Does Amazon Buy Back Books?

If you’ve ever looked at your bookshelf and wondered what to do with books you no longer need, you might have considered selling them back to Amazon. But does Amazon actually buy back books? The short answer is no, but with some workarounds. Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon’s book buyback process and alternative options to make the most of your unwanted books.


Amazon’s Textbook Buyback Program (Now Retired)

Amazon used to have a formal textbook buyback program (which it started way back in 2011) where you could sell back used textbooks in exchange for Amazon gift cards. However, this program was discontinued in 2020. So, if you’re specifically looking to sell textbooks, Amazon no longer has a dedicated program for that purpose. Sorry!  Textbook Buyback is in the Amazon Graveyard, which we keep track of right here.


Can You Still Sell Books on Amazon?

Yes! While Amazon no longer runs a buyback program, you can still sell books directly on their platform. Here’s how:

1. Sell Books on Amazon as an Individual Seller

We actually have a whole article about selling books on Amazon right here. The gist is this:

You can list your books for sale on Amazon’s Marketplace as an individual seller. Here’s how:

  • Create an Amazon Seller account if you don’t have one already. There’s only a fee if you go over a certain number of transactions (or want to be a professional seller, which you probably do not). Otherwise they take the fees out of whatever you sell. https://seller.amazon.com 
  • Go to the product page of the book you want to sell.
  • Click the “Sell on Amazon” button.
  • Set your price and choose your shipping options.

Keep in mind:

  • Amazon charges selling fees (usually a percentage of the sale price).
  • You’ll need to ship the book yourself once it sells.

 

2.  Sell Books on eBay

Another surprisingly decent alternative to Amazon’s marketplace is to sell books on eBay. Yes, eBay is old school, but they have a really huge digital footprint, which basically means your listing will get found (and hopefully bought) very quickly. That’s something!

Here’s how to do that:

  • Create an eBay account. Your (or your parents) probably have an old one from the 1990s.
  • Research Pricing: Check similar listings and sold prices on eBay to set a competitive price.
  • Create a Detailed Listing: Use clear titles, honest descriptions (include condition and defects), and quality photos.
  • Choose Affordable Shipping: Use options like Media Mail (U.S.) and package books securely to avoid damage.
  • Promote Your Listings: Share on social media and consider offering free shipping or discounts to attract buyers.

3. Partner with a Third-Party Book Reseller

Some third-party services, like SellBackYourBook.com or BookScouter, work in conjunction with Amazon to help you sell books. These platforms allow you to compare buyback prices from multiple vendors, making it easy to find the best deal.


Tips for Selling Books Successfully

To maximize the value of your books, follow these tips:

  1. Check Condition: Books in excellent condition fetch higher prices. Make sure there are no torn pages, stains, or excessive wear.
  2. Research Market Value: Use tools like BookScouter to compare prices across platforms before listing your book.
  3. Bundle Sets: If you have a series, sell it as a bundle to increase its appeal to buyers.
  4. Take Good Photos: When listing books on Amazon or other platforms, clear and well-lit photos can make a big difference.

TL;DR 

While Amazon no longer has a dedicated book buyback program, it still offers avenues to sell books through its Marketplace. Additionally, third-party platforms and local options provide alternatives for selling or donating books. Whether you’re looking to clear shelf space, make a little cash, or support a good cause, there are plenty of ways to give your books a new life.

Amazon KDP Ads– the keyword/ product ad

ok!  Here we are– part 2 in the paid ads series!

I’m hoping you did every single thing on the list in this article, because if you did not, you are going to waste even more money on ads by starting keyword-specific campaigns. Please!  Go back and work your way through the list!!

I’m going to trust that you did everything on the list and then ran some low-cost automated targeting ads for a week or two. If you did that and got some conversions, great!  Let’s move on.  If you did that and didn’t get any sales, go over to this article to try to figure out why.  Does your book need a new cover? More reviews? A better description?  Is it not competitive in its genre? Don’t shoot the messenger, but I would love for you to solve any egregious problems with your book before you spend any more money on ads.

