Book Marketing: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Algorithm

A survival guide for authors who thought "marketing" was just something people in suits did

So, you've written a book. Congratulations! You've accomplished something that 81% of people say they want to do but never actually finish. You've birthed a literary baby, nurtured it through countless drafts, and now you're holding the finished product like Simba on Pride Rock.

But then reality hits harder than a one-star review from "BookLover2003" who clearly didn't understand your subtle metaphors about existential dread.

You have to sell this thing.

What Exactly IS Book Marketing?

Book marketing is the art of convincing strangers that your book is worth their time, money, and precious shelf space. It's like being a street performer, except instead of juggling flaming torches, you're juggling Instagram posts, email newsletters, and the crushing weight of your own imposter syndrome.

At its core, book marketing is simply letting people know your book exists and why they should care. Because here's the thing nobody tells you: even the most brilliant book in the world won't sell if it's sitting in literary witness protection.

The Harsh Truth About "If You Build It, They Will Come"

That famous quote? Complete nonsense when it comes to books. Kevin Costner's baseball ghosts had better marketing than most debut novels. The reality is more like: "If you build it, then spend the next six months screaming into the void about it while slowly losing your sanity, they might come."

Your Marketing Arsenal: Tools That Don't Require a Business Degree

1. Social Media (The Necessary Evil)

Instagram: Perfect for pretty book photos and making other authors jealous of your aesthetically pleasing workspace. Pro tip: fairy lights make everything look more literary.

Twitter/X: Where you can engage in heated debates about Oxford commas and subtly mention your book in your bio. It's like a cocktail party where everyone's shouting and nobody's listening, but occasionally someone retweets your joke about plot holes.

Facebook: The digital equivalent of your hometown newspaper's community board, except everyone's an expert on everything and your high school classmates will definitely judge your book cover. Create an author page (separate from your personal profile where you post pictures of your lunch), join writing groups and book clubs, and master the art of the engaging post that doesn't scream "PLEASE BUY MY BOOK" every five minutes. Facebook's algorithm is moodier than a protagonist in a young adult novel, so consistency is key. Share writing tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process, and the occasional existential crisis about plot holes. The platform's older demographic actually buys books (revolutionary concept!), so don't overlook it just because your nephew says it's "for old people." Plus, Facebook events are perfect for virtual book launches where you can pretend the three attendees represent a packed auditorium.

2. Email Lists (Your Literary Lifeline)

Building an email list is like collecting Pokémon cards, except instead of Charizard, you're hoping to catch readers who will actually open your emails. Start with your mom, your college roommate, and that barista who always asks what you're writing.

The key is providing value. Nobody wants emails that just say "BUY MY BOOK" in Comic Sans font. Share behind-the-scenes writing stories, recommend other books, or just be entertainingly neurotic about the publishing process. People love a good train wreck.

3. Book Reviews (The Double-Edged Sword)

Getting reviews is like online dating – you'll face a lot of rejection, the occasional catfish, and sometimes someone wonderful who actually gets you. Reach out to book bloggers, join review exchange groups, and brace yourself for feedback that ranges from "life-changing masterpiece" to "I'd rather read my grocery list."

Remember: even bad reviews can be helpful. "This book made me angry" is still engagement, and anger is a powerful emotion that drives people to... well, write angry reviews, but also sometimes to buy books out of curiosity.

4. Author Platform Building (Becoming a Professional Human)

This is where you pretend to be a proper grown-up with opinions about things. Start a blog, guest post on other people's blogs, appear on podcasts where you'll inevitably be asked "Where do you get your ideas?" for the thousandth time. The answer, by the way, is always "everywhere and nowhere," followed by nervous laughter.

Book marketing doesn't have to be soul-crushing corporate speak. It can be an extension of your creativity, a way to connect with readers who need exactly the story you've told. Yes, it's work. Yes, it's sometimes frustrating. Yes, you'll question every life choice that led you to this moment.

But remember: you wrote a book. That's already magic. Marketing is just teaching the world how to find your particular brand of magic in a world full of shiny distractions.

Now stop reading blogs about marketing and go write your next book. Because the best marketing strategy is always having another book to promote.

P.S. – If you're reading this and thinking "I should buy this author's book," well, that's marketing working. You've been warned.

Author Melissa Saulnier