It’s always been hard to get your book discovered, but with the growth of self-publishing, it’s even more difficult.

UNESCO estimates that globally today, 2.2 million new titles are released every year.

Yowza.

In today’s saturated market, understanding how readers discover books can make a significant difference in your success. The more you know about this, the better able you are to focus your efforts in the right places.

Here’s your guide to understanding how readers discover books so you’re better able to get yours in front of them.

Recommendations

Good word of mouth makes a big, big difference.

Personal recommendations from friends and family are influential because they come from trusted sources. We love sharing books we’ve enjoyed; that creates a ripple effect that can greatly boost your book’s visibility.

You’re probably familiar with this from your own reading habits. If a friend likes the same types of books you do, you pay attention when they say, “I loved this book and I think you will, too.”

Recommendations also come from online communities and platforms. Goodreads is the most vibrant community for readers. It’s where they discuss their latest reads, offer recommendations, and create reading lists.

For example, when one of my daughter’s friends and I discovered we loved the same books while talking at a wedding, she quickly jumped to, “Are you on Goodreads? Let’s connect there!” It’s a great way for us to quickly see not only what each other is reading, but whether we like those books, too.

Other influential online gathering places for readers include Facebook (it has groups dedicated to readers of nearly every book niche imaginable), Library Thing, Riffle Books, and Reddit, among others.

Engaging with these communities can help your book reach a wider audience.

Collaborations

One of the best – and possibly most overlooked – ways to get discovered by more of the right readers is to collaborate with authors and other types of product or service creators who already reach your target audience.

A newsletter swap is an easy way to collaborate. You and an author who reaches your audience recommend each other’s books to your newsletter subscribers.

You can also swap guest blog posts, host Q&As, or plan Instagram or Facebook Live events for each other’s followers.

Online platforms

Online platforms and their algorithms are key players in book discovery today, too. Selling your book on Amazon is a no-brainer. It’s where most people who buy books online buy them. It’s also where they review them.

They review them on Goodreads, too, so in addition to using Goodreads as a reader, you’ll want to claim your author account there so you’re more directly connected to your book on that site.

The same goes for BookBub, which is both a site and service created specifically to help readers discover more of the books they enjoy reading.

These options are all pivotal for book recommendations because they use complex algorithms to suggest books based on a reader’s past behavior and preferences.

When you list your book on these platforms and optimize your metadata on each, you enhance your book’s discoverability.

Reviews

You also know that reviews and ratings on these platforms are important.

Positive reviews can boost your book’s ranking and visibility, while detailed feedback can help potential readers decide to pick up your book.

Don’t expect them to happen organically, although that can and does happen, of course. Instead, encourage your readers to leave honest reviews that will help you maintain a steady flow of new readers.

Traditional and digital media

Media coverage, both traditional and digital, significantly impacts book discovery. This news media attention known as publicity can help your book reach a broader audience.

Don’t overlook the power of magazine and newspaper reviews; they’re still influential, especially with older demographics.

Visibility in online publications and blogs has become essential because readers turn to trusted bloggers and online magazines for book recommendations.

Trade magazine publicity – both reviews and interviews – can be important for certain nonfiction books, so be certain to explore that.

Securing coverage on popular book blogs can drive significant interest and sales, but so can interviews and guest posts on subject/topic blogs.

For example, if your romance novel is set in Door County, Wisconsin, pitch Door County bloggers (yes, they exist, I checked) on a review or Q&A with you on why you chose that setting.

Podcast publicity is increasingly important for authors, too, as more and more people are drawn to the specificity of podcasts. As with blogs, pitch an author interview with book podcasts, but also approach topic podcasters, as well.

Social media

As we’ve seen with BookTok on TikTok, social media has revolutionized how readers discover books.

Social media didn’t exist when my first book was published.

It was a humor book that took a lighthearted look at male behavior, explaining to women why men do what they do or say what they say. The topic is perfect for social media, so I can only imagine the impact these platforms would have had on sales.

Today, in addition to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are homes to vibrant book communities that actively share and discuss their latest reads.

Instagram hosts book group accounts (think Reese’s Book Club), YouTube has BookTube, and Facebook (mentioned above) is home to lots and lots and lots of genre readers groups.

Reader communities also have their own gathering place on Twitter/X with Twitter Communities.

Are your readers on Threads? That newer social network lets users create groups (Book Threads) that become mini-communities, too.

The best way to work toward book visibility in any online group is to become an active member and participant first. Showing up as a marketer, especially before you understand a group’s vibe and personality, is a waste of time.

Bookstores and libraries

Let’s not overlook how many people rely on browsing through physical bookstores and public libraries for books they might enjoy.

Fact is, while many self-published authors release only as e-books, most people still prefer physical books. Even Gen Zers prefer that format.

Curated displays in both stores and libraries plus bookstore staff recommendations can spotlight your book to new audiences.

Case in point: When I attended an NYU School of Professional Studies webinar on how Braiding Sweetgrass became a best-seller six years after it was published, I learned it was through the power of independent bookseller recommendations. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

As for libraries, many readers rely on them almost completely for reading material. That means library programs that include “lunch and learns,” book clubs, and author talks can introduce your book to new-to-you readers.

What can you do today to get better plugged in to your local library’s programs?

In-person engagement

One of the best ways to maximize discovery and good word of mouth, though, is meeting readers in person, face to face.

Author signings, book tours, presentations, and literary festivals allow you to connect with your audience directly on a personal level. These events create memorable experiences that can turn attendees into loyal readers.

Virtual events. including virtual book tours, webinars, and summit workshops. have also become popular, especially since the pandemic.

They offer the advantage of reaching a global audience without the need for travel. Participating in or hosting virtual events can help you connect with readers from different parts of the world, too.

Advertising

Paid advertising on Amazon, where readers are looking for books, can pay off under the right circumstances. Many authors also have success advertising on Facebook, where they can target specific demographics and interests.

Both options help your book reach potential readers who are likely to be interested, as long as your Amazon detail/sales page is “optimized” and you understand how to create and buy effective ads.

How will readers discover books by you?

Considering how many ways authors discover your books, where should you put your efforts to make sure yours gets found?

There’s no pat answer for this. With the exception of selling on Amazon, what will make the most difference for one author might not be the best choice for another.

For example, novelists get more traction on Goodreads than nonfiction authors do. And, some authors are so uncomfortable with in-person events that while they’re great for visibility, they’re not worth the stress.

Choose your discoverability channels – social media, publicity, advertising, and so on – according to where you’ll find your readers, your skills, and your interests.

But do something. Don’t wait to be discovered. You have to make it happen.

FAQs about how readers discover books

1. How important are personal recommendations in helping readers discover books?

Personal recommendations are incredibly influential in book discovery.

Readers often trust friends, family, and even online communities like Goodreads for book suggestions. These recommendations create a ripple effect that can significantly boost a book’s visibility, as people love sharing books they enjoyed.

Engaging with these communities can help authors connect with potential readers and spread the word about their books.

2. How can collaborating with other authors help in book discovery?

Collaborating with other authors can be a highly effective way to reach new readers.