If you’re totally happy with how your initial Automated Targeting campaign went, frigging great!  Let’s proceed to the next step.

Log in to your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account and go over to the “Promote and Advertise” part of the specific book you’re working on, OR go to ads.amazon.com and see if they will let you log in over there. Sometimes Amazon gets their sh*t together and consolidates the logins. Worth a try!  Also, I know you know where to log in by now, because you’ve been monitoring your automated ad, right?  RIGHT?!

Anyhow, find the Automated Targeting ad you ran, click down into the ad itself (which looks like this):

Then look for this section:

You’re looking for two things:

1.  Keywords that generate clicks and sales.

2.  Products your book has performed well against, and

You’re going to use this information to create a Manual Targeting campaign:

  • Focus on high-performing keywords identified in your Automated campaign.
  • Use any product that your book converted against.
  • Use the keywords from your keyword research and anything you found on Publisher Rocket.

Go through the same interface as when you started the automated ad, then choose “keyword targeting.”

Both of these types of ads work great, and you can run them both at the same time (you’ll need to start them separately).   As with all things Amazon, the more specific you get the better, so make sure you are prepared with a good list of keywords and/ or a list of competitive titles.  As with the “Automated Targeting” rant, I will encourage you to never ever take Amazon’s default suggestions. Remember, they are trying to make money for themselves, which they do when they sell advertising clicks, not when you sell books.

Here’s an example of how they are going to try to do that in the “Manual” keyword interface:

This is hilarious.  If I click the “Add All” button and start this ad, Amazon is going to advertise this book against the words “Book,” “Cookbook,” “Free Books,” “marketing,” “sap,” “how” and “free,” and is going to charge me up to $1.21 PER CLICK for that privilege.

Again, no thank you, and please get ahold of yourself, Amazon.   I would be happy to come in for a meeting if you’d like some feedback.

The way to best use this particular interface (and to harness the magic of the Amazon suggested search algorithm) is to switch over to the “Enter list” tab.   Switch to “custom bid” and set the bid for something really low like 10 cents.  Also, uncheck “Broad” for match type, because that gets us back into “Amazon wilding out and advertising your book against random words” territory again.

Your screen will look like this:

 

ok, now enter the topic/ genre/ subject of your book, and hold on to your hat!   This part is cool.

 

 

Well, will you look at that?!  Amazon is actually being insightful and helpful.  Most of these suggestions are what my book is actually about.   I will just repeat this type of search with phrases like “how to market a book” and “marketing self-published books” until I have a list of about 50 keywords.  When you get the hang of this you can go up to 100 keywords per campaign, but for right now let’s stop at 50 and get this thing launched.

Nice!   You should have a similar list that is related to your book’s subject matter or genre.  You can use the names of other authors, other books, and anything else you think might be relevant or get someone to buy your book.   Also, if you never filled out the seven keyword slots when you published your books, take some of these great keywords and fill those out right this minute!

Next up is “Negative Targeting,” and we’re skipping that because this is our first ad and we don’t have that kind of insight yet.   I swear we’re almost done!

“Campaign bidding strategy” is after that, and I recommend that you choose “Dynamic bids, down only” because you never want to give Amazon permission to spend MORE of your money than your default bid. “Down only” is a good option because that way, Amazon can LOWER your bid to see if doing so will still yield a click.  If/ when it does, great!  You’ll know that for the future.

 

You made it! You’re on the very last choice before you can launch this ad!

I know, that was stupid complicated.    I feel your pain.

