Overwhelmed by Book Marketing? Here’s How to Find Your Focus and Sell More Books
You’ve probably tried promoting your book or maybe posted on social media, experimented with ads, or pitched a few podcasts. Yet, despite your efforts, nothing seems to gain real momentum.
With the overwhelming number of marketing options, such as email newsletters, LinkedIn, book tours, PR, bulk sales, and more, it’s easy to feel stuck, unsure where to focus, and frustrated by the lack of results.
If you feel scattered, frustrated, and unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Many nonfiction authors jump from one marketing tactic to another without a clear strategy. They post on Instagram, dabble in ads, or pitch a few podcasts, only to see little traction.
I’ve been there. When I first started helping authors market their books, I saw this pattern over and over. The ones who succeeded weren’t doing more. Rather, they were doing less, but with intention.
Let’s take the overwhelm out of book marketing. You don’t need to do everything. Here’s how to focus on what works and builds momentum.
Why Marketing Feels Overwhelming
Too Many Choices, Not Enough Clarity
Everywhere you look, there’s another expert telling you what to do.
- “You need TikTok!”
- “LinkedIn is the key!”
- “Run Facebook ads or you’re missing out!”
This noise creates paralysis. Instead of taking action, you second-guess yourself and feel stuck.
Solution: Pick one marketing channel to focus on first. Master it. Then, expand.
Tool: Trello — Organize marketing tasks in a simple board so you can track what’s working.
Copying What Works for Others (Even If It Doesn’t Fit Your Book)
A memoirist might thrive on podcast interviews, while a business author sees better results from LinkedIn networking.
Solution: Choose a marketing strategy based on your audience, your goals, and your strengths.
Tool: Answer the Public — See what your target readers are searching for online.
Limited Time and Energy
Many authors juggle marketing alongside a business, a full-time job, or family responsibilities.
Solution: Prioritize high-impact activities and automate what you can.
Automation Tools:
- Buffer — Schedule social media posts in advance.
- MailerLite — Set up email newsletters without stress.
The Hidden Cost of Lack of Direction
Wasting Time on Low-Impact Strategies
Posting daily on Instagram without engagement is frustrating. Running ads without a strategy burns money. Pitching podcasts without a strong hook leads to silence.
Solution: Focus on one or two high-impact strategies.
Tracking Tool: Google Analytics — See where your website traffic (and sales) are coming from.
Burnout and Giving Up Too Soon
Without a plan, marketing feels random and exhausting. Many authors quit too early because they don’t see immediate results.
Solution: Set realistic goals and focus on long-term strategies.
Goal-Setting Template: SMART Goals Worksheet — Define clear and achievable marketing goals.
Here’s a 4-step plan to market your book without overwhelm:
Step 1: Define Your Goal
Before you do any marketing, ask: What’s your primary goal?
- More book sales? → Focus on bulk orders, Amazon strategies, and speaking engagements.
- Building credibility? → Get featured in podcasts, guest blogs, and LinkedIn articles.
- Growing your business? → Use your book as a lead magnet for coaching or consulting.
Tool: MindMeister — Map out your book marketing goals visually.
Step 2: Choose the Right Marketing Platform
Each book has an ideal marketing platform.
- Business books → LinkedIn, corporate speaking, PR
- Self-help books → Podcasts, YouTube, email marketing
- Memoirs & personal development → Media interviews, book clubs, community events
Tool: Podchaser — Find podcasts in your niche to pitch yourself as a guest.
Step 3: Leverage High-Impact Marketing Strategies
- Speaking & Podcast Guesting
- Pitch niche podcasts in your industry.
- Offer free book copies to event organizers.
Tool: Podcast Guests — Find and pitch podcast opportunities.
2. Bulk Book Sales & Partnerships
- Contact organizations that need your book’s content.
- Partner with companies for book giveaways.
Tool: Book Deal— Sell books in bulk to businesses.
3. PR & Media Features
- Write guest articles on industry websites.
- Get featured in major media outlets.
Tool: HARO—Connect with journalists looking for expert sources.
Step 4: Create a Weekly Marketing Routine
Marketing doesn’t have to consume your life. A simple weekly schedule can keep you consistent.
Example Routine:
Monday: Engage on LinkedIn (comment on 5 relevant posts).
Tuesday: Pitch a podcast or guest article.
Wednesday: Send a newsletter to your email list.
Thursday: Reach out to bulk book buyers.
Friday: Follow up with leads.
Free Planner: Google Sheets Marketing Plan — Create and track weekly book marketing tasks.
Take Action, One Step at a Time
Marketing your book doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Start small. Pick one strategy. Take action.
Want personalized help? Listen to Book Marketing Mentors Podcast for expert strategies.
Now, what’s one marketing step you’ll commit to this week? Let me know!
