10+ Best Places to Build a Book-Buying Audience if You’re a New Author
There are plenty of places to start building your audience…build with me…
Building a book-buying audience is essential for authors and publishers looking to promote and sell their books.
The last thing you want is for launch day to come around and your sales are minimal to non-existent.
That’s the stuff of authors’ nightmares.
Don’t let it be your reality.
Build your book-buying audience ahead of your book launch so there’s anticipation already.
Take a look at some of the best places to build a book-buying audience if you’re a new author.
1. Online Marketplaces
One of the first places you should look is popular online platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository.
These marketplaces have a wide reach and attract readers actively searching for books to purchase.
If you use sites like Draft2Digital, they’ll distribute your book to multiple platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, OverDrive, and more.
Go create an author profile on Draft2Digital so you can start publishing your books and getting them out to multiple retailers all at once.
2. Social Media
Leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads to engage with readers, share book updates, and build a community around your writing.
Participate in book clubs, author groups, and genre-specific communities to connect with your target audience.
TikTok
If you haven’t joined #BookTok yet, go do it.
I recently joined and I LOVE the content.
Use TikTok’s trending hashtags and popular audio tracks to maximize visibility and reach a wider audience.
Get creative with short book readings, book recommendations, or writing tips that resonate with TikTok users.
Engage with the TikTok community by responding to comments, collaborating with other creators, and participating in challenges related to literature or writing.
Leverage TikTok’s duet and stitch features to interact with readers and create engaging conversations.
Encourage user-generated content by asking viewers to share their favorite book quotes or interpretations.
Consider partnering with book influencers or TikTok users with large followings to expand your reach.
And if you’re gonna be on Instagram anyway, why not check out #bookstagrammers and the content circulating there?
Use Instagram to showcase visually appealing book photos, share author insights, and connect with readers through hashtags, author features, and engaging content.
Partnering with #bookstagrammers or hosting book-related challenges can expand your reach.
It might also give you some ideas when it comes time to create your own content.
You can also use Reddit threads to find readers. But try not to be spammy about it.
They hate that there (really, anywhere, but especially here). And they’ll rip you to shreds for it.
But Reddit can really be a powerful platform for new authors to promote their books and engage with potential readers.
Start by finding relevant subreddits related to your book’s genre or writing style. Participate actively in discussions, sharing valuable insights and contributing to the community before promoting your book.
Create an engaging and informative post that highlights the unique aspects of your book, such as compelling characters or an intriguing plot.
Be transparent and genuine about your authorship, fostering a connection with readers. Offer discounts, giveaways, or free sample chapters to generate interest.
Respond to comments and engage in conversations, showing appreciation for feedback and answering questions. Remember to respect subreddit rules and guidelines, avoiding excessive self-promotion.
Goodreads
Goodreads is another popular social platform for readers that allows you to connect with book lovers, join book clubs, participate in discussions, and promote your books through author pages and targeted advertisements.
Goodreads provides an excellent platform for new authors to promote their books and connect with avid readers.
Start by creating an author profile and adding your book to the Goodreads database. Engage with the Goodreads community by participating in discussions, joining relevant groups, and writing thoughtful reviews for other books.
Use Goodreads’ author program to interact with readers, answer their questions, and share updates about your writing journey.
Host giveaways to generate buzz and attract readers to your book.
Take advantage of Goodreads’ advertising options to reach a wider audience. Encourage readers to leave reviews and ratings for your book, as positive feedback can increase visibility and credibility.
Leverage the power of book quotes and excerpts to pique readers’ interest.
Engage with book bloggers and reviewers to secure reviews and endorsements.
On Twitter, engage with readers, participate in writing-related conversations, and share updates about your books on Twitter.
Utilize hashtags like #amreading, #bookish, and genre-specific tags to connect with readers who are actively seeking book recommendations.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and fostering meaningful interactions.
Take advantage of Twitter’s features, such as Twitter chats or live events, to engage with readers and create buzz around your book.
Collaborate with other authors, influencers, or book bloggers for cross-promotion or guest appearances.
Consider running contests or giveaways to generate excitement and encourage readers to share your book with their networks.
Facebook Groups
Find relevant groups within your book’s genre or those focused on literature and reading.
Join these groups and engage with members by participating in discussions, sharing relevant content, and offering valuable insights.
Establish yourself as an active and knowledgeable member of the community before promoting your book.
Once you have built rapport, introduce your book with a compelling and personalized message, highlighting its unique selling points.
Offer exclusive promotions, giveaways, or sneak peeks to group members to generate interest and encourage them to support your work.
Remember to be respectful of group rules, avoid spamming, and focus on building genuine relationships with readers who share a genuine interest in your genre.
Wattpad
Consider sharing excerpts, short stories, or serialized content on Wattpad to gain exposure and build a dedicated fan base.