The very last thing we’re going to do is fill out the “Settings” for the ad.  Here’s what mine looks like:

Amazon has now moved this down to the very bottom, which is even more problematic for you because you are likely to be fed up by then and miss this “gotcha” moment.  The default for this screen is “No End Date,” but you should actually NEVER start a brand new ad with no end date!!  Having no end date is going to make you think you can “set it and forget it,” which you absolutely cannot ever do with paid advertising.  “No end date” is just Amazon wanting to stick their hand in your pocket and start taking your money from now on, whether or not your ads are working.  They are counting on the fact that you are a right-brained creative ADHD type and you will probably a) forget this ad is running, b) forget to check it regularly, and c) never come back to optimize it.  So, whatever they are offering you here is what’s going to happen from now on, and I promise you, you’re not going to like it when you get the bill at the end of the month. Remember, you have to pay Amazon for these ads whether or not they result in book sales. 

So— change that date  to two weeks from the day you start running the ad.  You want to schedule this like everything else in your life that costs money and needs maintenance.  You wouldn’t enter into an open-ended, paid agreement with no end date with any other company, so don’t do it here.

The second problem is that you have absolutely no idea what to set your daily budget for, and Amazon’s certainly not going to give you any guidance that might discourage you from getting in over your head.  They’ll let you set that sucker to $100 a day and spend every penny!  They do not care if you sell no books and end up cash flow negative.  They made money, so who cares about you? 

I advise people to just set this for $5- $10 dollars per day at the beginning and check it every single day. You will have ample (just, so many!) opportunities to raise your daily budget, so start small and manageable and scale up as you gain more knowledge.  There is no need to “go big or go home” at this moment in your career. 

Shockingly, YOU ARE NOW DONE with your second ad!  Hit that beautiful blue “Launch campaign” button at the bottom.

This button right here!!  I made the screenshot huge so we could celebrate this moment together.

 

 

 

This Just In: Amazon Will Disappoint You

If you’re a self-published author who’s uploaded your book to Amazon and waited for the sales to roll in… well, you’re not alone. I’m going to tell you some stuff right now that you’re probably not going to like, and for that I am very sorry.

Here it is:  just putting your book on Amazon is not enough, and it has never been enough. Amazon isn’t a magical bookstore fairy that showers visibility and readers upon every new title, and the fact that you used their book publishing service (Kindle Direct Publishing, or KDP) makes zero difference to them.  In fact, those are two completely different businesses that rarely talk to each other. Amazon is, at its core, a marketplace—a very big and busy one—and it’s your job to make sure people actually find your book.

Here’s the thing: Amazon doesn’t care if your book sells. I know, it’s harsh. But Amazon is a business, and their priority is making money from whatever products sell well—books, gadgets, even inflatable unicorn pool floats. If your book isn’t already getting traction, they’re not going to step in and help.

So, what can you do after that terrible realization? Let’s break it down.


Amazon Is a Marketplace, Not a Marketing Machine

This is where a lot of authors go wrong. They think, “I’m on Amazon. That’s exposure, right?” Well… not exactly. Being on Amazon is like putting your book on a shelf in the world’s biggest library. Sure, it’s there—but how will anyone find it among the millions of other books unless you point them to it?

Amazon’s algorithm only works for books that are already selling well or have a lot of reviews. If your book doesn’t have traction, it gets buried under the digital pile. The good news? There are ways to give it a boost.


Step One: Nail Your Keywords

Amazon does give you one important tool: keywords. These are your way of telling the algorithm what kind of readers should see your book. For example, if you’ve written a cozy mystery, your keywords might include “amateur sleuth,” “small-town mystery,” or “cat detective.” (Yes, that’s a thing.)

The key is to think like your reader. What would they type into Amazon when looking for a book like yours? If you’re not sure, use tools like Publisher Rocket or just type keywords into Amazon’s search bar and see what comes up. And don’t be afraid to experiment. If your book isn’t getting found, go back and tweak those keywords. Use Publisher Rocket to help with this. It’s a great asset.

But here’s the thing: even with the perfect keywords, you still need to do more.


Step Two: Drive External Traffic

Amazon loves it when you bring readers to their site. They reward books that generate external traffic because, at the end of the day, more traffic means more sales for them. So how do you get people to click over to your book?

1. Build an Email List

If you don’t already have an email list, start one now. Your email list is like a direct hotline to readers who already love what you do—or who are curious enough to sign up for updates.

