How Writing Another Book Boosts Your Sales and Author Visibility
Becoming a successful author today means learning how to write, publish, and market your books strategically, especially if you’re new to the scene. The publishing industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade. Algorithms shift monthly, attention spans are shorter, and social media trends come and go in a matter of days.
Still, while “instant fame” formulas don’t exist, some timeless marketing principles continue to work if you apply them consistently and creatively. Whether you’re a novelist, memoirist, or nonfiction author, these six book marketing tips will help you build real momentum and reach the right readers.
Write Another Book
Most new authors spend months promoting their first book, trying to squeeze every sale from it. But here’s the truth: the most powerful marketing tool you have is your next book.
Readers buy from authors they trust, and that trust grows when they see consistency. One book might make a small splash; a series or a second title can build waves. Each new release attracts fresh attention and revives interest in your earlier titles.
If you’re stuck promoting one book endlessly, posting links, begging for reviews, and dancing on TikTok, you’re missing the bigger picture. Use your energy wisely: write more.
Tips:
- Set writing goals (daily or weekly) to keep momentum.
- Work on your second book before publishing your first.
- For nonfiction authors, reuse your ongoing research and insights for future titles or blog posts.
- To strengthen your long-term writing strategy, explore these tips on improving your writing skills in Australia through the guide on book writing motivation: Book Writing Motivation.
Guest Blogging Is Good Marketing
Guest blogging still works when done right. It’s about authentic connection, not spamming. Find blogs, websites, or newsletters that speak directly to your audience. If you wrote a memoir about overcoming trauma, visit wellness and recovery blogs.
If your novel is about environmental themes, connect with sustainability communities. Comment, contribute, and offer value before asking for a guest post.
Why it works
- You reach readers already interested in your topic.
- It builds your credibility.
- impactful stories in this guide on writing realistic Australian characters:
Writing Realistic Australian Characters.
You can also organize or join a blog tour of a coordinated series of guest posts across multiple sites. It’s cost effective and far more personal than paid ads.
Nonfiction authors
Guest posting is gold for you. It’s a proven way to position yourself as an expert in your field. Share actionable tips, research findings, or case studies that connect directly to your book’s theme.
Get Short Work Published (and Enter Contests)
Publishing shorter pieces before or alongside your book builds credibility and exposure. Short stories, essays, or articles act as a showcase for your writing style and themes.
Winning or placing in a contest, even a small one, signals quality and professionalism. It tells readers (and publishers) that others value your writing.
Where to start
- Submit short fiction or essays to literary magazines.
- Try contests like Writer’s Digest Competitions, The Bridport Prize, or local writing competitions.
- For nonfiction authors, write op ads or articles for trade journals or online magazines in your niche.
For authors shaping unique story concepts, this resource on making your story unique helps strengthen your creative approach:
Make Your Story Unique.
Bonus tip: Use published short work in your marketing. Include links or mentions in your author bio, website, or book’s “About the Author” section.
Run a Sale or Countdown (and Use E book Newsletters)
Price promotions remain one of the most effective tools for boosting sales if used wisely.
If you’re enrolled in KDP Select, use Kindle Countdown Deals or short-term sales.. But don’t make the mistake of giving your only book away for free. Free promotions only work if readers can move on to another one of your titles.
E-book newsletters (like BookBub, Fussy Librarian, Freebooksy, or Ereader News Today) can deliver great results when paired with limited-time offers.
Tips
- Time your sale around a new release or holiday.
- Test different price points ($0.99, $1.99, $2.99).
- Use your social media and website to announce the sale.
Remember, the goal isn’t just short term sales, it’s visibility. Each sale introduces you to new readers who may become loyal fans.
Network for Joint Promotion Marketing
Marketing is easier and more fun when you’re not doing it alone.
Collaborating with other authors in your genre allows you to share audiences, cross promote books, and increase your discoverability on Amazon.
Examples of effective collaborations:
- Anthologies: Publish a multi author short story collection. Readers who discover one author will often explore others in the same book.
- Group Promotions: Partner with authors to run themed sales (e.g., “Cozy Mystery Week” or “Summer Romance Reads”).