Authors can participate in newsletter swaps, guest blog posts, or co-host events like Instagram Lives or Q&As. These collaborations allow authors to tap into each other’s audiences, increasing exposure to readers who are already interested in similar genres or topics.

This strategy can be particularly powerful in niche markets.

3. Why is a presence on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads crucial for authors?

A presence on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads is crucial because these sites are primary destinations for readers searching for books.

These platforms use algorithms to recommend books based on user behavior and preferences. By listing their books and optimizing metadata on these platforms, authors can enhance their discoverability.

Reviews and ratings on these sites also play a significant role in attracting potential readers, making it essential for authors to encourage reviews.

4. What role does traditional and digital media play in book discovery?

Traditional and digital media can significantly impact book discovery by reaching broad and targeted audiences.

Media coverage, such as magazine and newspaper reviews, remains influential, especially among older demographics. Digital media, including blogs and online publications, offer a more accessible and often cost-effective way to gain visibility.

Authors can pitch to book blogs, podcasts, and online magazines to secure reviews, interviews, and features, driving interest and sales.

5. How can social media influence book discovery, and which platforms are most effective?

Social media has revolutionized book discovery by creating vibrant communities where readers share and discuss their favorite books.

Platforms like TikTok (BookTok), Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and newer networks like Threads have dedicated spaces for book lovers. Authors can build a presence on these platforms, participate in discussions, and engage with readers.

The key is to be an active and genuine participant rather than solely promoting books. Each platform has unique features that can be leveraged, such as Instagram’s visual appeal, TikTok’s short video format, and Facebook’s extensive group communities.

What are you doing to get discovered that’s working for you? Please tell us in a comment.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Associates links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a couple of pennies (at no extra charge to you).

I hope this is the first of several guest posts by Chelsea Tornetto, a former teacher turned author, because there are so many ways she can help children’s book authors with her expertise. Chelsea’s first book, Conquering Content Vocabulary, published by Scholastic, is educational. Picture books are her passion now, though. She’s the author of Gardens Are For Growing and God Made You Too.  When Chelsea isn’t working on her own stories, she helps others write for children as a freelance editor and author coach for At Home Author. Find Chelsea on X/Twitter and her website.

Beyond the classroom: 8 unique venues for children’s book author visits

By Chelsea Tornetto

Children’s book authors often dream of being invited to a local school to read their book to a classroom full of wide-eyed elementary students.

Those enthusiastic young readers are the exact reason why children’s book authors like me decided to write for kids in the first place,

But as many of us quickly discover, school visits can be difficult to book.

Schools are closing doors on author visits

With shrinking budgets, growing pressure to squeeze in more curriculum, heightened safety rules and regulations, and increasing demands on teachers’ valuable planning time, many schools simply choose not to go to the trouble.

It’s a bummer!

After all, school visits can be a major source of income and publicity for children’s book authors.

But, luckily, they’re not the only way to get lots of little eyes on your book!

In fact, sometimes looking beyond schools and classrooms can lead to even more interesting – and potentially profitable – opportunities.  

8 unexpected venues for children’s book author visits

What are the best non-school options for children’s book author visits? Here are eight alternative venues you’ll want to explore locally and when you travel.

1. Libraries

I’m hoping this one doesn’t come as a surprise; we should all be reaching out to local libraries to carry our books.

But, while you’re at it, ask if they offer any children’s programming that can include guests. They may have a budget to bring in outside speakers.

If they don’t? They might still be willing to let you host an event and sell books to attendees.

This is particularly true in the summer, when most libraries offer more kids’ programming to help parents looking for something to keep the little ones busy.

2. Children’s museums

Children’s museums are designed to get kids interested in learning while still having fun, so children’s books are a great fit.

Pitch yourself and your book as a way for them to attract new guests, or show how your book could support one of their existing exhibits.

In addition, many children’s museums have gift shops that might stock your book, even after your event is over.

3. Conservation and nature centers

I live in Missouri, which has a robust conservation department that offers lots of programming for kids and families.

If your book has a connection to nature or the outdoors, contact your local conservation department or nature center and pitch yourself as a potential presenter or guest speaker. (Especially for those rainy days when their usual outdoor activities get canceled.)

4. Community centers and recreation departments

Many municipal governments provide camps, classes, or other special events for local families.

Study the programming guide from previous years to get an idea of what’s offered, then pitch yourself as a possible addition.

Could you teach a workshop on writing for kids? Set up as an author at a career day event? Lead an art activity at a “mommy and me” play day?

5. Festivals and fairs

Be careful with this one.

Not all festivals and fairs are created equal, and some just aren’t a good fit for children’s books. (Oktoberfest, for example, may have huge crowds, but kids aren’t always allowed, and parents have other things on their mind ….)

But, if there’s a popular farmer’s market, touch-a-truck event, or street art festival happening in your area, reach out and offer to present.

6. Daycare centers

If your book is for younger children, daycare centers are good places to contact about author visits.

While they face many of the same funding challenges as schools, there’s usually less pressure to squeeze in curriculum, so they have more time for fun events.

It’s an especially good fit if your book explores a common early education topic such as the seasons, counting, or colors.

7. Alternative retail locations, including gift shops, toy stores, grocery stores, etc.

While bookstores get all the love from authors, I’ve actually had more success selling my books at non-book stores. There’s less competition.

Approach local shops your target audience frequents and ask about hosting a book event or even just stocking your books.

Authors in Grocery Stores will even help you arrange book signings in local chains in certain states.

8. Scout Troops, 4H clubs, Rotary clubs, etc.

When I was in 4H, our leaders had a guest speaker at every meeting to talk about something we were interested in.

Scout troops often do something similar.

Put yourself in the shoes of those group leaders and create a presentation that will help them out – and get you in.

Tips for approaching non-school venues for children’s book author visits

Be thoughtful about how you’ll approach venues that are the best fit for your book and its audience.

Remember that when contacting any of these places about hosting an author event, it’s up to you to add value.

Offering to sit and read your book out loud isn’t going to cut it.

Pitch them on a presentation with a clear theme and focus. Customize your pitch to support what they and their patrons want and need. When you do that, they’re much more likely to say, “Yes!”

Be open-minded and creative

School visits may be the most popular way for children’s book authors to reach young readers. But they’re certainly not the only way!

Anywhere parents, grandparents, and kids gather has potential for author presentations.

Look beyond schools and explore more venues for children’s book author visits. You never know where you might end up … and you might be quite pleased with the destination.

Do you have a question for Chelsea Tonetto about booking author visits? Please ask it in a comment.

Sherlock Holmes is there.

So is Harry Potter.

Heck, even Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is on board with it.

You’ll find these fictional characters on social media. And they’re all from books.

It’s a fun and effective strategy for novelists. Have you considered it? Maybe you should!

Why you want your fictional characters on social media

There are many reasons to create social media profiles for your fictional characters. Here are just a few of them:

1. By bringing your character to life outside the pages of your book, you’re giving readers and fans an opportunity to connect with the character in a way that further bonds them to your writing. This can be especially meaningful for series authors.
2. It helps you create character depth while you’re writing your book.
3. You’ve got something to say on social media besides “buy my book.”
4. You will have an outlet for precious, beloved material cut from the story.
5. It can be more fun than posting as yourself.