Participate in Wattpad’s vibrant community by reading and commenting on other writers’ works, fostering connections and gaining exposure.
Engage with readers by responding to comments, joining discussions, and taking feedback into consideration.
Use their promotion tools such as cover contests, featured lists, or book clubs to increase visibility.
Collaborate with other Wattpad authors for cross-promotion or joint projects to expand your reach.
Participate in writing contests or writing prompts to showcase your talent and attract new readers.
Promote your book on social media, directing followers to your Wattpad profile.
3. Book Blogs and Review Websites
Seek out influential book bloggers, review websites, and online literary communities.
Offer review copies of your book and engage in guest blogging or interviews to increase exposure and attract readers who trust these platforms for book recommendations.
There are tons of book blogs and review sites available for promotion opportunities.
You just have to find some that align with your genre and the type of book you’ve written.
You wouldn’t submit a thriller to a blog that discusses contemporary romance, right?
Do your research and start reaching out to various blogs.
The worst you can hear is “no” and if so, just move on to the next one.
BookBub
BookBub is a prominent platform that offers a range of promotional and marketing opportunities for authors.
Designed to help authors reach a wider audience and boost book sales, BookBub provides targeted email campaigns, author profile features, and other valuable resources.
BookBub also offers an advertising platform called BookBub Ads.
Authors can utilize this feature to create targeted ad campaigns to promote their books to BookBub’s extensive reader community.
Authors can set their budget, select target audience criteria, and display their ads within BookBub’s email newsletters or on the BookBub website.
BookBub has a dedicated section for reader reviews, providing a valuable resource for authors to gather feedback and generate social proof.
Readers can leave reviews and ratings for books they have read, helping potential readers make informed decisions and boosting an author’s credibility.
LibraryThing
LibraryThing for Authors is an online platform that offers various tools and services specifically tailored for authors to connect with readers and promote their books within the vibrant community of avid readers and book enthusiasts.
It provides authors with a range of features to showcase their work, engage with readers, and gain valuable insights into their audience.
LibraryThing allows authors to create dedicated author pages where they can present their biographical information, author photos, book covers, and links to their social media profiles or websites.
Author pages act as a centralized hub for readers to discover and explore an author’s works.
4. Author Websites and Blogs
Create a professional website or blog dedicated to your books and writing.
On your site, you could share updates, excerpts, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes content to engage with your audience and provide a central hub for readers to explore your work.
I just recently created my own author website after transitioning from copywriting to fiction writing.
It’s a process, and my website needs a lot of work. But that’s okay.
I’m still figuring out how I want it to look and how to make it the best it can be.
Find a website host. My sister recommends GoDaddy and I took that recommendation. They’re hosting my site: shaneapatterson.com.
I got a website template from Canva and edited at bit, but I’m still playing around with the wording and figuring out my color scheme and everything.
Go get started.
Oh, forgot to mention that I purchased the domain name at NameCheap.com. You can go with them or find someone you like better.
I’m not an affiliate, so this isn’t a plug. Just telling you what I did. You can follow it or find a better way. Totally up to you.
5. Email Marketing
Building an email list can be a powerful tool for authors in creating a book-buying audience.
By capturing the email addresses of interested readers, authors can establish a direct line of communication, nurturing relationships and fostering engagement.
With an email list, authors can share updates on book releases, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and promotional offers, all tailored specifically to their audience.
This personalized approach helps to cultivate a loyal and engaged community of readers who are more likely to support and purchase future books.
Additionally, an email list allows authors to bypass the algorithms and limitations of social media platforms, ensuring that their messages reach their intended audience.
By consistently providing value and building trust through email communication, authors can establish themselves as a reliable source of quality content, increasing the likelihood of book sales and fostering a long-lasting relationship with their readers.
6. Local Bookstores
Approach local independent bookstores and build relationships with store owners or managers.
Utilizing local bookstores can be a valuable strategy for authors in building a book-buying audience.
Start by establishing relationships with independent bookstores in your area, introducing yourself as a local author and expressing interest in collaborating.
Offer to participate in book signings, author talks, or panel discussions to engage with readers directly.
Provide signed copies of your books and personalized bookmarks or promotional materials to create a memorable experience for potential buyers.
Collaborate with bookstores on marketing efforts, such as featured displays or joint promotional events, to increase visibility and attract local readers.
Engage with bookstore staff and attend community events hosted by the store to build connections and expand your network.
Encourage readers to support their local bookstores and recommend your books to fellow patrons.
By leveraging the support of local bookstores, authors can tap into a passionate and dedicated community of readers, foster meaningful connections, and build a loyal book-buying audience within their own neighborhoods.
Organize book signings, author events, or participate in book fairs to connect with local readers and gain exposure within your community.
7. Literary Festivals and Conferences
Attending literary festivals and conferences can be instrumental in building a book-buying audience as an author.
Participating in these events provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with avid readers, industry professionals, and fellow authors.
