To help you navigate the complex world of book marketing, we've compiled a list of the top do's and don'ts for self-published authors.

DO: Identify Your Target Audience, book marketing for self published authors.

Before marketing your book, it's important to identify your target audience. Who is most likely to be interested in your book? What are their demographics, interests, and buying habits? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and preferences.

Don't: Try to Market to Everyone

While it's important to identify your target audience, it's equally important to avoid marketing your book to everyone. Trying to appeal to everyone will dilute your marketing message and make it less effective. Instead, focus on reaching your target audience with a clear and compelling message.

DO: Build Your Author Platform

Building a robust author platform is essential for effective book marketing for self published authors. Your platform should include a professional website, social media presence, and email list. This will help you build a loyal following and connect with readers interested in your work.

Don't: Neglect Your Author Brand

Your author brand is how you present yourself to the world as a writer. It includes your author bio, headshot, book covers, and marketing materials. Neglecting your author brand can make it harder for readers to connect with you and your work. Make sure your brand is consistent and professional across all channels.

DO: Optimize Your Book Listing and Metadata

Readers searching for books online rely on keywords and metadata to find what they want. Optimizing your book listing and metadata will make it easier for readers to discover your book. This includes using relevant keywords in your book title, subtitle, and description and forming high-quality cover art and reviews.

Don't: Rely Solely on Amazon

While Amazon is a powerful platform for selling books, relying on something other than this channel is important. Consider using different distribution channels, such as IngramSpark or Draft2Digital, to expand your reach and increase your book's visibility.

DO: Engage with Your Readers

Engaging with your readers is a great way to build relationships and promote your book. This can include responding to comments on social media, hosting online book clubs or author Q&A sessions, and offering exclusive content to your email list.

DO: Measure Your Marketing Success

Measuring your marketing success is essential for improving your strategies and increasing book sales. Use tools like Google Analytics and Amazon Author Central to track your book's performance and make data-driven decisions about your marketing tactics.

Don't: Give Up Too Soon

Effective book marketing for self published authors takes time and persistence. Keep going if you see immediate results. Keep testing and refining your strategies, and don't give up too soon.

How Custom Amazon Book Publishers Can Help You Self-Publish Your Book

As a self-published author, navigating the complex world of book publishing and distribution can be challenging. Fortunately, custom Amazon book publishers can help you take your book from the manuscript to the marketplace. In this blog post, we'll explore how custom Amazon book publishers can help you self-publish your book.

What are Custom Amazon Book Publishers?

Custom Amazon book publishers are companies that specialize in helping authors self-publish their books on Amazon. These publishers offer a wide range of services, including book editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution. They work with authors to ensure their books are professionally produced and marketed, helping them reach a wider audience and sell more copies.

Benefits of Using Custom Amazon Book Publishers

One of the most significant benefits of using a custom Amazon book publisher is that they can help you navigate the complex world of self-publishing. These companies have experience and expertise in book publishing, from editing and design to marketing and distribution. They can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your book is produced to a professional standard.

Another benefit of using a custom Amazon book publisher is that they can save you time and effort. Self-publishing can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, especially if you need to become more familiar with the ins and outs of the industry. By working with a custom Amazon book publisher, you can focus on your writing while leaving the production and distribution of your book to the experts.

How Custom Amazon Book Publishers Can Help You Self-Publish Your Book

Editing and Proofreading

One of the most important aspects of self-publishing is ensuring that your book is well-edited and error-free. Custom Amazon book publishers can provide professional editing and proofreading services to help you polish your manuscript and ensure it's ready for publication.

Cover Design and Formatting

Another crucial aspect of book publishing is cover design and formatting. A professional cover design can help your book stand out and attract more readers. Custom Amazon book publishers can provide cover design and formatting services to ensure your book looks professional and eye-catching.

Distribution and Marketing

Once your book is ready for publication, custom Amazon book publishers can help you distribute and market your book. They can help you choose the correct categories and keywords for your book, set a competitive price, and promote your book through social media and other marketing channels.

