Publishing your book is a big achievement something to be proud of. But once it’s out in the world, many authors are surprised to find… not much happens.
No notifications. No sales. No reader reviews.
Why?
Because publishing your book is just the beginning.
The real work starts with book marketing.
If you want people to read your book, recommend it, and remember it you need a simple, focused marketing plan. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to market your book after publishing, especially if you’re a first-time or self-published author.
Why Book Marketing Matters
There are millions of books on Amazon and other platforms. Without marketing, even the best-written books get buried under the noise.
Good content isn’t enough. People need to see it, hear about it, and connect with it.
Book marketing helps you:
- Get your book discovered
- Build trust with readers
- Increase visibility and credibility
- Drive consistent sales over time
The more you market your book, the more people will talk about it and the better chance it has to grow beyond your personal circle.
What Most Authors Don’t Realize After Publishing
Here’s what surprises most first-time authors:
- Friends and family may buy your book, but that’s not a long-term audience
- Reviews don’t show up unless you ask
- Amazon won’t promote your book unless it’s getting engagement
- Social media posts alone aren’t enough
If you’ve already published your book, don’t worry. You’re still in control. You just need to shift from writer mode to promoter mode and it doesn’t have to feel salesy or complicated.
10 Simple Ways to Market Your Book After Publishing
Here are ten practical, beginner-friendly steps you can take to promote your book starting today:
1. Create a Launch Plan (Even If You’re Late)
It’s never too late to promote your book. Even if you’ve already launched, you can still:
- Announce your book properly on social media
- Share your author journey
- Offer limited-time discounts or bonuses
- Reintroduce your book as a “re-launch”
This helps bring fresh attention to your book.
2. Share Consistently on Social Media
Pick 1–2 platforms where your target audience is active. For most authors, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook are great starting points.
What to post:
- Excerpts or quotes from your book
- Your reason for writing it
- Behind-the-scenes writing moments
- Reader testimonials or feedback
- A picture of you with the book
Remember: You’re not just selling a product. You’re sharing a message.
3. Start Building an Author Brand
Having a clear online presence builds trust. Set up a basic author page or blog with:
- Your bio
- A photo
- A short intro to your book
- A contact form or link to buy the book
Use platforms like Medium, Canva Sites, or a simple one-page website.
4. Use WhatsApp and Email to Spread the Word
Don’t underestimate your personal network. Share your book with:
- Old contacts
- Mentors
- Clients
- Students
- Friends who are active on social media
Create a short message with the book name, link, and a request for support or reviews.
You can also add the book link to your email signature for daily passive promotion.
5. Get Reviews and Keep Asking
Reviews matter. They build trust for new readers.
How to get them:
- Ask buyers to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads
- Offer a free chapter in exchange for honest feedback
- Reach out personally to 10–20 people and follow up kindly
Make it easy by sending the direct review link.
6. Repurpose Book Content into Posts
Your book likely has 20+ ideas that can become:
- Social media captions
- Blog articles
- Short videos or reels
- Quotes or infographics
Keep sharing your content in new ways so that more people discover what’s inside.
7. Collaborate With Other Authors or Creators
Find others in your niche. Offer to:
- Do a joint Instagram Live
- Review each other’s books
- Cross-promote to each other’s audiences
This brings new eyes to your book without spending on ads.
8. Expand Your Book’s Reach with the Right Publishing Partner
Don’t limit your book to just one marketplace. If you want more readers to discover your book, wider distribution is key.
At Pen and Paper Academy, we help you make your book available on leading platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Google Books, and more, so it reaches both Indian and global readers.
We ensure:
- Your book is listed professionally
- ISBN and metadata are properly set
- You get royalty access and transparency
- Both paperback and eBook formats are available
- Global distribution options are handled seamlessly
9. Run a Giveaway or Limited Time Offer
People love free stuff or deals.
Try:
- Giving away 3 signed copies
- Offering a discount for the first 100 buyers
- Running a contest with book-related questions
Use social media or WhatsApp to announce your offer and build buzz.
10. Talk About Your Book Regularly
It’s not enough to mention your book once. Keep talking about it in different ways:
- Share what readers are saying
- Discuss what inspired a specific chapter
- Create short educational or emotional content related to the book
Be consistent. Repetition creates recognition.
Common Mistakes Authors Make After Publishing
1. Stopping After the Launch Week
Many authors do a quick launch, post once or twice, and expect long-term results. But books need to be talked about continuously. Consistency brings visibility.
2. Feeling Shy About Promotion
Sharing your book is not bragging it’s sharing value. If you’re proud of your work, others will be more likely to support it.
3. Expecting Sales Without Building Connection
People don’t buy from strangers. They buy from people they trust. Show your face. Share your voice. Engage with your audience.
4. Not Measuring What Works
Try different types of content. Track likes, clicks, messages, and sales. Focus on what gets the most response and build from there.
Your Book Deserves to Be Read
Writing a book is an emotional and creative journey. Publishing it is a technical one. But marketing your book is what gives it life beyond your laptop.
Think of marketing as a way to open the door wider to readers, listeners, clients, students, and communities who need what you have to say.
Whether you sell 50 copies or 50,000, your story deserves to be shared and it starts with a simple, steady marketing effort.
Want Help Promoting Your Book?
At Pen and Paper Academy, we don’t just help authors publish books — we help them build visibility, grow their audience, and turn their books into long-term assets.
We’ve worked with over 900 authors and helped launch 2000+ books across genres and platforms.
Our marketing services include:
- Content planning and social media strategy
- Amazon and online listing optimization
- Reader engagement and review collection
- WhatsApp and email launch campaigns
- Personal branding and visibility coaching
Ready to market your book like a pro? Let’s talk.
Call or WhatsApp: +91 9625407904
Email: publish@pnpacademy.in
Website: www.pnpacademy.in
We’re here to support your book and your voice.
Final Words
Publishing your book is a milestone.
Marketing it is a movement.
Don’t let your story go unread.
Share it. Show up for it. Talk about it.
Because your book matters and readers are waiting.