Prepare for these events by creating visually appealing displays, offering signed copies of your books, and preparing engaging presentations or author talks.
Engage with attendees by sharing your writing journey, discussing your books’ themes, and participating in panel discussions or workshops.
Leverage networking opportunities to connect with influential individuals, including agents, publishers, and book reviewers.
Collect contact information from interested readers and encourage them to join your email list or follow you on social media for future updates.
By actively participating in literary festivals and conferences, authors can expand their reach, generate word-of-mouth buzz, and build a dedicated book-buying audience who will not only purchase their books but also advocate for their work within the literary community.
8. Book Subscription Boxes
Collaborating with book subscription box services can be a strategic approach to building a book-buying audience as an author.
These services curate and deliver book packages to subscribers, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your work to a targeted and engaged audience.
Start by researching and identifying reputable book subscription box services that align with your book’s genre or target audience.
Reach out to these services to propose collaboration opportunities, such as featuring your book in their upcoming boxes or offering exclusive content or author notes to accompany the subscription.
Provide complimentary copies of your book to the service for promotional purposes. Encourage subscribers to share their experiences with your book on social media using designated hashtags or by tagging you.
This collaboration exposes your book to a wide network of readers who are passionate about discovering new titles and encourages them to become long-term supporters and buyers of your work.
9. Online Author Communities
Join online communities and forums dedicated to authors, such as the Kindle Boards, Absolute Write, or NaNoWriMo forums.
Engage with fellow authors, share experiences, and participate in promotional opportunities to expand your reach.
Kindle Boards
Kindle Boards is an online community dedicated to Kindle users and readers.
It offers a platform for authors, particularly new ones, to engage with readers, gain exposure, and build a book-buying audience.
By participating in discussions, sharing book recommendations, and providing insights into the writing process, authors can establish connections and build relationships with Kindle users who are avid readers.
Kindle Boards also provide promotional opportunities, such as dedicated threads for book promotions and deals.
Through active involvement on Kindle Boards, new authors can raise awareness about their books, receive feedback, and connect directly with readers who are passionate about discovering new authors and purchasing books.
It serves as a valuable platform for building a loyal book-buying audience and establishing a presence within the Kindle community.
Absolute Write
Absolute Write is an online community and resource hub for writers, offering valuable support and information to new authors.
With a dedicated forum for discussions, writers can connect with like-minded individuals, receive feedback on their works, and share knowledge.
Absolute Write also features a “Share Your Work” section where authors can post samples or excerpts of their books to gain exposure and gather constructive criticism.
The community provides a platform for new authors to network, learn from experienced writers, and receive guidance on navigating the publishing industry.
By actively participating in Absolute Write, new authors can build relationships, gain visibility, and attract a book-buying audience who are passionate about discovering and supporting emerging authors.
NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is an annual writing challenge that takes place every November, encouraging participants to write a complete novel of 50,000 words in just 30 days.
NaNoWriMo provides a supportive and motivating environment for new authors to embark on their writing journey and complete a draft of their book.
Through the official NaNoWriMo website and community, writers can connect with fellow participants, share their progress, and receive encouragement.
Upon completion of the challenge, participants gain access to resources and opportunities to further develop their work.
By participating in NaNoWriMo, new authors not only receive guidance and support but also gain exposure to a vast community of readers who are passionate about discovering new books and supporting emerging authors.
This exposure and the accomplishment of completing a novel can help build a book-buying audience, as readers are often curious to explore and support the works of NaNoWriMo participants.
10. Local Libraries
Local libraries play a vital role in helping new authors build a book-buying audience.
Libraries often offer opportunities for authors to host book signings, author talks, or workshops, providing direct access to a captive audience of avid readers.
By collaborating with libraries, new authors can showcase their books, engage in meaningful discussions with readers, and foster connections within the local community.
Libraries also promote books through their catalog systems, recommending and featuring new titles to library patrons.
Being included in library collections increases visibility and can lead to increased book sales and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Additionally, libraries often have active book clubs or reading groups, presenting an opportunity for authors to participate and discuss their works, further enhancing their exposure and building a dedicated book-buying audience within the community.
Building Your Book-Buying Audience, One Step at a Time
Remember, as a new author, building a book-buying audience takes time and consistent effort. Luckily, there are plenty of places to effectively build a book-buying audience and gain recognition for your work.
Platforms such as Goodreads, Kindle Boards, and Absolute Write offer communities of readers and writers where you can connect, engage, and promote your books.
Collaborating with book subscription box services, participating in literary festivals and conferences, and leveraging local libraries also provide valuable opportunities to reach and connect with potential readers.
Additionally, utilizing social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, as well as engaging with online communities like Wattpad and NaNoWriMo, can help expand your reach and establish a dedicated following.
By strategically utilizing these platforms and sites, you can attract and cultivate a loyal book-buying audience, setting the stage for success in your writing journey.
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