Amazon Exclusive Programs

Custom Amazon book publishers can also help you take advantage of Amazon's exclusive programs, such as Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime Reading. These programs allow you to reach a wider audience and increase your book sales.

Investing in the Best Book Illustration Service for Your Book

As a self-published author, you have complete control over your book's design and illustrations. Investing in the best book illustration service can significantly impact your book's success. In this blog post, we'll explore why investing in the best book illustration service for your book is essential and how to choose the right one.

Why Invest in the Best Book Illustration Service?

Book illustrations play a vital role in engaging readers, especially for children's books. They can add a new dimension to your book, bringing your story to life in ways that words alone cannot. Investing in the best book illustration service can help you create high-quality, captivating illustrations that will attract readers and enhance their reading experience.

In addition to engaging readers, the best book illustration service can help you stand out from the competition. There are thousands of self-published books out there, and having professionally designed illustrations can make your book more appealing to readers and help it stand out on digital bookshelves.

How to Choose the Right Book Illustration Service?

Choosing the exemplary book illustration service can be overwhelming, but there are a few things you can consider to make the process easier:

Experience and Portfolio

When choosing a book illustration service, look for a company with extensive experience and a strong portfolio. Check out their previous work to see if their illustration style matches your vision for your book.

Customization Options

The best book illustration services will provide a range of customization options to help you create illustrations that fit your book's style and tone. Look for a company that offers different types, color schemes, and illustration techniques.

Communication and Collaboration

Choose a book illustration service that offers open communication and collaboration with their illustrators. You want to work with a company that will listen to your ideas and feedback to ensure that your illustrations are exactly what you envision.

Budget

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a book illustration service. Prices can vary widely, so look for a company that offers transparent pricing and value for money. Remember that investing in high-quality illustrations can help you sell more copies of your book in the long run.

Investing in the best book illustration service can significantly impact your book's success. High-quality illustrations can engage readers, help your book stand out, and enhance the reading experience.

Conclusion

Effective book marketing is crucial for self-published authors to make their books visible in the crowded marketplace. Identifying the target audience, building a robust author platform, optimizing book listing and metadata, engaging with readers, and measuring marketing success are some essential do's for successful book marketing. Meanwhile, some important don'ts for self-published authors are avoiding marketing to everyone, neglecting the author brand, relying solely on Amazon, and giving up too soon. Custom Amazon book publishers can help self-published authors to navigate the complex world of self-publishing, saving them time, effort and offering editing, cover design and formatting, distribution and marketing, and other exclusive programs. Moreover, investing in the best book illustration service can enhance the design and aesthetics of the book, making it more appealing to readers.

Your Publishing Compass

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered.

The timeline depends on the complexity of your project and the services required. However, Books Publishing Company offers streamlined publishing solutions designed for efficiency without compromising quality. If your manuscript is already refined and near publication-ready, we can have it available in the marketplace in as little as 7–10 business days. Need a faster turnaround? Connect with a publishing consultant to explore expedited options tailored to your timeline.

The key distinction lies in durability and presentation. A paperback features a flexible, lightweight cover bound with adhesive, making it more portable and cost-effective. A hardcover, on the other hand, is bound with a rigid, cloth- or paper-wrapped board, offering greater longevity and a premium feel. While paperbacks are ideal for casual readers, hardcovers elevate the reading experience, making them perfect for collectors and high-end releases.

Absolutely. Every detail is yours to decide. At the outset of your publishing journey, we provide a curated selection of premium options for ink quality, paper weight, and book dimensions. Once your book is formatted, the size is locked in, ensuring a seamless final layout. However, you retain the flexibility to adjust paper weight and ink quality at any time via your personalized author dashboard.

Your book. Your rights. Your vision. As the author, you retain 100% ownership and full copyright to your work—Books Publishing Company has no stake in your intellectual property. You maintain complete creative control throughout the publishing process, with our expert team offering guidance and strategic direction. Every final decision, down to the smallest detail, is yours to make.

Your royalties are deposited directly into your bank account—100% yours, always. Books Publishing Company does not take a percentage of your earnings. Your royalties will be net of the distribution platform’s fees (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers). Every sale is yours to keep, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded in full.