Really, how can you resist?

How to do it effectively

As with all social media use, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do this, even when the profile is for a fictional character. Keep these tips in mind as you create profiles and content for your fictional friends.

1. Don’t violate anyone’s copyright.

Make sure the profile image you use doesn’t violate any artist’s or photographer’s copyright. Check royalty-free photography sites but consider paying for a photo just to be safe. 

Your favorite AI tool can help with this, too. QuickWrite, the AI software created specifically for authors, generated this image when I asked for a photo-realistic version of Gabriel Allon, the 50-something Israeli counter-intelligence operative hero of the Daniel Silva series. 

If you’re struggling to find just the right “person” to fit your character, consider using a different type of image to represent the character — an apron or flour sack for a baker, and so on.

2. Really get into character when you post. 

Don’t make the mistake of using your character’s Facebook Page to post the same content you’ve shared on your author Page, whether it’s the timeworn unboxing video or details about an upcoming booksigning.

Is that all your character would be talking about on social media? I think not.

Get into character and have a little fun with it! Your character’s status updates, Instagram Stories and images, or TikTok videos should be created from their perspective, not yours.

Stay away from “buy my book” messages that are inherent in author appearance announcements and focus, instead, on what your character might say or do at or about that event.

3. Look for real ways to engage readers with your characters.

Let your character ask questions, provide commentary on world affairs or politics, share favorite image quotes, request movie recommendations, or post pictures from a book club appearance.

Learn what your audience is interested in, and use your character to share information, ask questions, or lead a discussion on that.

4. Don’t market with your fictional characters on social media. Connect.

Stop thinking about selling books. Focus instead on connecting with readers.

Your character’s social media accounts provide a way to bring that character out of the type on the page and into a new dimension. You get to bring that character to life.

If you’re forcing your character to share details about book signings or $.99 sale days, you’re just trying to sell.

Readers aren’t interested in that. They want their favorite character’s take on what’s happening in the world around them.

Resources that help create content for fictional characters on social media

If you like this idea but have trouble imagining how you’d execute it, consider using social media profile templates that educators use to bring fictional characters to life for today’s social media savvy students.

“Fakebook” is one, but there are others. Just filling out the templates without worrying about hitting “submit” will get you thinking about how you want to approach this.

You might also have fun with “ifaketext,” an online tool that lets you create images of fake iPhone messages — messages that, of course, might have been sent by your character. (I think this is such a cool tool!)

Here’s one I created for two of my favorite fictional characters, Stephanie Plum and Grandma Mazur, from the numbered Janet Evanovich series:

Think about how much fun you’ll have with this — almost as much fun as writing the book!

There’s more to fiction marketing than social media

As you might have discovered, there’s more to promoting, publicizing, and marketing your fiction than using social media effectively.

Master the basics in my popular online course, “Book Marketing 101 for Fiction: How to Build Book Buzz Basic E-course.”

Learn at your own pace with instant access to all course content.

You owe it to yourself to learn what works, what doesn’t, and where to put your efforts. This course will help you move farther faster.

You want your book marketing plan to include more than posting on social media, but for that portion of it, give this idea a try. You might be surprised by how much fun you have and what you learn about both your character and readers in the process.

Does your book’s character have a social media profile? Share the link in a comment! 

(Editor’s note: This article was first published in December 2015. It has been updated and expanded.)

The book marketing landscape has changed dramatically since my first book was published in 1995(!). Social media didn’t exist then, so publishers used publicity, advertising, direct mail, word of mouth, and bookstores to tell readers about books.

Today, social networks can be an important part of an author’s book marketing plan. Unlike the more traditional (and still valid) marketing options, social platforms provide an easy way to engage directly with readers.

And there are more and more of them.

Innovation generates more options

Not surprisingly, as technology evolves, innovators create new social networks authors can use for book marketing. Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X (despite a decline in users) remain the most popular.

But they have more competition than ever.

Some of the newest platforms are quite niche. Others, though, reach a more general audience and function as alternatives to platforms you’re already familiar with, especially Twitter/X.

Check out these new social networks for book marketing

Here are the four I’m hearing about the most that appear to offer potential for connecting and engaging with readers.

#1. Threads

Because you use your Instagram profile to log in to Threads, the text-centric network launched this July by Meta (Facebook and Instagram) as a Twitter/X alternative gained users quickly.

Simply download the app and use your Instagram login to begin creating your own “threads” – posts. You’ll see posts from people you follow on Instagram, too.

Like, comment, and share just as you do on other social networks.

While you can add images and videos to a thread, that’s really Instagram’s thing. Use Threads in a way that’s more like how you use Twitter/X. For most, that’s posting “here’s where I’m at right now” commentary.

Here’s Business Insider’s guide to getting started with Threads.

Who uses Threads? Most are already Instagram users, but this app skews male right now – 68% male to 32% female. It’s a young group, too. Just over one-third are ages 18-24.

#2. Mastodon

People in my network are buzzing about Mastodon, an ad-free Twitter alternative.

Two features distinguish Mastodon from more established social networks:

• Content from people you follow appears in your network chronologically, as it happens. There are no algorithms deciding what you’ll see and when you’ll see it.
• You personalize your network by joining “servers.” These are fiefdoms within the larger platform created and managed by independent people who create their server’s rules.

Server options range from gaming to art to books to religion.

Here’s Wired’s guide to getting started on Mastodon.

Who uses Mastodon? This one is male-dominated, too. In addition, just under one-third of its users are ages 25 to 34 – a little older than Threads users.

#3. Hive Social

Like Mastodon, Twitter alternative Hive Social uses a chronological feed. That means your posts aren’t hidden from followers, but it also means that if connections aren’t using the app when you post, they’ll need to seek you out to read your commentary.

Hive Social content includes text, images, Q&As, polls, and music. Infuse your profile with more personality without words by adding colors and songs.

It’s mobile only – there’s no desktop app.

Here’s Mashable’s guide to getting started on Hive Social.

Who uses Hive Social? I can’t find much information about this network’s demographics other than that users are mostly Gen Z – ages 11 to 26.

#4. Lemon8

TikTok’s parent company introduced the U.S. and UK to Lemon8 in early 2023, so it’s quite new.

Like Pinterest, this is a lifestyle-focused, image- and video-sharing social network. Some describe it as a combination of TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Content created with the app’s templates and editing tools is saved and shared on Pinterest-style boards in categories that include:

• Fashion
• Beauty and makeup
• Food
• Wellness
• Home
• Travel

While you can post images without a caption, experts don’t recommend doing so. Because captions have two parts, a headline and body text, they’re more robust than those on similar platforms.

Here’s The Leap’s guide to getting started on Lemon8.

Who uses Lemon8? It’s popular with Gen Z – ages 11 to 26.

Should you start using any of these networks?

Before embracing any of these new options, answer these questions:

1. Does the network reach your ideal readers?
2. Do you have time to learn how to use a new social network effectively?
3. Can you see yourself enjoying using any of them? If not, you’re less likely to become a regular user.

Will the social network be around in a few years?

In addition, consider whether any of these options has longevity.

Remember when people were asking if you’d like an invitation to join the audio-format network Clubhouse?

