Marketing Starts Before Your Book Is Printed

The biggest mistake self-published authors make is waiting until their book is printed to think about marketing. Building anticipation and an audience should begin months before your publication date. Even simple steps like establishing an author website, growing an email list, and sharing your writing journey on social media can create a foundation of interested readers who are ready to buy on launch day.

Proven Marketing Tactics for Authors

You do not need a large budget to market your book effectively. Focus on these high-impact strategies:

Advance reader copies (ARCs) — Send free copies to book bloggers, reviewers, and influencers in your genre 4-6 weeks before launch. Early reviews on Amazon and Goodreads build social proof.
Email marketing — An email list is your most valuable marketing asset. Offer a free chapter, companion content, or behind-the-scenes material in exchange for sign-ups.
Local bookstore partnerships — Independent bookstores are often eager to support local authors with signings, shelf placement, and consignment arrangements.
Library outreach — Contact your local library system about author talks, readings, and getting your book into their catalog.
Social media presence — Choose one or two platforms where your target readers spend time. Share valuable content, not just sales pitches. Engage authentically with your community.
Book launch event — Host a launch party (in person or virtual) to create a moment of excitement around your publication date.
Amazon optimization — Choose your categories and keywords carefully. A well-optimized Amazon listing can drive organic discovery for months and years after launch.

The Long Game

Book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Most successful self-published authors build their sales over time through consistent visibility, word-of-mouth referrals, and a growing backlist. Each new title you publish increases discoverability of your entire catalog. At Origin Books, we help authors think strategically about their publishing goals and connect them with marketing resources that fit their budget and timeline.