Your book’s reach depends on the publishing plan you select. With our most comprehensive package, your work is integrated into one of the industry’s largest global distribution networks, spanning 40+ leading platforms. Your book will be available in major online retailers, independent bookstores, chain stores, eBook marketplaces, and more. We ensure your story finds its audience, wherever they may be.

Amazon Optimization is a pivotal stage in the publishing process, ensuring your book reaches its intended audience. At Books Publishing Company, we go beyond basic keyword selection—we conduct in-depth market research using advanced SEO tools to strategically position your book within Amazon’s search ecosystem.
By leveraging carefully curated keywords and phrases, we enhance your book’s discoverability on major search engines, including Amazon, Google, and Bing. Our expertise eliminates the guesswork, allowing your book to organically attract readers without relying on costly advertising campaigns.

Keywords are the gateway to your book’s visibility. The most effective keywords are short, targeted phrases (typically 2–3 words long) that align with what readers are actively searching for. Amazon enforces strict guidelines for keywords—violations can result in rejection. To ensure compliance, avoid:
1. Mentions of other authors or books
2. Sales rank claims (e.g., "bestselling")
3. Promotional terms (e.g., "free" or "discounted")
4. Irrelevant keywords that do not directly relate to your book
At Books Publishing Company, we handle this process meticulously, utilizing advanced keyword research tools to pinpoint the most effective terms—so you don’t have to navigate the complexities alone.

Print-on-demand (POD) is a game-changer in modern publishing. No longer must authors order books in bulk, risking storage headaches and upfront costs. With POD, your book is printed and shipped only when a reader places an order, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal waste.
Your book will be available worldwide through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and countless other retailers—without you having to manage inventory or fulfillment. It’s cost-effective, sustainable, and hassle-free.
Want to see a physical copy before full distribution? Our press proof service allows you to review a printed copy before committing to larger print runs.

Print-on-demand offers authors unparalleled flexibility:
✅ No upfront bulk printing costs – Print copies only when there’s demand.
✅ Global distribution – Your book is available across major online retailers.
✅ Zero storage hassles – No need to warehouse or ship books yourself.
✅ Full creative control – Choose your book’s format, paper type, and binding style.
With Books Publishing Company, you can focus on writing while we handle the logistics. Your book will be printed, distributed, and delivered—all without you ever having to manage inventory.

Absolutely. Audiobooks are the fastest-growing sector in publishing, with more readers than ever consuming books on the go.
And yes, you can self-publish an audiobook. At Books Publishing Company, we offer a full suite of audiobook services—including professional narration, production, and distribution—to ensure your book is available in every format readers desire.
If you’re looking to expand your reach, increase sales, and future-proof your book, an audiobook is an essential investment. Ready to explore the possibilities? Let’s bring your words to life.

Without strategic marketing, even the finest books can go unnoticed. At Books Publishing Company, we ensure your book reaches its target audience with tailored marketing solutions.
From press release distribution to targeted social media campaigns, we position your book for maximum visibility. Our custom author websites establish your online presence, while professionally designed promotional materials enhance your outreach at signings and events.
Publishing is just the beginning—let’s make sure your book gets the attention it deserves.

Books Publishing Company
Reach Out to Us Now!

Let's Bring Your Book to Life! Contact Us Today.

Unlock the door to your publishing dreams! Whether you're a seasoned author or a first-time writer, we're here to turn your manuscript into a masterpiece. Contact our dedicated team, and let's embark on this exciting publishing journey together. Your story deserves to be shared with the world, and we're ready to make it happen.

Feeling Lucky? 🍀 Sign Up Now & Get a St. Paddy’s Day Publishing Deal!

Books Publishing Company

Publish Your Book in 30 Days or Less

Get your book published hassle-free, conveniently with no strings attached! Enjoy
100% net royalties and full creative control.

  •   Unlimited Revisions, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
  •   Get a Personalized ISBN & Barcode in Your Name
  •   Keep 100% of Your Net Sales Royalties
TALK TO OUR EXPERT