Free Book Promotion Tips
Promoting your book doesn’t have to break the bank. By employing some clever tactics and leveraging the power of free tools and communities, you can effectively spread the word about your literary work. Here are some tried-and-true free book promotion tips to get you started:
1. Start your author email list immediately.
I know, I know, everyone talks about email lists, but it’s because they work. Social media comes and goes, but your email list is your direct line to your readers. Even if you only have one book (or none yet), start building that list. Offer a free story or sneak peek to give people a reason to join. It’s way easier to sell your next book if you already have a crowd waiting for it.
2. Build a simple author website focused on collecting emails.
Don’t overthink this. You don’t need a fancy site with flashing buttons and animations. A clean homepage with your book cover, a little about you, and a “Join My List” button is perfect. Readers just need to know where to find you and how to stay in touch.
3. Invest in a professional book cover.
Here’s the hard truth! People do judge books by their covers. Your cover is your billboard. If it looks amateur, readers will assume the writing is too. Get a pro who understands your genre and knows what sells. It’s worth every penny. Take a look at the books in the top of your niche to get ideas. It isn’t about what you like, it is about what you readers like.
4. Write a compelling book description using copywriting tricks.
Writing your book was hard but writing the description might be harder. You need to hook people in the first line and make them need to know what happens next. Study the top-selling books in your genre and see how they do it. Short, punchy, and full of intrigue is the way to go.
5. Set up a pre-order for your book.
Pre-orders aren’t just for big-name authors. They build excitement and help your book start climbing the charts before launch day. Promote it in your emails and social posts to get those early sales rolling in.
6. Collect blurbs from other authors if you can.
Blurb-collecting can feel awkward, but it’s worth it. A quick endorsement from another author (especially one with fans in your genre) gives your book instant street cred. Don’t be shy — most authors have been in your shoes and are happy to help.
7. Join author networking groups in your genre.
Writing might be a solo sport, but marketing is better with friends. Join some author groups — Facebook, Discord, Goodreads, wherever your people hang out. You’ll pick up tips, find promo partners, and make friends who actually understand your late-night plot panic.
8. Create social media graphics with your book cover.
Don’t just post your cover once and call it done. Create fun graphics — countdowns, “Coming Soon” posts, even character quotes with your cover peeking in the corner. Tools like VistaCreate make this super easy, even if you’re not a design pro.
9. Send out Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) to reviewers.
Want reviews waiting on launch day? You need an ARC team — a group of readers who get your book early in exchange for an honest review. Build this team slowly so you can trust them to actually follow through.
10. Build excitement with a cover reveal.
A cover reveal is a fun excuse to talk about your book (without feeling salesy). You can do a puzzle reveal, a countdown, or even have your readers vote between two covers. Make it an event!
11. Email your list with a personal launch announcement.
When your book goes live, your email list should be the first to know. Write them a friendly email explaining why this book is special to you and why you’re excited for them to read it. A little personal touch goes a long way.
12. Offer a limited-time launch discount.
A lower launch price gives readers a reason to grab your book right away instead of “later.” If you’re launching at $0.99 or $2.99, make sure you tell everyone it’s a special limited deal.
13. Post daily on social media during launch week.
This is not the week to be shy! Share behind-the-scenes stories, reviews, reader photos — anything that keeps the excitement going. Different people see different posts, so don’t worry about being “too much.”
14. Ask your ARC team to leave reviews on launch day.
This is where your ARC team shines. Reviews help your book get shown to more readers, so politely remind your ARC team to post their reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub the moment your book goes live.
15. Run a giveaway to celebrate your launch.
Everyone loves free stuff. Host a fun giveaway — signed books, book swag, or even a gift card. Ask people to share your book or leave a review for extra entries. Giveaways create buzz without feeling pushy.
16. Do a live reading or Q&A.
Go live on Facebook or Instagram and read the first chapter aloud. Or do a casual Q&A about your writing process. Readers love connecting with authors — especially when you’re being your real self.
17. Ask your author friends to help spread the word.
If you’ve made some author friends (see Tip #7), this is when you lean on them. Ask if they’ll share your book with their readers. Bonus points if you can swap favors and share their books when they launch too.
