Let’s be honest for a second. You’ve just climbed a mountain. The journey of writing your book—the early mornings, the late nights, the rewrites, the edits—is a massive accomplishment. You type those two final words, “The End,” and a huge wave of relief washes over you. You did it. Your book is real. It’s out there.
And then… silence.
That’s when the panic can sneak in. You realize that writing the thing was only half the battle. Now, the real work begins. This is the moment every author faces: figuring out what to do after publishing. This next phase, the art of book marketing, can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be a scary mystery. It’s really just about starting conversations and finding your people.
Think of it this way: you’ve baked an incredible cake. Now it’s time to let the neighborhood smell it. Let’s talk about how to open those windows.
Feeling a bit lost in the woods? The team at Fleck Publisher lives for this stuff. We can build a custom plan to get your book the attention it deserves. Why not reach out for a chat?
1. Your Digital Living Room: Why a Website and Email List are Non-Negotiable
Imagine you’re at a party and you meet someone interesting. You want to keep in touch. What do you do? You give them your number, right? Your author website is your digital phone number. It doesn’t need to be a complex, flashy masterpiece. A simple, clean page that says, “This is who I am, this is my book, and here’s how we can stay connected” is perfect.
And that connection point? That’s your email list. Please, please don’t skip this. Social media platforms are like rented apartments—the landlord can change the rules or kick you out anytime. Your email list is your own house. You own it. It’s a direct line to the people who raised their hands and said, “Yes, I like what you’re about. Tell me more.” Offer them a little gift for signing up—a deleted scene, a bonus short story, a playlist you wrote to. Then, actually write to them. Not just “buy my book” emails, but real notes. Share a struggle, a win, a great book you just read. Be a person, not a billboard.
2. Social Media: Be a Friend, Not a Megaphone
This is where most authors get tripped up. They jump on Twitter or Instagram and blast “BUY MY BOOK!” into the void every day. It feels disgusting because it is disgusting. Nobody likes that guy at the party who only talks about himself.
Instead, use social media the way it’s meant to be used: to be social.
Pick your spot:
You don’t need to be on every platform. Where do your ideal readers hang out? Love writing epic fantasy? The writing community on X (Twitter) is huge. Writing beautiful cookbooks? Instagram and Pinterest are your best friends. Dip your toes into one or two places and just… hang out.
Talk about other stuff:
Post about the dog that barked all through your writing session. Share a photo of your horrific first-draft handwriting. Rant about how a character just won’t behave. Ask people what they’re reading. Celebrate other authors. When you engage like a real human, people become invested in you. And then, they become curious about the world you created.
3. The Review Quest: Turning Readers into Champions
Let’s be real—nobody buys a book without glancing at the reviews first. It’s just how we shop now. Getting those initial reviews is a critical mission after publishing.
Ask your inner circle (the right way):
Politely ask your first readers, friends, and family to leave an honest review if they enjoyed the book. Make it easy for them—send them the direct links to Amazon and Goodreads.
Find your book’s cheerleaders:
Look for book bloggers and Instagrammers (“Bookstagrammers”) who adore your genre. Spend time on their sites. Make sure your book is a good fit for them, and then send a personal, respectful pitch. No copy-paste messages!
Goodreads is your friend:
This site is a holy grail for readers. List a giveaway to get your book on people’s radars. Join genre-specific groups and participate in discussions (without spamming them!).
4. Playing the Amazon Game (Yes, It’s a Game)
Love it or hate it, Amazon is the world’s biggest bookstore. Understanding its quirks is a key part of modern book marketing.
Claim your profile:
Immediately go set up your Amazon Author Central page. It’s free and it makes you look like a pro, linking all your books together in one neat place.
Niche down:
Is your book a “historical mystery set in ancient Rome featuring a baker-sleuth”? Fantastic! Don’t just list it under “Mystery.” Dig into those sub-categories. The more specific you get, the less competition you have, and the easier it is for your perfect reader to stumble upon you.
Nail the preview:
That “Look Inside” feature is your best salesperson. Your first page, your first chapter—they have to be magnetic. If a reader clicks “Look Inside” and gets hooked, you’ve already won half the battle.
5. When to Throw a Few Dollars at the Problem
A little bit of paid advertising can go a long way in giving your book a boost. You don’t need a Hollywood budget.
Amazon Ads:
These are great because you’re targeting people who are already on Amazon, ready to buy. You can show your ad to people who looked at books by similar authors. Start with just five bucks a day and see what happens.
Facebook/Instagram Ads:
The targeting here is scarily good. You can find people based on incredibly specific interests. You can create an ad that feels like a natural post, inviting people to check out your new novel.
6. Don’t Forget the Real World!
In our digital age, a local, face-to-face connection can be incredibly powerful.
Chat up your local bookseller:
Pop into independent bookstores. Introduce yourself as a local author, offer to sign any copies they have on the shelf (a “Signed by Author” sticker is magic), and gently ask if they host local author events.
Love your library:
Donate a copy of your book. Give a talk or run a workshop. Librarians are incredible advocates for their communities.
The Long Game
Here’s the biggest secret of all: book marketing isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon you run at your own pace. There’s no one “right” way. The goal after publishing isn’t to become a viral sensation overnight. It’s to build a steady, growing connection with readers who will stick with you for your entire career.
Try things. See what feels authentic to you. Does making TikTok videos make you cringe? Don’t do it! Would you rather write thoughtful blog posts? Do that! Your passion is contagious. The best marketing strategy is the one you can actually enjoy.
And remember, the most powerful tool for selling your first book is often… writing your second one.
