover! I designed it myself!”

And there it is. The first drop in what will become an ocean of resistance.

The hard truth about book marketing is that the answers are rarely simple or easy to implement, because many authors learn the entire process of self-publishing with their first book and leave out alot of things along the way. When your book isn’t selling, it usually means something fundamental needs to change. Maybe your cover looks amateurish compared to bestsellers in your genre. Perhaps you need to write a prequel novella as a reader magnet to build your email list. Or you might need to create an author website to establish your platform.

Sometimes the issues run even deeper. Your book description might not be compelling enough to hook readers. Your opening chapters might need restructuring to better grab attention. Your pricing strategy might be off for your genre. Or – and this is the really tough one to hear – you might need to write more books because readers are hesitant to invest in a single standalone title from an unknown author.

These aren’t small tweaks. They’re major undertakings that require significant time, effort, and often money. No one wants to hear that the cover they lovingly crafted needs to be completely redone, or that they need to write an entirely new book to give away for free.

I’ve seen the range of reactions: denial, anger, bargaining. “But my mother loves the cover!” or “Can’t I just post more on social media instead?” or “What if I just lower the price to 99 cents?” I understand the impulse to look for an easier solution. Who wouldn’t?

The resistance often comes in waves. First, there’s the initial shock of realizing the scale of changes needed. Then comes the defensive phase, where authors try to justify why their current approach should work. Finally, there’s the overwhelming feeling of “I have to do ALL of this?”

I understand the frustration. You’ve already poured your heart and soul into writing and publishing your book. You thought the hard part was over. But in today’s saturated market, writing a good book is just the beginning. The publishing landscape has changed dramatically. Readers have more choices than ever, which means your book needs to meet professional standards in every way to compete.

So when authors shoot me angry looks or defensive responses, I get it. I’m the bearer of unwelcome news. I’m telling them their baby is ugly (or at least, their baby’s outfit isn’t attracting the right attention).

But here’s what I wish every author understood: I’m on your side. I want your book to succeed. When I suggest major changes, it’s not to discourage you – it’s because I’ve seen what works. I’ve watched authors implement these strategies and transform their sales from trickling to flowing.

Yes, creating an email list is a lot of work. Yes, redesigning your cover is an additional expense. Yes, writing more books takes time away from marketing the one you’ve already published. But these aren’t arbitrary hoops I’m asking you to jump through. They’re proven pathways to finding and connecting with readers.

The authors who succeed are the ones who eventually move past the resistance. They take a deep breath, look at their book objectively, and commit to making the necessary changes. They understand that publishing is a business, and sometimes business decisions require tough choices.

So please don’t shoot the messenger. I know the journey is longer and more complex than you hoped. But if you’re willing to do the work – to make the big changes needed – your book can find its audience.

And nothing makes me happier than when an author comes back months later to tell me, “You were right. The new cover made all the difference.” Or “That reader magnet you suggested? I now have 500 subscribers on my email list.”

Because ultimately, that’s what this is all about: helping your book reach the readers who will love it. Even if we have to ruffle some feathers along the way.

Sometimes being the messenger means delivering difficult news. But I’ll keep doing it, because I believe in your book’s potential. I just need you to believe in it enough to make the changes that will help it succeed.