It was popular with the cool kids when first launched, but fizzled out. Clubhouse is still active, but it’s hardly mainstream.

The same thing could happen to any of these or the other new social networks.

Before using a new social network, understand if it will reach your audience, if you have time to use it, and if you'll enjoy it.Click to tweet

Be realistic about what you can take on

I don’t have a lot of time for social media, so I’m very selective about which platforms I join.

What works for me won’t necessarily line up with your goals or personality. In the interest of helping, though, here’s my very personal take on these:

• Threads: I joined Threads because doing so was easy. I also wanted to see how it compares to other networks. I like how some Threads posts show up in my Instagram feed. That approach pulls me to the app, where I usually start scrolling.
• Mastodon: It requires too much thought for me. There are too many steps to join; each server has its own rules. I just can’t.
• Hive Social: The no-algorithm feed is appealing, but the demographic isn’t a good fit for me personally or professionally.
• Lemon8: I use Pinterest a lot already, so I’ll give this one a try to see how they compare.

In general, I try to stay open-minded, but realistic, about new tools and resources like these.

Can you promote your book without social media?

I know that many authors don’t like using social media.

I get it. It seems like there’s always something more to learn, doesn’t it?

And while I noted at the beginning of this article that social media can be important to your book marketing, you do have other options.

That’s why I collaborated with Jon Bard at Writing Blueprints to create a course for you, “Book Marketing Without Social Media: How to build a fan base and sell books without wasting countless hours on social media.”

In less than two hours, I teach you:

• Nine ways you can create awareness without using social media, including instructions and examples
• How to determine which of those tactics will help you reach your ideal readers
• Ways to select tactics that leverage your strengths, not your weaknesses
• Strategies for author extroverts and introverts
• The secret weapon book publicists use for their clients
• Which “no social media” tactics will take you the farthest the fastest

And the best part? Because you and I are connected, you get a $10 discount on the already low price. Learn more about Book Marketing Without Social Media here.

What’s your take on these four new social networks for book marketing? Do any of them appeal to you? Please tell us in a comment.

Who are the people who can help you sell more books?

I thought about this after an article source mentioned that his company had acquired a firm that specializes in connecting brands with “influencers” — influential social media personalities.

The companies or brands pay social media influencers to showcase their products to followers. They also advertise on influencer blogs and pay bloggers to write “sponsored” posts about the brand and its products or services, too.

There has to be transparency, of course — the FTC requires influencers to state that they’ve been paid to try and/or write about the brands.

Ethics obligate influencers to disclose their brand relationships, but so do their relationships with their followers. They know that fans count on them to provide information they can trust.

The author connection

What does this have to do with authors?

It illustrates how important key influencers are to good marketing. And good marketing is the difference between a good book that sells and a good book that doesn’t.

Plus, if the big consumer brands are connecting with their audience’s influencers in ways that help them sell more products, shouldn’t you be doing it, too?

The most important reason to identify your reader infuencers, though, is to solicit endorsements. It doesn’t cost you anything, and endorsements carry weight.

Ethics obligate influencers to be honest, but so do their relationships with their followers. They know that their fans count on them to provide information they can trust.Click to tweet

Reader influencers play a role with your audience

An influencer is someone who is both active online and respected and followed by your target audience.

“Key” refers to the influential people at the very top of your list. They’re the reader influencers who have the most clout and audience respect.

To find your key influencers, you have to be clear on your target audience. It’s essential that you know who is most likely to buy your book. (For more on that, read “The powerful and effective formula for more book sales.“)

When you know your target audience, you can figure out who they listen to and respect.

Fiction vs. nonfiction reader influencers

People who influence fiction readers are usually different from those who influence nonfiction readers.

Novelists, start with the most popular authors in your genre.

A historical romance author, for example, might include Diana Gabaldon and Beverly Jenkins on their list of key influencers.

A novelist’s list might also include BookTokers, BookTubers, genre bloggers, prolific genre readers, and any well-known genre publishing house editors.

Add lesser-known influencers in those categories, too. They are going to be more accessible than those at the top. (But I believe in starting at the top and working my way down.)

Nonfiction influencers are usually industry or topic experts and leaders.

A cookbook author’s target audience can be influenced by any high-profile food personalities, including TikTok chefs and popular Food Network show hosts.

Successful serial entrepreneurs and technology startup founders probably influence the audience for an entrepreneurship book.

How to find your reader influencers

The question for many authors is “How do I figure out who influences my readers?”

You might know the answer already without realizing it: Who influences you?

• If you write fiction, you’re probably influenced by certain novelists or recognize the names of up and comers. Start there.
• If you write nonfiction, who are the topic experts you’re following already?

Expand your search from there.

Tools to help you find influencers

Whether you have a list of influencers already or not, a handful of tools can help you expand your search.

Social media

Use hashtags on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to find people posting about what you write about. Check follower counts and engagement. Who’s the most popular?

Google

Type what you you’re looking for into the search box; dig into the results.

LinkedIn and Facebook groups

Both social networks offer groups for a wide range of topics. Group founders, leaders, or administrators are often experts on the topic being discussed.

In addition, many group members are also influential experts.

Trade association officers and leaders

Trade and industry association officers and committee chairs — such as the board of directors of the Romance Writers of America — are usually widely respected in their fields.

Conference speakers

This is a great way to identify influencers on their way up. Study the speaker line-up for conferences you’d consider attending if you could.

Followerwonk

Follwerwonk is a multi-layered social media management tool. The free version lets you schedule content across multiple social media platforms.

But the power is in the paid version. Identify potential influencers with the profile search function, which lets you find people through bio keyword searches.

Subscribe for one month for $15 to get everything you need, then cancel. (Or, get hooked on Followerwonk’s analytics and stick around!)

What do you do with your reader influencer list?

Once you’ve created your influencer list, become known to the people on it. Get on their radar.

It’s a slow, subtle, process.

But it’s a simple and easy one:

• Follow them on social media.
• Share their content.
• Comment on their content.

When commenting, be sure to say something that adds to the conversation. There’s nothing wrong with “Nice post,” or “Good point,” but both are generic comments that won’t help you stand out.

And your goal is to stand out in a good way. When you stand out, you get noticed.

The big ask

When your key influencers know who you are, you can ask for their support.

Ask them to “blurb” your book. A blurb — testimonial or endorsement — from a key reader influencer tells readers that your book has been expert- and authority-tested and approved.

If you haven’t done this before and appreciate step-by-step instructions and templates, get my multi-media training program. “Blurbs, Endorsements, and Testimonials: How to Get Experts, Authorities, Celebrities, and Others to Endorse Your Book” has everything you need to know to reach the right people with the right message.

Alternatively, work toward the kind of word-of-mouth recommendation that can help sell books. Send your book with a personal note that suggests that their followers will be interested in it with a brief explanation of why.

If they oblige, be sure to extend the impact by resharing what they’ve posted with your followers.

Got a big marketing budget along with an audience that pays attention to social media influencers? Explore a paid relationship with a less-popular influencer who might be willing to talk up your book for a fee (and disclose that it’s a paid post, of course).

