DIY Book Marketing

Rachel Werner
2 min readDec 4, 2020

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(Photo credit: Thought Catalog via Unsplash)

Self-promotion is on just about every writers’ professional “to do list.” Thus crafting a DIY marketing strategy that suits your needs and budget can increase your potential to sell your work in print or online, plus secure more paid opportunities. Here are five ideas worth trying to see what “sticks” during your next book — or blog — launch.

E-mail Newsletter

Keep fans in the know and drive traffic to content on multiple sites through one weekly, or monthly, round-up that includes new articles or blog posts; release dates; and other news.

Author Events

Connect with readers in IRL by fostering connections with book clubs, schools, local bookstores and librarians as potential hosts for author readings (whether in person or online).

(Photo credit: Sticker Mule via Unsplash)

Book Boosts

Make creative apps your bestie your new bestie. Digital tools such as Adobe Saprk, Canva, Over, Typeform and Bonfire can be used to make bookmarks, gifs/memes, stickers, buttons, magnets, mugs, t-shirts and MORE.

Book Swag

To get your author “brag on,” generate extra buzz pre- and post-book launch with Zoom backgrounds; teaser quotes; Spotify playlists; quizzes; fundraisers; and bookstagrams.

(Photo credit: Thought Catalog via Unsplash)

Cross-Promo Giveaways

Plan to collaborate for more exposure. Find other writers and/or brands you can work with to create book bundles or product baskets to “put up for grabs” via social media.

And if you need fresh tricks for sparking more engagement with your website or your posts on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and other social platforms, peruse Digital Branding for Creatives 101 for additional suggestions.

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Rachel Werner

Writer, creativepreneur and guest faculty at The Highlights Foundation & Hugo House. Follow her on Instagram @therealscript.