Welcome!

Marketing your book is how you get readers excited and boost sales. This self-paced lesson, designed for busy writers like you, teaches you how to build an author platform (your online presence) and market your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), BookBub, and social media like TikTok and Instagram. You’ll learn to use metadata (details like your book’s title and keywords) to attract readers, plus discover cutting-edge tools like AI ads and future trends like augmented reality (AR) trailers. Expect to spend 2–3 hours on this lesson, but go at your own pace!

What You’ll Learn:

• How to create an author platform to connect with readers.

• How to market on Amazon KDP, BookBub, and social media.

• How to use metadata to make your book discoverable.

• How AI and future tech can boost your marketing.

Part 1: Building Your Author Platform

An author platform is your way to reach readers, like a website, social media, or email list. It’s key for busy authors to build trust and visibility.

• Website: Create a simple site (e.g., via WordPress.com, free) with your bio, book details, and contact form.

• Social Media: Choose 1–2 platforms where your readers hang out (e.g., Instagram for romance, TikTok for young adult).

• Email List: Start a free Mailchimp account to collect reader emails and send updates (e.g., book launch news).

• Tip: Post regularly (e.g., 2–3 times/week) about your writing journey to engage readers.

Part 2: Marketing on Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP is the biggest platform for selling books, and good marketing starts with metadata (info that helps readers find your book).

• Title and Subtitle: Use the PINC formula: Promise (what readers gain), Intrigue (spark curiosity), Need (solve a problem), Content (what’s inside). Example: “Master Self-Publishing: A Beginner’s Guide to Success” (promises mastery, intrigues beginners, meets a need, and describes content).

• Keywords: Choose 7 words/phrases readers search (e.g., “cozy mystery,” “self-help”). Use free tools like Amazon’s search bar to find popular terms.

• Categories: Pick 2 genres (e.g., Fiction > Romance > Contemporary).

• Amazon Ads: Start with a small budget ($5/day) to test ads targeting keywords (e.g., “fantasy novel”).

• Tip: Write a compelling book description (200–300 words) that hooks readers with a problem, solution, and call to action (e.g., “Buy now!”).

Part 3: Marketing with BookBub

BookBub is a platform that promotes discounted eBooks to readers via email and ads.

• Featured Deals: Apply for a deal (costs $50–500) to promote your eBook at a discount (e.g., $0.99). Great for boosting sales.

• BookBub Ads: Run ads (start at $10) targeting readers of similar authors (e.g., if you write thrillers, target Dan Brown fans).

• How to Start: Sign up at bookbub.com, submit your book for a deal, or create an ad with a budget you can afford.

• Tip: Use a professional cover and strong reviews to improve your chances of being selected.

Part 4: Social Media Marketing

Social media connects you directly with readers, especially on visual platforms.

• TikTok (#BookTok): Share short videos (15–60 seconds) about your book’s theme, writing process, or fun facts. Example: A romance author might post a scene-inspired video.

• Instagram Reels: Create quick videos or posts with book teasers, using free Canva templates for graphics.

• Tips:

  • Post 2–3 times/week, using hashtags like #BookTok or #IndieAuthor.

  • Engage with readers by replying to comments.

  • Use free Canva (canva.com) for eye-catching images or videos.

Part 5: Future Trends – AI and AR/VR

New tech is changing book marketing:

• AI Tools:

  • Publisher Rocket (Free/Paid): Finds keywords for Amazon ads. Free alternative: Use Amazon’s search bar to spot trends.

  • Canva Pro (Free Trial): AI templates for social media graphics.

  • Why It Matters: AI helps target the right readers faster, saving time.

• AR/VR: Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) book trailers (like 3D book previews) are emerging. Tools like Canva may soon support AR effects.

• Future Outlook: AI and AR will create personalized, immersive marketing, helping busy authors stand out.

What’s Next?

• Take the quiz to test your marketing knowledge.

• Complete the assignment to practice metadata and keywords.

• Join the forum (if available) to share marketing ideas.

• Download the resources to plan your strategy.

Resources:

• Metadata Guide (PDF) – Tips for writing titles, keywords, and descriptions.

• Social Media Content Calendar (PDF) – A 4-week plan for posting.

  Lesson 3 Assignment: Craft Metadata and Keywords

  Instructions: Practice marketing by creating metadata for your book (real or sample). This helps your book get found on Amazon KDP. Work at your own pace!

  Steps:

  1. Write a book description (200–300 words) for Amazon KDP:
     • Hook readers with a problem or question (e.g., “Struggling to survive in a dystopian world?”).
     • Describe the book’s solution or story (e.g., “Join Mia’s thrilling adventure…”).
     • End with a call to action (e.g., “Buy now to uncover the truth!”).
  2. Choose 7 keywords (words/phrases readers search, e.g., “cozy mystery,” “self-help guide”).
     • Use Amazon’s search bar (type your genre and see suggestions) for ideas.
  3. Pick 2 categories (e.g., Fiction > Fantasy > Epic).
  4. Create your work in Word, Google Docs, or plain text.

  Submission:

  • Upload your file (DOCX, PDF, or text) with the description, keywords, and categories.
  • Include a short note (50–100 words) explaining how you chose your keywords.

  Evaluation (for self-assessment):

  • Description (40%): 200–300 words, includes hook, story, and call to action.
  • Keywords (30%): 7 relevant keywords for your genre.
  • Categories (30%): 2 specific categories.

  Tip: Use the Metadata Guide (PDF) to craft your description and keywords.