One of the best ways to grow your list is by offering a reader magnet. This could be a free short story, a bonus chapter, or even a printable checklist related to your book’s topic. Use a service like MailerLite to set up a sign-up form and start collecting emails. Once you have a list, you can email readers about your new book, sales, or promotions.

2. Use Social Media Strategically

Social media can be a great way to connect with readers—but it works best when you’re consistent. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, post fun trivia about your book’s genre, or even just engage with readers about things you love.

When it comes time to promote your book, don’t just post a “Buy my book!” link over and over. Create engaging content, like graphics, teasers, or videos, that encourages readers to click.

3. Run Paid Ads

If you don’t have a big audience yet, paid advertising can help. Start small with Amazon Ads to target readers searching for books similar to yours. Facebook and Instagram ads can also work well if you know how to target your ideal audience. Not sure where to start? Try a small budget and test different ad copy and images to see what works.


The Cold Truth About Visibility on Amazon

Amazon is a powerful platform, but it’s not a marketing service. If you upload your book and do nothing else, chances are it’ll just sit there collecting digital dust while you become more frustrated by the day. To succeed, you need to take control of your book’s promotion.

  • Optimize Your Keywords: This helps Amazon understand where to display your book.
  • Drive Traffic: Use email lists, social media, and ads to send readers to your book’s page.
  • Build Momentum: Early reviews and consistent promotion will help your book gain traction.

In Conclusion: It’s On You

Here’s the bottom line: Amazon isn’t going to sell your book for you. That’s your job. But the good news is, you don’t need a giant marketing budget or a huge audience to get started. By focusing on the basics—keywords, traffic, and engagement—you can set your book up for success.

So don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Take charge of your promotion, and let readers know your book exists. Amazon may not do the heavy lifting for you, but with a little effort, you can make your book stand out in the crowd.

The Ultimate Book Promotion Checklist

A successful book launch isn’t just about writing “The End” – it’s about strategically planning and executing a promotion strategy that puts your book in front of the right readers at the right time. Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through every stage of book promotion, from pre-launch preparations to post-release marketing.

From building your author platform and crafting compelling marketing materials to leveraging social media and organizing launch events, this checklist ensures you won’t miss any crucial promotional opportunities. We’ve also included timing guidelines to help you plan when to implement each strategy for optimal impact.

Remember, effective book promotion isn’t about doing everything possible – it’s about choosing and executing the right strategies for your specific book and target audience. Use this checklist as a flexible framework, adapting it to fit your goals, resources, and comfort level.

Let’s transform your book launch from daunting to doable with this step-by-step guide to book promotion success.

1. Prepare for Your Launch

Setting a strong foundation is crucial for your book’s success. First, you’ll finalize your manuscript, establish your online presence, and create a strategic launch plan. Whether you’re starting from zero or have an existing platform, you’ll learn how to prepare your book and build the audience it deserves. Many of these steps are also included in the Self Publishing Checklist , and depending on where you are in your book’s publication process, you might want to start over there.

1.1 Finalize Your Book

  • Complete Manuscript & Editing
    • Make sure your book is professionally edited and proofread. Upwork is a good place to find people to do this. Do not self-edit! Do not do your own proofreading!
    • This is a good time to employ beta readers if you have them!
  • Do a Competitive Analysis of the Top Selling Books in Your Niche/ Genre
    • Make note of cover design trends, pricing, reviews of bestselling books
    • Follow bestselling authors on social media
  • Finalize Cover Design
    • Invest in a high-quality, genre-appropriate cover.  This is not the place to save money!
    • Ensure any text (title, author name) is easy to read in thumbnails.
  • Do Interior Formatting
    • Format both eBook and paperback/ print-on-demand versions properly.  Use Vellum or Atticus for this.
    • Use consistent fonts, spacing, and design. You want the book to look as professional as possible!
    • Check for any layout or pagination issues in eBook and print proofs.
  • Research Metadata & Keywords
    • Set a clear title, subtitle, and author name. Decide whether to use a pen name or not.
    • Research relevant keywords to improve discoverability. Publisher Rocket can help with this.
    • Choose the most appropriate categories on retail platforms. Publisher Rocket can also help with this. 🙂
  • Perfect Author Bio & Headshot
    • Craft a concise, engaging bio.
    • Take a professional author photo to use across all platforms.

