How to Promote Your Newly Published Book

Publishing your book is no small thing—so first, take a moment to celebrate. Really. You did something many people dream about and never finish!

But now comes the part that often feels overwhelming: promotion.

Marketing your book doesn't have to be scary or complicated. You don’t need to go viral or spend a fortune. You just need a plan, a little consistency, and a willingness to share your story.

Start with the people who know you

Your friends, family, co-workers, and even your social media followers are your starting point. These are people who already care about you, which means they’re often happy to support your work.

Let them know about your book in a natural, personal way. You can:

• Send out an email or text

• Share a photo or story on social media

• Bring it up in conversation

You don’t have to make a big sales pitch. Just share the news, and invite people to read, review, or pass it along to others who might enjoy it. Word of mouth starts small, but it matters.

Set up a simple online home for your book

Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, having a basic webpage or landing page helps people find your book easily. It doesn’t need to be fancy.

Here’s what to include:

• Your book cover and short description

• Where to buy it (Amazon, your publisher, your site, etc.)

• A short bio and photo

• Links to any interviews or media

• A contact form or email sign-up (optional, but helpful)

You can use platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace to build this quickly and cheaply—even if you’ve never built a website before.

Talk about your book on social media

Don’t be afraid to talk about your book multiple times—people miss posts, and they often need to see something more than once before they take action.

Mix it up by sharing:

• Why you wrote the book

• A favorite excerpt or quote

• What surprised you during the writing process

• Behind-the-scenes photos (like your writing setup or launch day)

• Reader reactions or kind messages

You’re not bragging—you’re sharing something meaningful that you worked hard on. If you're comfortable, use short videos or go live to talk directly to your audience. People connect with people.

Gather and share reviews

Reviews help build trust with new readers. They also help your book show up more often on sites like Amazon and Goodreads.

Here’s how to gather them:

• Ask early readers (family, friends, launch team) to leave a short review

• Offer free review copies to book bloggers or influencers in your genre

• Join book communities online and engage genuinely—some members may be willing to check out your book

When you get good reviews, share them! Create simple quote graphics or pull snippets into social posts or emails.

Reach out for interviews and features

Getting featured on a podcast, blog, or newsletter can introduce your book to new readers. Don’t wait to be discovered—reach out!

Here’s what to do:

• Make a list of small to mid-sized platforms in your niche

• Send a short, polite pitch explaining who you are, what your book is about, and why their audience might care

• Include a link to your book and author page

Even one or two features can make a difference. Don’t worry if you’re not a “big name”—many hosts love giving indie authors a platform.

Create a simple launch offer

To encourage early sales, consider offering something special during your launch period:

• A limited-time discount

• A downloadable bonus (e.g., a workbook, journal pages, or extra content)

• Entry into a giveaway if someone buys or shares the book

People love a good deal or extra surprise—and it gives you another reason to keep talking about the book in that first crucial month.

Keep showing up

Book promotion isn’t a one-and-done activity—it’s a slow burn. Keep your book in the conversation by weaving it into your regular content.

You can:

• Share ongoing reflections from the book

• Talk about lessons you learned while writing it

• Keep introducing it to new audiences over time

Don’t worry about being repetitive. Most people won’t see everything you post, and new readers discover you all the time.

There’s no perfect formula for book promotion—but there is a rhythm that works: show up, and be genuine.

You don’t need to be everywhere or do everything. Pick a few methods that feel right for you, and commit to showing up regularly. Give your book the same care and attention you gave to writing it.

And remember—you don’t have to do this alone. Lean on your community, reach out for help, and keep going.

Every step counts. Your book is out in the world. Let’s help it find its readers.

--------- Need a hand with your book launch?

If you’d like help creating a simple launch plan, drafting social media posts, or even running ads to get your book in front of the right readers—I’m here to support you. Just reach out, and let’s chat about what you need.