Don’t skip this step

Whether you ask anything of influencers or not, you need to be familiar with the most influential people in your niche, genre, or category. When you don’t…and that becomes clear…readers won’t have faith in your ability to meet their standards.

via GIPHY

You can’t give readers what they expect when you’re so out of touch that you don’t know who represents the best in your genre.

You can't give readers what they expect when you're so out of touch that you don't know who represents the best in your genre.Click to tweet

Make connections that are important to your career and build trust with your readers by identifying and connecting with key reader influencers. It’s easy…and it’s free.

Start thinking about your influencers today — now. Who is one of them? Tell us who it is and why in a comment below. 

Editor’s note: This article was first published in February 2017. It has been updated and expanded.)

I don’t have enough time.

Do you feel the same way?

Do you struggle to keep up with all your work, family, and home responsibilities and find time to write and market your books?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Could I create a personal system that might help me better manage the short periods of time — 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there — while I wait in line or before joining a Zoom meeting or calling a source for an interview?

Quick and easy book marketing tasks

I’m starting by listing quick and easy tasks I can tackle in those brief in-between periods. It might be reading an article I’ve saved or tracking down someone’s contact information.

This approach will help you accomplish more book marketing tasks, too. All it takes is a little advance planning.

What book marketing tasks do you think you can start and finish in five minutes or less?

I’ve started a list here with five I know I can do in that window. What should go on yours?

Book marketing task 1

Find something to share on the social network you use the most for book promotion.

To make this easy for me on Twitter, one of several platforms I use, I created a Twitter list of people I consider to be influencers. When I’ve got a couple of minutes, I scroll through the list looking for something to share.

Here’s what part of it looks like:

I can re-tweet someone else’s information easily or share it on other social networks.

Most social networks offer an easy way to share other people’s content either within that platform or to another social network.

Book marketing task 2

Subscribe to a newsletter that will help you up your game.

This could be an advice newsletter or one published by a top author in your genre or category.

Here are a few book-related newsletters I recommend in addition to mine, Build Book Buzz:

• BookLife by Publishers Weekly: BookLife is PW’s website for indie authors. The newsletter includes a mix of book news and how-to information.
• Cynthia Swanson: Cynthia’s newsletter is a good example of what you can send when you’re a novelist. I like her information mix that includes book recommendations.
• Derek Doepker: In addition to providing book marketing advice and resources, Derek is a great email-writing role model.
• Kindlepreneur: You might have heard about Dave Chesson and his exceptional content for authors. If you’re not already on his list, sign up and start learning.
• Reedsy: This publishing resource platform offers helpful information for fiction and nonfiction authors.

Are you thinking, “I get enough email already“? Professional development is important to your growth as an author, and these newsletters will contribute to that.

Book marketing task 3

Follow three successful authors in your genre on social media.

Start with the platform where you’ll find your readers. Hen lit? Facebook. YA? TikTok. Business? LinkedIn.

You probably know who to follow. If you’ve done this already, find and connect with three more.

via GIPHY

Why do it?

You will learn from them and their followers. And, if handled properly, you can build relationships with these authors.

Book marketing task 4

Create an image quote to share on social media.

Using the WordSwag app on my iPhone, I can do this while stretched out in my La-Z-Boy recliner in front of the TV watching a favorite show. (There’s that “two-fer” idea again.)

Here’s one I created with WordSwag using one of my own photos. The app also provides all kinds of background options that include photos from Pixabay and Unsplash.

There are other smartphone apps and online platforms you can use from a smartphone or your computer. I’ve listed a few of them in “How to create book promotion quote graphics that help you sell.”

With a little practice, you’ll be able to create an image quote in less than five minutes.

When you’re done, share it on your social networks the next time you have about five minutes.

Book marketing task 5

Comment on a blog you’d like to visit on your virtual book tour.

Virtual book tours are easier to set up when you’re not contacting strangers to host you, so take early steps to become known to them.

Months before your book comes out, start researching blogs that would be good homes for your virtual book tour (author blog tour). When you have a few minutes to spare, visit one and leave an appropriate comment on a recent post.

Do this enough times and the blogger will know your name when you’re ready to schedule your tour.

Start your book marketing task list

To make sure you do these and all the other activities you can pull off in five minutes or less, write them down.

With a list at hand, you won’t waste any time thinking about what you should do next.

And, when you need to add another step that you don’t have time for at the moment — like sharing the image quote you’ve just created — add it to the list. You can share it when you have another five minutes.

Get ideas in your inbox every day for a year

Need more ideas? Subscribe to my “365 Daily Book Marketing Tips” for just $1 or purchase the downloadable full collection with all 365 plus 10 bonus tips.

Each day for a year, I’ll send pithy book marketing advice to your inbox.

Take action as soon as you receive a tip that will work for you and your book, or use them to build a task list you’ll act on later.

It doesn’t take a math whiz to see how much farther ahead you’ll be at the end of the week if you turn brief moments of down time into productive book marketing time.

What five-minute book marketing tasks do you recommend? Please share them in a comment! 

(Editor’s note: This article was first published in October 2017. It has been updated and expanded.)

I don’t have enough time.

Do you feel the same way?

Do you struggle to keep up with all your work, family, and home responsibilities and find time to write and market your books?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Could I create a personal system that might help me better manage the short periods of time — 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there — while I wait in line or before joining a Zoom meeting or calling a source for an interview?

Quick and easy book marketing tasks

I’m starting by listing quick and easy tasks I can tackle in those brief in-between periods. It might be reading an article I’ve saved or tracking down someone’s contact information.

This approach will help you accomplish more book marketing tasks, too. All it takes is a little advance planning.

What book marketing tasks do you think you can start and finish in five minutes or less?

I’ve started a list here with five I know I can do in that window. What should go on yours?

Book marketing task 1

Find something to share on the social network you use the most for book promotion.

To make this easy for me on Twitter, one of several platforms I use, I created a Twitter list of people I consider to be influencers. When I’ve got a couple of minutes, I scroll through the list looking for something to share.

Here’s what part of it looks like:

I can re-tweet someone else’s information easily or share it on other social networks.

Most social networks offer an easy way to share other people’s content either within that platform or to another social network.

Book marketing task 2

Subscribe to a newsletter that will help you up your game.

This could be an advice newsletter or one published by a top author in your genre or category.

Here are a few book-related newsletters I recommend in addition to mine, Build Book Buzz:

• BookLife by Publishers Weekly: BookLife is PW’s website for indie authors. The newsletter includes a mix of book news and how-to information.
• Cynthia Swanson: Cynthia’s newsletter is a good example of what you can send when you’re a novelist. I like her information mix that includes book recommendations.
• Derek Doepker: In addition to providing book marketing advice and resources, Derek is a great email-writing role model.
• Kindlepreneur: You might have heard about Dave Chesson and his exceptional content for authors. If you’re not already on his list, sign up and start learning.
• Reedsy: This publishing resource platform offers helpful information for fiction and nonfiction authors.

Are you thinking, “I get enough email already“? Professional development is important to your growth as an author, and these newsletters will contribute to that.

Book marketing task 3

Follow three successful authors in your genre on social media.

Start with the platform where you’ll find your readers. Hen lit? Facebook. YA? TikTok. Business? LinkedIn.