Note:  If you’re still in this phase of your book, go on over to SelfPublishingChecklist.com and make sure you’ve done everything on THAT checklist!  🙂


1.2 Set Up Essential Platforms

  1. Create Your Author Website
    • Your firstnamelastname.com
    • Keep your bio, contact info, blog, and purchase links up to date.
    • This is your hub of internet activity– all roads lead back here!
    • Some great author websites (for inspiration)
  2. Pick Your Email Service (for your Newsletter) 
    • Choose an Email Marketing Platform: Popular options include:
      • MailerLite: Easy drag-and-drop editors, affordable plans.
      • ConvertKit: Built with authors/creators in mind; powerful tagging and automation.
      • AWeber: Long-standing service, strong support, multiple templates.
      • Note:  We no longer recommend MailChimp and here is why.
    • Create a sign-up form on your website and link it to social media profiles.
    • Develop a welcome email sequence to greet new subscribers.
  3. Set Up a Reader Magnet
    • What Is It? A freebie (short story, novella, bonus chapter, or other resource) offered to readers who sign up for your mailing list.
    • How to Deliver: Use your email marketing service’s automation or third-party tools (e.g., BookFunnel, StoryOrigin) to distribute files (ePub, PDF, etc.).
    • Placement: Highlight your reader magnet on your website’s homepage, blog posts, and social media bios—anywhere potential readers can see it.
  4. Create/ Flesh Out Your Social Media Profiles
    • Optimize existing accounts (or create new ones) where your ideal readers hang out (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn). You don’t have to use them all, but you do have to be represented.
    • Use consistent branding (author photo, banner images, handle names) to maintain a professional look.
    • Just to reassure you, you don’t have to be everywhere, all the time– just fill everything out, then focus on the one you like the most. We call this the “all, then one” strategy.

Once you’ve set all this up, you’re good to set a pre-order schedule and start sending out ARCs (advanced review copies) to garner advanced reviews.  HOWEVER (and this is a big however), if you have no audience at all and are starting from zero, you will need to stop and do the “follower funnel method” outlined below. This can take six months to a year (or more), but it is absolutely vital for you to have an actual audience to launch your book to. I am not even kidding! Do not rush your book’s launch just because you “want to be a published author.” I understand the impulse, and it is great that you finished your book and want to get it out there, but if you want to be a working author, you have to build a platform. Just putting your book on Amazon isn’t going to cut it, and you don’t want to put in all that work, only to be disappointed.


1.2.1 The Follower Funnel Method (If You Have No Audience)

If you have no existing audience at all, it’s crucial to build a foundational following before moving forward with an aggressive book launch. Here’s a simplified approach often called the “Follower Funnel”:

  1. Identify Your Niche & Audience
    • Clarify who your ideal readers are (genre, demographics, interests).
    • Explore where they spend time online (specific social platforms, forums, etc.).
    • Identify the bestselling authors in that niche
  2. Choose Your Main Platform
    • Pick one social media channel where you’ll consistently engage.
    • Focus your efforts on growing a genuine following there (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook groups, etc.).
  3. Create Engaging Content
    • Post regularly about topics related to your book or genre (fun facts, snippets, research stories, personal anecdotes).
    • Use polls, questions, and interactive stories to foster engagement.
    • Offer a reader magnet in your profile link to encourage email signup.
  4. Follow the Followers of Bestselling Authors 
    • Send DMs to ask them to become your ARC readers (to read your book for free in exchange for a review)
    • Engage individually and personalize every message. You are looking to make actual connections!

Once you have a baseline of followers and a small but growing email list, you’ll be in a stronger position to execute the rest of your promotional plan.


