Don’t Give Up! Practical Tips to Help You Sell More Books

So, you’ve published your book—or maybe even several—but the sales just aren’t coming in as you hoped. First off, know that you’re not alone. Most authors, even those who eventually become household names, start with slow sales.

The good news is that there are things you can do, right now, to start building momentum. Here are some tips, encouragement, and strategies to help you reignite your passion and boost your book sales:

1. Refocus on Your “Why”
Why did you write your book? Chances are, it was more than just to sell copies. Maybe you have a message to share, a story to tell, or a perspective only you can bring to the world. When book sales slow down, it’s easy to lose sight of that original purpose. By reconnecting with your “why,” you can shift from a sales-focused mindset to one centered on your mission as an author.

2. Update and Optimize Your Book’s Online Presence
Your book’s online presence is essential to making sales, and you may be missing out on valuable opportunities to reach new readers. Take a fresh look at your book’s metadata, which helps potential readers find your book through online searches. Research the keywords and categories your readers are most likely to search for, and update your book’s metadata accordingly. (If you are self-published, this can be done in your distributor account.) Solicit online reviews on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, GoodReads, etc. Send out an email or Facebook post to friend, family, and supporters, encouraging them to leave a positive review. Consider experimenting with price promotions or free book promotions to gain visibility.

3. Build (or Update) Your Email List
Social media is powerful, but email lists are even more effective when it comes to marketing. An email list allows you to connect directly with readers who are interested in your work. Consider offering a freebie, such as a short story, discussion guide, or bonus content as an incentive for people to sign up. Then, send regular updates to keep them engaged. Over time, you’ll have a community of engaged readers eager for your next release. (Note: Inspira offers marketing services for authors utlizing social media and email newsletters; please let us know if you’d like to receive a PDF of our Marketing Packages.)

4. Engage with Readers
Book sales often come from word-of-mouth, and one of the best ways to encourage this is by building relationships with readers (and potential readers). Take time to respond to reviews and messages, share your writing journey on social media, and join reader groups or communities focused on your genre. These efforts can introduce your book to entirely new audiences and increase your visibility in a genuine, community-focused way.

5. Send a Press Release to the Newswires
Even if your book has been out for a while, find a newsworthy happening or topic related to your book and use it as an opportunity to send out a press release. Maybe you’re speaking at an event, or an issue you discuss in your book is “hot” in the news cycle right now. A press release will put your book in front of media personnel (journalists, bloggers, reviewers, radio, tv, podcasters, etc.) who are looking for stories and interview candidates.

6. Invest in Targeted Advertising
Advertising can feel daunting, especially with a limited budget, but platforms like Amazon and Facebook offer targeted ad options that can help you reach specific groups of readers who are more likely to buy your book. Start with a small budget, test different ads, and see what works best for your audience.

7. Release Your Book in a New Format
If you haven’t released an e-book or audio book yet, now might be the time to do that and attract fresh attention to your book. You may be missing vast swathes of your potential audience who like to read on these platforms!

8. Keep Writing
This might be the most important advice of all: keep writing! The more books you have, the easier it becomes to gain visibility and sell copies. Each new book provides another opportunity to attract readers who may go on to explore your backlist.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Book promotion can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick a couple of these tips to start with, and give them time to work. Above all, remember that your story is unique, and there are readers out there who need to hear it. It’s only a matter of time, persistence, and strategy.

You’ve done something remarkable in writing and publishing a book. Now, it’s worth the effort to get it out into the world where it belongs. Don’t give up!