You probably know who to follow. If you’ve done this already, find and connect with three more.

via GIPHY

Why do it?

You will learn from them and their followers. And, if handled properly, you can build relationships with these authors.

Book marketing task 4

Create an image quote to share on social media.

Using the WordSwag app on my iPhone, I can do this while stretched out in my La-Z-Boy recliner in front of the TV watching a favorite show. (There’s that “two-fer” idea again.)

Here’s one I created with WordSwag using one of my own photos. The app also provides all kinds of background options that include photos from Pixabay and Unsplash.

There are other smartphone apps and online platforms you can use from a smartphone or your computer. I’ve listed a few of them in “How to create book promotion quote graphics that help you sell.”

With a little practice, you’ll be able to create an image quote in less than five minutes.

When you’re done, share it on your social networks the next time you have about five minutes.

Book marketing task 5

Comment on a blog you’d like to visit on your virtual book tour.

Virtual book tours are easier to set up when you’re not contacting strangers to host you, so take early steps to become known to them.

Months before your book comes out, start researching blogs that would be good homes for your virtual book tour (author blog tour). When you have a few minutes to spare, visit one and leave an appropriate comment on a recent post.

Do this enough times and the blogger will know your name when you’re ready to schedule your tour.

Start your book marketing task list

To make sure you do these and all the other activities you can pull off in five minutes or less, write them down.

With a list at hand, you won’t waste any time thinking about what you should do next.

And, when you need to add another step that you don’t have time for at the moment — like sharing the image quote you’ve just created — add it to the list. You can share it when you have another five minutes.

Get ideas in your inbox every day for a year

Need more ideas? Subscribe to my “365 Daily Book Marketing Tips” for just $1 or purchase the downloadable full collection with all 365 plus 10 bonus tips.

Each day for a year, I’ll send pithy book marketing advice to your inbox.

Take action as soon as you receive a tip that will work for you and your book, or use them to build a task list you’ll act on later.

It doesn’t take a math whiz to see how much farther ahead you’ll be at the end of the week if you turn brief moments of down time into productive book marketing time.

What five-minute book marketing tasks do you recommend? Please share them in a comment! 

(Editor’s note: This article was first published in October 2017. It has been updated and expanded.)

Whether it’s Library Lovers Day in February or National Book Month in October, there are plenty of wonderful book holidays in 2023 that give us an opportunity to celebrate all things books and reading.

You might decide to encourage your network to join you for World Storytelling Day. Maybe you’ll call attention to National Library Week in your community. Perhaps you’ll host a contest for National Bad Poetry Day.

No matter how you want to support books and reading, you’ll find plenty of popular literary dates plus special days, weeks, and months that focus on books, reading, writing, and literacy in the 2023 literary calendar below.

You’ll find plenty of popular literary dates plus special days, weeks, and months that focus on books, reading, writing, and literacy in the 2023 literary calendar.Click to tweet

How to use your 2023 literary calendar

What’s the best way to use these special dates? Here are ideas.

Step 1. Start by reviewing the list in the 2023 literary calendar below and selecting those that speak to you. For example, did you write a memoir? Gather a few of your favorite memoirists together for a conversation about writing your life story on We Love Memoirs Day in August or during November, National Memoirs Month.

Are you a children’s book author or illustrator? You’ve got an entire week in February dedicated to you. Take advantage of it!

Step 2. Add your favorite occasions and dates to your calendar, then set a reminder a few days in advance so you have time to plan and create what you’ll use to promote the special day. (I use my smartphone’s “Reminders” app for this.)

Step 3. Decide how you’ll recognize the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• Use the holiday as a conversation starter on social media. For example, for Paperback Book Day (image below), I’ll ask my connections on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter if they read paperbacks or prefer hardcovers, e-books, or audiobooks. I can turn that into a survey in my Facebook book marketing group, too.
• Blog about why the special day is important to you or write about it in your email newsletter.
• Create a short video to share on social media. Post to Instagram or Facebook Stories, TikTok, or share it on your book’s Facebook page.
• Create an event-related image to share on social media. Here’s one I created for Paperback Book Day, which is July 30. Notice that I branded it with this site name. You’ll want to brand yours, too.

Step 4: Don’t let all of these amazing ways to honor books and reading go to waste. Take action!

Your 2023 literary calendar

Now you’re ready to make things happen. Here’s your month-by-month 2023 literary calendar.

(Please note that there’s conflicting information online about some of these dates, but we’ve tried our best to verify and validate everything. Please let us know if you have a correction or clarification.)

January 2023

National Braille Literacy Month

1 – Copyright Law Day

2 – National Science Fiction Day

8-14 – Universal Letter Writing Week

10 – Poetry at Work Day

18 – Thesaurus Day

18 – Winnie the Pooh Day (birthday of author A.A. Milne)

19 – Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday

23 – National Handwriting Day

25 – Burns Supper (Robert Burns’s birthday)

25 – Library Shelfie Day

27 – Family Literacy Day in Canada

29-February 5 – National Storytelling Week

February 2023

Library Lovers’ Month

1 – World Read Aloud Day

4 – Take Your Child to the Library Day

5-11 – Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week

7 – Charles Dickens’s birthday

9 – Read in the Bathtub Day

12 – Judy Blume’s birthday

14 – International Book Giving Day

14 – Library Lover’s Day

19 – Amy Tan’s birthday

19-25 – Freedom to Read Week in Canada

26 – Tell a Fairy Tale Day

27 – John Steinbeck’s birthday

March 2023

National Reading Month

Small Press Month

1 – International Hug a Librarian Day

2 – Read Across America Day

2 – Dr. Seuss’s birthday

2 – World Book Day in the UK and Ireland

4 – National Grammar Day

5-11 – Read an E-book Week

5-11 – Return Borrowed Books Week

16 – Freedom of Information Day

20 – World Storytelling Day

21 – World Poetry Day

26 – Robert Frost’s birthday

30 – Pencil Day

April 2023

D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Month

National Poetry Month

School Library Month

1 – Reading is Funny Day

2 – International Children’s Book Day

2 – National Children’s Picture Book Day

2 – Hans Christian Anderson’s birthday

4 – National School Librarian Day

4 – Maya Angelou’s birthday

9 – National Unicorn Day

12 – Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day

12 – Beverly Cleary’s birthday

13 – Scrabble Day

13 – Celebrate Teen Literature Day

15 – Rubber Eraser Day

15 – World Art Day

16 – National Librarian Day

17 – International Haiku Poetry Day

18 – Newspaper Columnists Day

23 – Shakespeare’s birthday

23 – World Book and Copyright Day

23 – World Book Night

23-29 – National Library Week

24 – Congress approved the Library of Congress

25 – National Library Workers Day

26 – National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day)

27 – Take Action for Libraries Day

27 – National Tell A Story Day

28 – Harper Lee’s birthday

28 – Great Poetry Reading Day

29 – Independent Bookstore Day

May 2023

Get Caught Reading Month

Short Story Month

1 – Mother Goose Day

2 – International Harry Potter Day

2-8 – Children’s Book Week

3 – World Press Freedom Day

5 – National Cartoonists Day

6 – Free Comic Book Day

9 – Peter Pan Day

12 – Limerick Day

16 – Love a Tree Day

20 – Eliza Doolittle Day

22 – Sherlock Holmes Day

31 – Walt Whitman’s birthday

June 2023

Audiobook Appreciation Month

Rainbow Book Month

10 – Ball Point Pen Day

12 – Anne Frank’s birthday

16 – Bloomsday (celebration of Irish writer James Joyce’s life)