18. Share behind-the-scenes stories from your writing process.
Readers love to see how the sausage gets made. Share funny, frustrating, or surprising moments from writing your book. Did your cat delete a whole chapter? Did the ending change halfway through? Tell them!
19. Submit your book to promotion sites.
Promo sites like Bookdoggy or Bargain Booksy can send a ton of eyeballs to your book — especially if you’re running a sale. Just check that the site matches your genre before you spend your money.
20. Announce your launch in genre-specific Facebook groups.
Every genre has Facebook groups where readers hang out. Most allow self-promo on certain days. Follow the rules, be friendly (don’t just drop a link and leave), and introduce your book like you’re talking to a friend.
21. Update your Amazon Author Central page.
Your Author Central page is like your Amazon storefront. Readers land there to learn more about you, so make sure it’s complete and up-to-date. Add your bio, your latest books, and a personal touch — like a fun fact or why you love writing your genre.
22. Set up your Goodreads author profile.
Goodreads is where serious readers hang out. Claim your author profile (it’s free), upload your books, and connect with your audience. You can even run Goodreads giveaways to drum up attention before or after your launch.
23. Pitch book bloggers for reviews.
Book bloggers are still powerful allies — especially in niche genres. Research bloggers who love books like yours, and send them a personalized pitch (not just a mass email). Be polite, professional, and always offer a free review copy.
24. Run regular newsletter swaps with other authors.
Newsletter swaps are pure gold. Find authors in your genre, feature their books in your newsletter, and they’ll do the same for you. It’s a free way to get in front of new readers — just make sure you actually like the books you’re swapping!
25. Offer signed copies for special promotions.
Readers love signed copies, especially if you make it personal. Run a limited-time offer on your website, or bundle signed books with some swag (like bookmarks or stickers) to make it feel extra special.
26. Host monthly reader Q&A sessions.
Readers want to know you, not just your books. Go live once a month (Facebook, Instagram, wherever you’re comfy) and chat with your readers. Talk about what you’re writing, your hobbies, or your favorite coffee. It’s all about connection.
27. Build relationships with local bookstores.
Even if you focus on digital sales, indie bookstores can still be your biggest cheerleaders. Offer to sign stock, participate in local author days, or leave bookmarks for their customers. Local love can turn into long-term fans.
28. Share reader reviews and testimonials.
When a reader leaves a glowing review, don’t just smile and move on — share it! Create a social media post, add it to your website, or use it in ads. Reviews are powerful proof that your book is worth buying.
29. Add your book to genre-specific Facebook groups.
Facebook groups aren’t just for authors — they’re for readers too. Find groups dedicated to your genre, participate in discussions (without spamming!), and share your book when appropriate. Being part of the community pays off.
30. Share your writing process on Instagram Stories.
Readers are curious creatures — they want to know how the magic happens. Share behind-the-scenes moments like messy drafts, plot twists you didn’t see coming, or even your favorite writing snacks.
31. Embrace marketing as part of your creative process.
A lot of authors see marketing as the “ugh” part of the job. Flip that mindset. Marketing is storytelling too — you’re just telling the story of your book. Once you see it as creative, it becomes a lot more fun.
32. Learn to handle negative reviews (because they happen).
Here’s the truth: every author gets bad reviews. It’s part of the deal. Read them if you must, but don’t dwell. Reviews are for readers, not for you. Focus on the positive ones — and keep writing.
33. Create a realistic marketing schedule.
Don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything at once. Make a weekly or monthly plan with a few key tasks (a newsletter, a social post, a giveaway). Consistency beats chaos every time.
34. Celebrate small wins.
Every sale, every review, every email signup — they all count. Celebrate them! Share your milestones with your readers, thank them for being part of the journey, and keep the positive momentum going.
35. Use AI tools to lighten your load.
AI isn’t scary — it’s helpful. Use tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm social posts, draft emails, or even come up with fun promo ideas. Just make sure you always add your voice to the final version.
36. Batch your content creation.
Stop thinking about social media one post at a time. Spend a couple of hours once a month creating graphics, captions, and emails in bulk. It saves time and keeps your messaging consistent.
37. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.
Some authors hit the bestseller list in a week. Others build slow, steady careers over years. Both are valid. Focus on your path, your progress, and your unique voice. Comparison kills creativity.
38. Build relationships, not just follower counts.
It’s tempting to chase numbers — more followers, more subscribers. But numbers don’t buy books — people do. Focus on conversations, friendships, and real connections with your audience.
39. Remember your “why.”
Book marketing gets overwhelming. When it does, step back and remember why you started writing in the first place. That passion is what readers connect with — and it’s what keeps you going.
40. Take breaks when you need them.
Burnout helps no one. If you feel drained, step away for a day (or a week). Your readers will still be there when you come back. A rested author writes better books and better marketing copy.
41. Create a social media content calendar.
Posting randomly whenever you remember is stressful. Instead, plan ahead. Set aside a day to schedule your posts for the month so you always have something going out. Need help? Awesome Author Academy covers how to create a stress-free content plan.
42. Use video whenever possible.
Love it or hate it, video grabs attention. Readers love short clips where you talk about your book, share a fun fact, or show off your workspace. You don’t need fancy equipment—your phone works fine!
43. Run low-budget test ads.
If you’re thinking about ads, start small. A $5 Facebook or Amazon ad lets you see what works before you invest more. Author Ad Network can help you reach more readers without breaking the bank.
44. Host collaborative giveaways with other authors.
Team up with authors in your genre and run a joint giveaway. You’ll all get exposure to each other’s audiences—free marketing that benefits everyone.
45. Join BookTok trends.
If your audience is on TikTok, pay attention to trends. You don’t have to dance—just share your spin on what’s trending in the book world. Readers love seeing authors behind the scenes.
46. Create themed Pinterest boards.
Pinterest is great for visual storytelling. Create boards that match your book’s world—mood boards, character aesthetics, or research inspiration. It’s a fun way to engage readers outside of traditional promo.
47. Run Facebook and Instagram retargeting ads.
Ever notice how you visit a site and then start seeing ads for it everywhere? That’s retargeting. You can do the same thing—show ads to people who visited your book page but didn’t buy. It’s an easy way to remind them!
48. Feature your book in Bookstagram giveaways.
Instagram’s book-loving community is huge. Find bookstagrammers who run giveaways and offer a free book as a prize. It’s a great way to get new eyes on your work.
49. Host a virtual author panel.
Readers love interacting with multiple authors at once. Grab a few writer friends and host a live panel where you chat about books, writing, or anything fun.
50. Create an author group on Facebook.
Instead of just posting at readers, create a space where they can interact with you. A private Facebook group gives fans a place to chat, ask questions, and get exclusive sneak peeks.
51. Run seasonal promotions.
Tie your book sales to holidays or seasons. A spooky thriller sale for Halloween or a romance promo for Valentine’s Day feels timely and relevant.
52. Leverage your backlist.
If you have multiple books, don’t just promote the new one! Remind readers about your older books, bundle them, or discount the first book in a series to attract new fans.
53. Create carousel posts.
On Instagram and Facebook, carousel posts (multiple images in one post) get more engagement than single images. Use them to tell a story—maybe a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process or a “Top 5 reasons to read my book” list.
54. Ask for reader-generated content.
Your readers can be your best marketers! Ask them to share pictures of your book, fan art, or their favorite quotes. Feature their posts on your social media to build a strong community.
55. Collaborate with book subscription boxes.
Got a print book? Many book subscription boxes feature indie authors. Do some research and reach out—it could put your book in front of thousands of new readers.
56. Create a book trailer.
Trailers aren’t just for movies. A short, cinematic-style video with music and text can make your book feel like a must-read event. Keep it under 30 seconds and share it everywhere!
57. Offer exclusive content through Patreon or Substack.
Want to build a fan club and get paid for bonus content? Platforms like Patreon and Substack let readers subscribe for special perks—like deleted scenes, early access, or behind-the-scenes content.
58. Run Amazon ads on your author name.
Not all readers remember book titles—but they Google author names! Running an Amazon ad on your name makes sure your books pop up first when someone searches for you.