1.3 Develop a Launch Plan

  • Determine Launch Date
    • Pick a date that allows enough time for advance reviews, final edits, and pre-launch buzz. Do not launch without followers and email subscribers (see above)
  • Set Goals & Budget
    • Clarify what success means to you (sales numbers, mailing list growth, review count).
    • Decide how much you can spend on ads, promotional tools, etc.
  • Assemble a Launch Team
    • Recruit beta readers, early reviewers, and a “street team” (friends, fans, influencers) to share about your book. Now you can see the value in taking the time to build up that audience!!
    • Offer them ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) and remind them to post reviews on launch day.
  • Create a Marketing Calendar
    • Plot all promotions on a timeline, counting backward from launch day.
    • Include social media posts, email newsletters, advertising schedules, and any interviews or guest posts.

2. Advance Review & Buzz Building

Setting a strong foundation is crucial for your book’s success. This is the phase where you’re finalizing your manuscript, establishing your online presence, and creating a strategic launch plan. Whether you’re starting from zero or have an existing platform, you’ll learn how to prepare your book and build the audience it deserves.

2.1 Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

  • Distribute ARCs
    • Send digital or physical copies to trusted reviewers, influencers, and bloggers.
    • Consider specialized services: NetGalley, BookSprout, BookFunnel, or your own mailing list for distribution.
      • BookFunnel can automate the process of sending secure eBook files to reviewers and offers digital watermarking to discourage piracy.
    • Provide clear instructions on how to leave honest reviews on retailer sites, Goodreads, BookBub, etc.
  • Encourage Early Reviews
    • Use your street team and ARC readers to generate social proof ahead of launch.
    • Collect blurbs or quotes to use in marketing materials.

2.2 Pre-Orders

  • Set Up Pre-Order Pages
    • On Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, or Barnes & Noble Press, if available for your genre and region.
  • Announce Pre-Orders
    • Share links on social media, in your newsletter, and on your website.
    • Possibly offer exclusive early-bird bonuses (e.g., extra short stories or discount pricing).

2.3 Teaser Content

  • Cover Reveal
    • Post the cover on social media or your blog to generate excitement.
    • Encourage shares and comments by asking questions or running a small giveaway.
  • Sneak Peeks/Excerpts
    • Post brief quotes, short chapters, or behind-the-scenes tidbits on your site or social channels.
    • Use graphics or images to make the teasers more visually appealing.
  • Countdown Posts
    • As launch day approaches, create fun posts counting down the days with interesting facts or quotes from the book.

3. Launch Week Activities

Launch week is your time to shine! In this phase, you’ll optimize your retail presence (online), coordinate email campaigns, run effective social media promotions, and leverage paid advertising to create maximum visibility when your book hits the market.

3.1 Optimize Your Retail Pages

  • Book Description/Blurb
    • Write compelling copy with short paragraphs, bullet points if helpful, and a clear hook.
    • Highlight the main conflict or benefit for the reader.
  • Keywords & Categories
    • Refine metadata for improved discoverability on Amazon and other retailer sites.
    • Use keyword research tools to find relevant, high-traffic terms.
  • Author Central (Amazon)
    • Claim your author page, add bio, author photo, and any additional info.
    • Link all versions (eBook, print, audiobook) under one listing, if applicable.

3.2 Email Blast

  • Personal, Engaging Subject Line
    • Example: “It’s Here! My New Book Launches Today”
  • Launch Announcement
    • Include the book cover, short description, and direct purchase links.
    • Mention any time-limited deals or bonuses.
  • Call to Action
    • Ask readers to leave a review, share on social media, or forward the email to friends.
    • Provide buttons or easy links to do so.

3.3 Social Media Campaign(s)

  • Frequent Updates
    • Post daily (or near-daily) about the launch, including behind-the-scenes details or teasers.
    • Vary your content: videos, graphics, quotes, personal anecdotes, etc.
  • Live Video Sessions
    • Host a launch-day Q&A on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Live.
    • Encourage viewers to ask questions and comment to boost engagement.
  • Online Launch Party
    • Consider a structured virtual event on Facebook or Zoom with giveaways and interactive elements.