22 – Octavia Butler’s birthday

23 – Typewriter patent awarded

25 – Eric Carle’s birthday

July 2023

National Anti-Boredom Month

Read an Almanac Month

11 – E.B. White’s birthday

17 – World Emoji Day

21 – Ernest Hemingway’s birthday

30 – Paperback Book Day

31 – J.K. Rowling’s birthday

August 2023

Romance Awareness Month

2 – National Coloring Book Day

9 – Book Lover’s Day (also November 4)

18 – National Bad Poetry Day

21 – Poet’s Day

31 – We Love Memoirs Day

September 2023

Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month

Library Card Sign Up Month

National Literacy Month

Read a New Book Month (also December)

4 – Richard Wright’s birthday

6 – Read a Book Day

7 – Newspaper Carrier Day

8 – International Literacy Day

18 – Read an E-book Day

22 – Hobbit Day

22 – Dear Diary Day

24 – National Punctuation Day

24 – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthday

25 – National Comic Book Day

29 – National Coffee Day in the U.S.

October 2023

National Book Month

National Reading Group Month

1-7 – Banned Books Week

1 – International Coffee Day

5 – National Poetry Day in the UK

6 – Mad Hatter Day

11 – Myth and Legends Day

15-21 – National Friends of Libraries Week

16 – Dictionary Day

20 – National Day on Writing

27 – National Tell a Story Day in Scotland and the UK

November 2023

National Family Literacy Month

National Memoir Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

Picture Book Month

1 – National Family Literacy Day

1 – Author’s Day

2 – National Non-Fiction Day in the UK

4 – Book Lovers Day (also August 9)

13-17 – National Young Readers Week

14 – Young Readers Day

15 – I Love to Write Day

18 – High-Five a Librarian Day

29 – Louisa May Alcott’s birthday

December 2023

Read a New Book Month (also September)

7 – Letter Writing Day

10 – Dewey Decimal System Day

16 – Jane Austen’s birthday

21 – Crossword Puzzle Day

21 – National Short Story Day

24 – Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Yule Book Flood

Need more book promotion ideas to help you take advantage of these occasions and for book marketing in general? Sign up for the Build Book Buzz 365 Daily Book Marketing Tips. You’ll get one tip every day for a year for just $1 total, and you’ll start the year off right.

Have we missed anything? If you know of a holiday or occasion that should be on this calendar but isn’t, tell us in a comment. We’ll continually update this as needed. Thanks! 

I was so impressed with Amy Rogers Nazarov when we were on a DIY book marketing conference panel together last month that I asked her to write a “how to master social media” guest post for us. Amy is a former journalist who teaches people how to use social media more effectively, with less scrolling and more serendipity. Before she launched Spark: Social Media Strategy in 2014, she was both a freelance and  staff writer. Her byline has appeared in Cooking Light, Slate, The Washington Post, and American Songwriter among many others. Be sure to check out her affordable course, Seven Easy Social Media Hacks for Entrepreneurs & Creatives, especially if you find her article helpful.

Let’s get engaged: How to use social media effectively

By Amy Rogers Nazarov

Today’s authors and writers have available to them a free and fantastic tool their counterparts a generation ago could only have dreamed of.

It is a bottomless resource of inspiration, prospective readers, generous colleagues, tips on editing and selling, leads on relevant podcasts, and a great deal more.

This free tool is social media.

And whether or not you are just beginning to explore it or have been making TikToks since the platform launched, I promise you that by intentionally engaging with followers on any social media platform, you will derive a host of benefits, from unexpected support from strangers to an idea for your next book.

What is “engagement?”

Let’s talk about that word “engagement” for a second. This is the key to all of the potential goodness waiting to be unlocked. What exactly does engagement mean where social media is concerned?

I’d sum it up this way: When we engage with others on social media, we are being a bunch of different things, such as:

• Responsive
• Conversational
• Reflective
• Curious

We are also doing several things, such as:

• Teaching
• Guiding
• Questioning
• Connecting

The dreaded boring dinner party guest

Yet in the absence of these behaviors and traits, we show up on social media as a virtual version of the tedious guest you hate to be seated next to at a dinner party: the one who goes on and on about their projects, their successes, their goals, their relationships, etc. and never once asks you about yours.

via GIPHY

It’s the kind of individual that has you dreaming up excuses to leave the gathering early. (“Sorry, Sheila, but I just got a call that my parakeet somehow escaped her cage, Gotta dash…”)

Ugh.

Online or off, don’t be the person that drives away dinner guests – or followers!

Trust me when I say your Instagram gallery or your Facebook page or your Twitter account will be much more fun to read, follow, and maintain when you are doing and being the things I just listed.

Like, comment, share, save

In practice, then, what does engagement look like?

It looks like answering a poll question on Twitter when an editor you follow posts it. It looks like weighing in on the pros and cons of newspaper paywalls, or on mergers in the New York publishing world.

Perhaps it will simply be saving an Instagram post that resonated with you to read more carefully later (note: Instagram lets you organize saved posts by topic, which makes them much easier to locate later.)

Engagement looks like following authors in your genre, or in the genre you aspire to. It might be posting thoughtful questions when an agent hosts an Instagram Live. It might be taking a stab at answering a question someone else posed.

Quality engagement = quality conversations

Through this type of engagement with others, you might be pleasantly surprised at the quality and depth of conversations with strangers as passionate about a topic as you are – and conversely disappointed by the lack of engagement with people you’ve known forever (one of my key arguments for only following, on any social platform, people and organizations who are squarely in your niche, not your Uncle Vernon. Save following him for your personal accounts!)

Best of all, engagement begets engagement. The more you thoughtfully engage, the more others will return the favor.

Best of all, engagement begets engagement. The more you thoughtfully engage, the more others will return the favor. ~ Amy Rogers NazarovClick to tweet

Generating content vs. engaging

My rule of thumb for the amount of content you create versus the amount of content you engage with: 1 to 5.

For every carousel ad you generate on Facebook, for every Reel you make on Insta, leave a comment, question, query or opinion on five other accounts. Not just strings of emojis, either, cute as rows of hearts and puppy faces may be. Type in actual words and sentences! As writers, this part should come pretty easily to us.

By the way, when followers engage with content originating from you, and you comment on their comments or answer their questions, that, too, counts as engagement!

Keep the conversation flowing in a couple different ways:

• Don’t “post and ghost.” Check back within a couple of hours on your latest posts to see if it has elicited responses from followers.
• Each time you add a comment, toss in a related question. “I see you’re a fan of Stephen King. What newer horror authors do you enjoy?”
• Loop in someone else. If you’re a food writer chatting with a journalist who covers the local food scene, tag a chef you know and invite them to join the conversation. You never know what kind of synergy this kind of additive approach to an online conversation will have.