59. Use countdown timers in your promotions.
Urgency sells! If you’re running a sale or launch promotion, include a countdown timer in your emails or on your website. It reminds readers they need to grab the deal before it’s gone.
60. Do themed livestreams.
Readers love seeing authors in action. Go live with a themed event—a spooky reading for Halloween, a holiday Q&A, or even a “write with me” session where fans watch you work!
61. Create a free lead magnet.
Give readers a reason to join your email list by offering something cool for free. It could be a short story, a prequel, or even a behind-the-scenes peek at your writing process. It doesn’t have to be long — just valuable and tied to your books.
62. Send a post-launch email series.
After your book launches, don’t ghost your email list. Send a few follow-ups — reader reactions, behind-the-scenes stories, or what you’re working on next. Keep the momentum going while your book is still fresh in their minds.
63. Turn reader questions into social content.
Do readers ask you about your characters or your writing routine? Turn those questions into Instagram captions, blog posts, or Reels. It saves you time and keeps your content engaging.
64. Guest post on relevant blogs.
Find blogs that speak to your audience — not just writers, but readers too. Offer to write a guest post with a helpful topic or fun story. At the end, include a little blurb and a link to your book.
65. Experiment with BookBub ads.
Even if you can’t land a Featured Deal, BookBub ads can still work well. You can target readers by author and genre. Start with a small budget and see what kind of response you get.
66. Create merch tied to your book.
If your book has a strong brand or fan-favorite quote, turn that into a mug, T-shirt, or sticker. Readers love having something tangible that connects them to your story — even better if it makes them smile.
67. Host a character takeover.
Let one of your characters “take over” your social media for the day. Post in their voice, share their thoughts, and answer silly reader questions. It’s fun, creative, and gets people talking.
68. Run a poll to choose your next project.
Give your readers some say in what comes next. Whether it’s picking between two cover designs or choosing the next character to spotlight, polls make readers feel like they’re part of your journey.
69. Create holiday-themed promotions.
Readers love a good holiday sale. Tie your promo to a specific holiday like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or even National Reading Month. Seasonal promos give people a reason to buy right now.
70. Celebrate book birthdays.
Even after a book’s been out for a while, you can bring it back into the spotlight. Celebrate the anniversary of its release with a post, a short sale, or a giveaway. It’s a great excuse to promote without feeling pushy.
71. Create an author hashtag.
Having a simple, memorable hashtag lets readers tag you when they post about your book. It also makes it easy for you to find and share those posts later. Keep it short and brand-friendly.
72. Host a book club discussion.
Start a book club around your own book — seriously! You can invite readers to join a Facebook group, email list, or live session where you discuss themes, characters, and behind-the-scenes insights.
73. Offer limited-time bonus content.
For a short time, give buyers something extra — maybe a deleted scene, a bonus chapter, or a character interview. Make it feel exclusive and easy to access. Mention it in your emails and posts.
74. Run a “meet the characters” campaign.
Introduce your characters like they’re real people. Post mini bios, quirks, or “interviews” with them. Readers love getting to know who’s inside the story before they start reading.
75. Send thank-you postcards to your biggest supporters.
Handwritten postcards feel incredibly personal in a digital world. Send a few to your most loyal readers or reviewers to show your appreciation. They’ll never forget it — and they’ll probably tell others.
76. Create a branded email signature.
Every email you send is a chance to promote your book. Add a little blurb, your book cover, and a link to your website or Author Ad Network promo. Keep it short, professional, and on brand.
77. Use reader reviews in ads.
Your readers write some of the best copy you’ll ever get. Grab a great quote from a review and use it in your ads or graphics. If someone else said it’s amazing, new readers are more likely to believe it.
78. Host writing challenges.
Start a weekly prompt or word-count challenge with your readers or fellow writers. It keeps engagement up and gives everyone a little motivation boost. Share your progress and cheer others on.
79. Create an audiobook sample reel.
If you have an audiobook, record a short preview (1–2 minutes) and share it everywhere — your site, your socials, your emails. Hearing your story can be just the nudge someone needs to hit buy.
80. Partner with podcasters.
There are podcasts for every niche. Reach out to podcast hosts who cover books, writing, or your genre and offer to be a guest. It’s free promotion and builds instant credibility.