- Newsletter Swaps: Mention each other’s books in your newsletters.
The key is authentic networking. Be helpful, supportive, and positive. Treat fellow writers as allies, not competition.
Why it works
When readers see your name associated with other respected authors, your credibility rises. Plus, you can benefit from Amazon’s “Also Bought” feature, which links similar books together, boosting organic visibility.
Nonfiction authors
Collaborate through podcast interviews, expert roundups, or joint webinars. To collaborate more effectively as an author, learn how to work with experts and grow your visibility through this guide on collaborating with experts:
Collaborate With Experts for Authors.
Blog and Forget the Newsletter (for Now)
You’ve probably heard that every author must have a newsletter. But if you’ve only published one book, constant emails can do more harm than good.
Instead, start a simple, valuable blog, one that shares writing insights, updates, or behind the scenes content. Blog once or twice a month, not daily. Focus on quality over quantity.
When you have more books or a loyal following, then launch your newsletter. Use it to share meaningful updates like:
- New book releases
- Special offers
- Events or collaborations
Nonfiction authors
Your situation is different. Blogging regularly is essential to building authority in your field. Turn your blog posts into chapters, case studies, or podcasts. This keeps your content ecosystem alive and connected to your book’s theme.
Use Paid Advertising Strategically
Paid ads on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, or Book Bub can give your book a visibility boost. Start small with a limited budget and target specific audiences based on genre and reader interests. Analyze the results to see which ads perform best, then adjust your strategy accordingly. A well placed ad can attract new readers and help increase steady sales over time.
Offer Limited Time Discounts or Giveaways
Attract attention by offering your book at a discount for a short period or giving away free copies in exchange for reviews. Promotions create urgency, encourage readers to take action, and help your book appear in more search results on platforms like Amazon. Pair this strategy with social media posts to reach an even wider audience.
Attend Virtual or In Person Book Events
Whether online or in person, book events are great opportunities to promote your work and connect with readers. Participate in book fairs, author panels, or writing conferences such as the Melbourne Writers Festival to gain exposure. Talking directly with readers helps build trust and loyalty, plus meeting other authors can open doors for future collaborations.
Turn Your Book Content into Multiple Formats
Expand your reach by repurposing your book’s content. Convert your book into an audiobook, eBook, or even short excerpts for blogs or social media. Share key lessons, quotes, or character insights to engage potential readers. This approach keeps your content active and helps new audiences discover your work through different platforms.
Bonus: Think Long Term, Not Viral
Forget trying to “go viral.” Sustainable book marketing is about steady growth and genuine connection.
- Build an author platform, not a one time campaign.
- Keep your readers engaged, not overwhelmed.
Focus on your next project more than your last one. - Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint, but with patience, creativity, and community, you’ll find your readers.
FAQs Book Marketing for New Authors
Q 1. How can a new author market a book with a low budget?
Answer: You can start with free or low cost strategies like social media promotion, blogging, guest posting, creating an author website, and connecting with book bloggers. Consistency matters more than paid ads at the beginning.
Q 2. When should I start marketing my book?
Answer: Ideally, start 3-6 months before your book launch. Build anticipation early by sharing updates, cover reveals, and sneak peeks on your social media or newsletter.
Q 3. Do I need a website for book marketing?
Answer: Yes, having an author website gives your book and brand a professional presence. It’s a central place where readers can learn about you, buy your books, and join your mailing list.
Q 4. How important are book reviews for marketing?
Answer Book reviews are essential. They help build credibility, boost visibility on platforms like Amazon, and influence buying decisions. Encourage readers to leave honest reviews after reading.
Q 5. What’s the best long term book marketing strategy?
Answer: The most effective long term strategy is to keep writing and publishing new books while building genuine relationships with your readers. Over time, your audience will grow naturally through word of mouth and consistent content.
Final Thoughts
No single tactic guarantees success, not ads, not algorithms, and not luck. The authors who succeed are the ones who write consistently, market smartly, and treat their writing as both a craft and a business.
So, write your next book. Network genuinely. Market creatively.
Your audience is out there; you just have to keep showing up.