3.4 Paid Advertising

  • Amazon Ads
    • Run Sponsored Product or Lockscreen Ads targeting relevant keywords and similar authors.
    • Monitor performance and adjust bids regularly.
  • Facebook/Instagram Ads
    • Use eye-catching visuals and test different audiences.
    • Keep ad copy concise and targeted.
  • BookBub Ads
    • Target readers by genre, author comps, and device preference.
    • Experiment with different images and messages.
    • These can be expensive, so make sure you have the budget (and the proper setup, cannot emphasize this enough!)
  • Promotional Services/Newsletters
    • BookSends, Bargain Booksy, Freebooksy (if running a free promo), etc., depending on your budget and genre.

3.5 Giveaways & Contests

  • Goodreads Giveaway
    • An option for building awareness and garnering early reviews (though it can be pricey).
    • Decide on how many eBook or print copies to give away.
  • Social Media Contests
    • Encourage likes/shares/comments for a chance to win a signed copy or book swag.
    • Partner with other authors for bigger, cross-promotional giveaways.
  • Cross-Promo Giveaways
    • Collaborate with authors in your genre to broaden your mutual reach.
    • Bundle multiple eBooks or goodies as a collective prize.

4. Ongoing Promotion & Visibility

Whether virtual or in-person, events create meaningful connections with readers. This section guides you through organizing and maximizing both online and offline appearances, from book signings to workshops, helping you create memorable experiences that turn readers into devoted fans.

4.1 Continue Building Reviews

  • Personal Outreach
    • Politely request reviews from friends, family, and early buyers without being pushy.
    • Include a short note in the back of the eBook asking for an honest review.
  • Review Blogs & Bookstagrammers
    • Maintain a list of reviewers interested in your genre; contact them periodically with new releases or updates.
    • Be professional and courteous in all communications.
  • Author Follow-Up
    • Send periodic reminders to your mailing list or social followers about your book and the value of reviews.

4.2 Author Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Podcasts
    • Pitch relevant podcasts in your niche or genre—offer unique angles or topics for discussion.
  • Blogs & Online Magazines
    • Write guest articles or offer interviews that tie into your book’s themes or expertise.
  • Local Media
    • Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, or TV programs, especially if the book has a regional angle or human-interest story.

4.3 Book Clubs & Readers’ Groups

  • Online Book Clubs
    • Offer free copies or discounts for group reads.
    • Propose a Q&A session via Zoom or a private Facebook group.
  • Local Book Clubs
    • Provide discussion guides or questions.
    • Offer to attend in person or virtually to engage with readers.
  • Library Outreach
    • Donate copies to local libraries.
    • Suggest author talks or workshops (especially useful for non-fiction topics).

4.4 Retargeting & Ongoing Ads

  • Amazon Ads Maintenance
    • Continually adjust keyword bids and refine targeting based on performance metrics.
  • Facebook/Instagram Retargeting
    • Use the Facebook Pixel on your website to show ads to people who visited but didn’t purchase.
    • Serve them fresh creatives or limited-time discount offers.
  • Seasonal Promos
    • Tie campaigns to holidays, cultural events, or timely subjects if relevant to your book.

5. Events & Appearances

Whether virtual or in-person, events create meaningful connections with readers. This phase is about organizing and maximizing both online and offline appearances, from book signings to workshops, helping you create memorable experiences that turn readers into devoted fans. Remember to always be building that email list!

  • Virtual Book Launches
    • Host follow-up events or special readings.
    • Cross-promote with other authors if possible.
  • Webinars or Workshops
    • Great for non-fiction authors to teach concepts from the book.
    • Provide actionable value to attendees, then offer the book for deeper exploration.
  • Online Conferences
    • Look for opportunities to speak at summits or conferences related to your genre or topic.
    • Promote your session, encouraging attendees to buy or review your book.