81. Highlight your personal story.
Readers don’t just want your book — they want to know you. Share your journey, your “why,” or what inspired your book. Being open about your process builds trust and keeps readers coming back for more.
82. Run a “Which character are you?” quiz.
These quizzes are fun, shareable, and super engaging. Use a free quiz maker, tie it to your characters, and include a call to action at the end like “Want to meet this character? Read the book!”
83. Start a YouTube channel.
You don’t have to go viral — just show up. Post videos like “Behind the scenes of my writing process” or “What I learned self-publishing.” Over time, you’ll build a loyal following. Bonus: you can embed your videos on your website or in your Awesome Author Academy resources.
84. Create seasonal reading guides.
Put together a quick list of books (yours included) that are perfect for fall coziness, summer beach reads, or winter thrillers. Post it on your site, your socials, or in your newsletter as a gift to your readers.
85. Add your book to themed Amazon lists.
Create an Amazon Idea List featuring your book plus other great reads in your niche — like “Top 10 Indie Sci-Fi Reads” or “Rom-Coms with Strong Heroines.” Readers browsing the list might just click yours.
86. Offer bookplates.
Don’t want to ship physical books? Send readers a signed bookplate (a sticker they can place inside the book) instead. It’s low-cost, easy to mail, and still feels personal.
87. Ask your email list for referrals.
Your fans want to help you — you just have to ask. Include a short message in your newsletter like “Know a friend who’d love this book? Forward this email or send them this link!”
88. Write guest articles.
Pitch articles to industry websites or blogs in your niche. Whether it’s tips on writing, a personal story, or publishing lessons learned, these can build your credibility and drive traffic to your book.
89. Create story-based Reels and TikToks.
Instead of just “Buy my book,” tell a short story. Summarize your book in 30 seconds. Act out a scene. Or just talk about a character’s biggest challenge. That’s the stuff that gets shared.
90. Host “behind the book” livestreams.
Go live and talk about your journey — the moment the story clicked, the hardest chapter to write, the scene you almost deleted. These livestreams let readers feel like they’re on the inside.
91. Create a “first line challenge.”
Post the first sentence of your book and ask others to share theirs too. It’s a great way to start a thread, especially in Facebook groups or writing communities like the ones tied into Awesome Author Academy.
92. Offer a sneak peek of your next project.
When readers finish your book, they want to know what’s next. Drop a teaser — a working title, a rough idea, or even a paragraph from the draft. It builds anticipation and keeps them subscribed.
93. Host a “cover remix” contest.
Let your readers submit their own cover concepts or vote on alternate cover art. It’s interactive, and you might end up with some amazing fan-created content.
94. Do a bookshelf tour.
Show off your writing space or your personal bookshelf. Talk about the books that inspired you or helped you get through the writing process. People love getting a peek into your world.
95. Create a Spotify playlist for your book.
If your characters had a soundtrack, what would it be? Share a playlist you listened to while writing or a mood playlist that matches your story. It’s a fun way to enhance the reading experience.
96. Write a collaborative story with your readers.
Use email or social polls to let readers vote on plot points — who gets the magic sword, who kisses who, etc. It’s fun, creative, and keeps your readers deeply involved.
97. Start a “30 days of your book” campaign.
For 30 days, share one thing a day — a quote, a fact, a photo, a memory from the writing process. It’s a steady stream of gentle promotion that doesn’t feel salesy.
98. Share fun facts about your writing process.
Did you write most of your book in pajamas? Did your main character’s name come from your childhood cat? Share these! They make you relatable and your book more memorable.
99. Host a “character roast” party.
Invite your readers to roast your characters (lightheartedly, of course). It creates laughs, sparks discussion, and deepens their connection to your story.
100. Create book quote graphics.
Take your best lines — the ones that punch, inspire, or give chills — and turn them into simple graphics. Post them everywhere. They’re great for sharing and give your book a voice.
101. Ask your readers for help with your next book.
Let them vote on a name, a location, or even a line of dialogue. Involving them early makes them way more likely to buy it later. Plus, it’s just more fun that way.