So, you are an author and you want to sell more books? You are in luck because that is exactly what this post covers.
The truth is that discoverability is one of the biggest challenges for authors today. The book market is crowded with thousands of writers competing for limited attention. With millions of new titles published each year, standing out requires creativity and persistence.
You could try running paid campaigns on Facebook or Instagram, but the smart move is leveraging your email list.
If this sounds good to you, keep reading. With a thoughtful plan and quality content, your mailing list can become an invaluable asset.
A Quick Word on the Importance of an Email Marketing Platform
You Can Even Build Your Audience Before You Have a Book Written
One thing is certain, people who build an email list have a direct way to connect with their potential book buyers. As author Tom Morkes says, “If you have an email list, you will sell books. If you do not, you might, but you might not.”
Tom explains that about one-third of self-published authors earn less than $500 a year from their publishing efforts. On the other hand, authors with email lists can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
That is why growing your email list should be a continuous priority. The larger your subscriber base, the more readers you can reach directly about new releases and promotions.
Here are five effective tactics for expanding your mailing list:
Embed sign-up forms on your website and blog: Place a simple opt-in form in the header or sidebar. Avoid intrusive pop-ups.
Offer a free bonus for subscribing: Give readers incentives such as free chapters, short stories, or behind-the-scenes content. Tools like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin help distribute lead magnets.
Run paid ads promoting your newsletter: Small campaigns on Facebook, BookBub, or Amazon can quickly grow your list. Focus on the value subscribers receive.
Partner with influencers for co-promotions: Swap mentions with other authors or bloggers in your genre to expand your reach.
Guest post with a newsletter plug: Always include a call-to-action inviting readers to subscribe
Make subscribing quick, valuable, and transparent. Communicate what readers can expect from your emails, and you will build trust and long-term engagement.
It might be tempting to send a bulk email to all your contacts, but that is not a professional strategy.
Instead, use an email marketing platform like SendX. Why? Because it helps your messages reach inboxes instead of spam folders.
Email filters often block bulk emails sent directly from personal accounts because they cannot verify that recipients have opted in. An email marketing platform uses verified protocols and authentication methods that signal to service providers that your messages are legitimate.
If you want your newsletters to avoid the digital junk folder, always send them through a reliable platform.
Once you have subscribers, the next step is to keep them engaged. The goal is to provide value that makes readers eager to hear from you.
Ways to encourage engagement:
Announce new releases: Give subscribers early access to new launches with pre-order links and cover previews.
Share excerpts and sneak peeks: Offer exclusive glimpses into upcoming projects.
Use segmentation: Tailor content for different reader segments, such as loyal fans or new subscribers.
Collect book reviews and testimonials: Ask readers who enjoyed your work to leave honest feedback.
Poll subscribers for input: Survey your audience on what they would like to see next.
Show your subscribers that you value their input and time. Avoid excessive promotions and focus on meaningful interactions.
Your email list allows you to promote more than just your latest release.
Effective approaches include:
Spotlight backlist titles: Periodically highlight older books that remain relevant.
Offer limited-time discounts: Run promotions on previous titles to attract new buyers.
Bundle related books: Group multiple titles into a single discounted package.
Tie promotions to events or holidays: Match book themes to timely occasions for relevance.
Share reviews and stories: Use reader testimonials to build trust and excitement.
Time these promotions strategically and always prioritize value over volume.
It is never too early to start growing your audience. Even before your book is complete, building relationships with potential readers can make a big difference at launch.
Share Your Writing Journey
Offer a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process by starting an email newsletter or blog. Share snippets of your writing, discuss your inspiration and research, and give readers a chance to follow along as your book takes shape. This sort of insider access builds anticipation and investment in your forthcoming work.
Launch a Lead Magnet
Create a free resource related to the themes, genres, or topics your book will explore. This could be a short story, a downloadable guide or workbook, or even a fun quiz. Promote this "lead magnet" online and give it away in exchange for email sign-ups. Your audience gets valuable content, and you start building a list of interested readers.
Leverage Your Personal Brand
If you don't have a book yet, focus your efforts on showcasing your expertise and establishing yourself as a credible voice in your niche or genre. Share thoughts and advice through guest posts, podcast interviews, or speaking engagements. Always include a call-to-action to join your mailing list so audience members can follow your creative journey.
Take proactive steps long before your book's release date, and you'll transform casual email readers into an enthusiastic group of supporters ready to help your book hit the ground running. With an engaged audience eagerly awaiting your book's arrival, your journey from author to successful published writer becomes much easier.
f you want to sell more books, leverage email marketing.
With the power of platforms like SendX, authors and publishers can take control of discoverability and connect directly with their fans. Start building your mailing list today, and nurture it with valuable content and authentic engagement.
Want to launch your author email list easily?
Start your free trial with SendX and see how it can help you reach more readers and sell more books.