5.2 In-Person Events (If Feasible)

  • Book Signings
    • Arrange signings at local bookstores, libraries, or coffee shops.
    • Promote the event on social media and through local press if possible.
    • These will usually only happen if you have the ability to bring people in to that bookstore or venue (meaning you have followers and people on your email list).
  • Speaking Engagements
    • Seek out literary festivals, community groups, or specialty clubs related to your book’s theme or genre.
  • Workshops
    • If your book is instructional, host a workshop at a local community center or bookstore.

5.3 Collaboration with Other Authors

  • Joint Signings or Panels
    • Split costs and audiences, creating a more appealing event.
    • Consider thematic matches (e.g., historical fiction authors, romance authors, etc.).
  • Book Fairs & Festivals
    • Share booth fees and cross-promote with fellow authors.
    • Collect email addresses from interested readers and offer them your reader magnet.
  • Cross-Promotions
    • Do newsletter swaps or social media takeovers to expose each other’s audiences to new reads.

6. Long-Term Strategy

Success in publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Here, you’ll learn how to develop a sustainable author platform through content marketing, brand building, and data-driven decision making. This phase is where you create a foundation for long-term success and prepare for future books.

6.1 Content Marketing

  • Author Blog
    • Post regular updates, writing tips, or behind-the-scenes details of your creative process.
    • Always include a CTA to sign up for your reader magnet or check out your other books.
  • Email Newsletters
    • Continue sending valuable content (writing progress, new releases, personal stories) to keep subscribers engaged.
    • Experiment with frequency and content format.
  • Social Media
    • Maintain a consistent posting schedule, mixing personal insight, writing updates, and reader interaction.
    • Go back to the “follower funnel” method and start messaging people individually

6.2 Build an Author Brand

  • Consistent Branding
    • Use the same headshot and color scheme across platforms.
    • Maintain a cohesive tone in your content—whether formal, casual, witty, etc.
  • Public Speaking
    • Seek additional events to boost your reputation and connect with readers.
    • Share highlights or recordings on your website and social channels.
  • Networking
    • Engage with other authors, editors, agents, and industry professionals.
    • Participate in writing groups or online forums (e.g., Facebook groups, Reddit).

6.3 Track & Analyze

  • Sales Data
    • Monitor trends via retailer dashboards, focusing on spikes and dips to identify cause-effect.
    • Track income sources (Kindle Unlimited page reads, direct sales, audiobook sales, etc.).
  • Review Feedback
    • Look for patterns in reader reviews to see what resonates or could be improved.
    • Use positive quotes in marketing materials and learn from constructive criticism.
  • Platform Analytics
    • Check website traffic, email open/click rates, and social media engagement.
    • Refine your strategies based on what’s working best.

6.4 Plan Future Projects

  • Write Your Next Book
    • Keep momentum going with new releases or content.
    • Share progress updates to maintain interest between books.
  • Series & Spin-Offs
    • If your book is part of a series, start planning the next installment.
    • Consider a spin-off with popular side characters or a related theme.
  • Leverage Momentum
    • Use your existing audience as a launchpad for the next release.
    • Invite them to beta read, join ARC teams, or help name characters.

7. Bonus Tips & Reminders

  • Stay Organized
    • Use project management tools (Trello, Asana, spreadsheets) to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
  • Consistency Over Perfection
    • Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Aim to work steadily rather than burning out with sporadic bursts.
  • Experiment & Adapt
    • Try different tactics. Track results. Keep what works, drop what doesn’t.
  • Celebrate Wins
    • Acknowledge milestones (first 10 reviews, reaching a sales goal, finishing a new draft) to keep morale high.

Final Thoughts

Promoting a book is a multi-step, long-term process. By building or funneling in other people’s followers (if you start with zero audience), setting up your platforms (website, newsletter, reader magnet), gathering reviews, scheduling launch activities, and sustaining ongoing efforts, you can maximize your book’s exposure and build a lasting readership. Tailor these strategies to your unique goals and genre, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful book launch—and beyond!