Set a timer for 10 minutes

One of the best things about spending time on social media intentionally engaging with others is it will make your time there feel less burdensome and more serendipitous.

Try engaging for 10 minutes a day, maybe 15; set a timer if you have to in order to guard against slipping into a passive scroll.

I get that many people don’t like social media.*

While it’s certainly not without its problems, social media still enables all kinds of random and rich connections with the sort of readers, writers, and thinkers who will be intrigued by you, your work, your process, and your projects.

Social media still enables all kinds of random and rich connections with the sort of readers, writers, and thinkers who will be intrigued by you, your work, your process, and your projects. ~ Amy Rogers NazarovClick to tweet

Go engage with a few of them today, and for the next month or so, and see what kinds of inspiration and connection you can discover. That might even convince you that it’s worth it to master social media.

What works best for you on social media? Please tell us in a comment.

(*Editor’s note: If, in spite of this excellent advice, you still have no interest in social media, take a look at my short training program, Book Marketing Without Social Media, on the Writing Blueprints site. They’re offering Build Book Buzz authors a $10 discount.)

When I saw in a Facebook group that poet Raegen Pietrucha was hosting a workshop on how to promote poetry a few months ago, I saved the notice. Would she be open to a Q&A here about exactly that?

I was delighted when she accepted my invitation this week! Here’s what you need to know about Raegen first.

Introducing Raegen Pietrucha

Raegen Pietrucha writes, edits, and consults creatively and professionally. Head of a Gorgon is her debut, full-length, poetry collection. Her debut poetry chapbook, An Animal I Can’t Name, won the 2015 Two of Cups Press competition, and she has a memoir in progress.

Raegen received her MFA from Bowling Green State University, where she was an assistant editor for Mid-American Review. Her writing has been published in Cimarron Review, Puerto del Sol, and other journals. Connect with her at raegenmp.wordpress.com and on Twitter.

How to promote poetry

Our conversation about how to promote poetry is full of insights for all authors, not just poets.

What’s the biggest challenge poets face when promoting and marketing poetry books?

The biggest challenge for poets is the sheer lack associated with the genre: lack of resources dedicated to it; the lack of know-how in promoting and marketing it; and worst, the lack of audience for it.

The biggest challenge for poets is the sheer lack associated with the genre. ~ Raegen PietruchaClick to tweet

I see all of these as tied together, by the way: The lack of resources and know-how in promoting poetry reinforces the lack of audience, which reinforces — and for some small-minded folks, even justifies — the lack of resources dedicated to promoting it.

I truly believe poetry would have a much larger audience if the kinds of financial and publicity resources dedicated to most prose genres were dedicated to poetry. Too many folks still see poetry as something intimidating or beyond them, but I think this is a challenge that smart marketers and educators can overcome.

Problem is, those most talented book publicists in particular go where the money is — and right now, that’s not with poetry

What are your 3 best tips for promoting poetry books?

1. Start early.

Start early — as in now if you have even the slightest inkling that you might someday write a poetry book or several.

It is never too soon to start building your brand and platform as an author, and the more effort you put into building a community around that idea — you as a poet with a book coming along someday — the better off you are when it comes time to publish, promote, and sell your poetry.

Take social media, for example. It’s OK if that’s not your platform and you prefer, say, an email list, newsletter, and/or blog, but what you don’t want to do if you intend to use social media to promote your book is be days away from your book’s launch and then decide that’s when you’ll start your Twitter or TikTok account.

That’s not an excuse not to start, by the way, and late is better than never, but it takes a long time to form relationships and build traction in any community, so it’s best to start now.

2. Define what’s intriguing.

Really understand what it is about your book that folks who don’t typically read poetry might find intriguing, because it won’t be the poetry aspect of it unless they’re already poetry readers and/or writers.

For my debut full-length collection, Head of a Gorgon, the short of it is, it’s a feminist reimagining of the myth of Medusa that explores surviving sexual violence in contemporary times. That means my book is for all adult readers who are drawn to feminism, mythology, discussions of survivorship, and/or poetry — with the fact that it’s poetry being the least emphasized element for a general audience.

3. Network and build relationships.

The success of any type of promotion, publicity, marketing, and sales effort ultimately relies on relationships. This is a pain point for a lot of writers, who often identify as introverted or shy and tend to use that as an excuse for inaction.

But like it or not, it is part of the deal, especially in poetry, where we don’t have those financial and human resources dedicated to the genre to help propel it along separate from — and sometimes despite — the poets.

Build relationships personally. Build relationships professionally at work. Build relationships creatively with peers at conferences, workshops, readings, events, etc. — online and in person, if possible.

Some of the most unexpected but most joyous experiences I’ve had with promoting and ultimately getting coverage of Head of a Gorgon came from professional and creative relationships I built several years ago with people now states away from me whom I still touch base with from time to time on social media.

And I should mention that they approached me with their own ideas and opportunities to help spread the word. That’s the real gold in book promotion: when the opportunities come to you versus seeking them out.

But lest anyone misunderstand me, let me clarify: Even these were still, albeit indirectly, the result of the many times I posted news about the book — just not coverage I specifically reached out for and requested (though I did plenty of that with other folks and outlets).

People can’t help you promote your book if they don’t know you have one.

People can’t help you promote your book if they don’t know you have one. ~ Raegen PietruchaClick to tweet

What book promotion tactic have you tried that wasn’t as successful as you had hoped?

A fellow writer and I joke a lot about one thing in particular that always seems to tank as a promotional effort: the take-this-action online giveaway.

If you ask folks online to do anything beyond liking, sharing, tagging someone, or maybe guessing a number in a designated range, the majority of them simply won’t even bother to try, no matter what the prize is.

If you could only do one thing to promote your poetry, what would it be?

This is something I’ve come to think about immensely differently since the pandemic began. Because I’m not willing to jeopardize my health and the health of my loved ones, least of all for book sales, I have focused all my energy into online/virtual opportunities for Head of a Gorgon, largely through social media.

I post everything — podcasts I’m on, reviews my book’s received, press coverage, online readings, virtual workshops, and more — there. And I truly believe my brand is the better for it.

When my chapbook, An Animal I Can’t Name, came out in 2016, I was barely active on social media and relied on local in-person events (readings, workshops, etc.) here and there to sell books. That was somewhat successful, but the reach is naturally limited to who’s physically present in the community and attends those events.

With social media, if you put the effort in and find your groove and community, the doors fly wide open, and opportunities you didn’t even know were out there just appear. In fact, this Q&A is one example of that very thing happening.

With social media, if you put the effort in and find your groove and community, the doors fly wide open, and opportunities you didn’t even know were out there just appear. ~ Raegen PietruchaClick to tweet

However, if we weren’t in a pandemic, I would absolutely be diving into in-person events of all kinds as well, from conferences like AWP to bookstore and library events to off-the-beaten-path opportunities like local arts and crafts shows.

I don’t know at this point that I would sacrifice my social media promotions for it, for the reasons I detailed earlier, but I am pretty confident my sales would be at least double what they are now if it was safe for me to attend in-person events and promote my work there.

Big thanks to Raegen for sharing her industry knowledge with us! Please comment with any questions that Raegen might be able to answer.