Finishing your book is one of the best feelings you can ever experience, it’s kind of a happy-sad feeling where the only thing you want to do is to talk with others about it. But the problem is there’s no one to talk about, as you haven’t published it which means no one’s read it. So you go on Amazon, or any other publishing websites, do the formalities and now it’s available for people to buy. But still no one has bought it. It could be because it’s invisible in the sea of books that are also published on the platform. If you want your book to stand out, then you need marketing.
And for that to happen, you should start with a marketing plan. If you’re wondering how to write a marketing plan for a book without spending months learning complex strategies. The good news is, you don’t have to. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, you can create a book marketing plan that’s focused, realistic, and actually works.
Let’s break it down step by step quickly.
Get Clear on What You Want to Achieve
Before doing anything, think about what success looks like for you. Are you hoping to sell a certain number of books? Build an email list? Get your book into local stores. Without a goal, it’s easy to waste time on things that don’t move the needle.
Your marketing plan should always start with purpose. Once you define your goal, the rest of the steps will fall into place.
Understand Who You’re Writing For
You don’t have to market your book to everyone. In fact, it works much better when you don’t. Think about your ideal readers, who they are, what they love, and where they spend time online. Knowing your audience means you’ll know what platforms to focus on and what kind of content will connect.
When we work with authors through our Book Cover Design Services and brand support, we always help them map out their reader base before they start promoting.
Build a Simple Online Presence
You don’t need a fancy website or a huge following, but you do need a home base. A simple author page or landing site with your book cover, blurb, and a place for readers to sign up for your newsletter goes a long way.
Even if your book isn’t out yet, start posting teasers, quotes, or behind-the-scenes content. This helps build interest early on and makes launch day a lot smoother.
Set a Small Budget That Works for You
Book marketing doesn’t have to break the bank. Maybe you’ve got £50 or maybe a little more, either way, think about how to use it wisely. A few small ads, a cover reveal campaign, or a giveaway can stretch far when you’re clear on your audience.
We often help authors plan small but powerful strategies that make the most of whatever time or money they’ve got.
Plan a Launch That Builds Buzz
Your launch week matters. You want your book to show up, be seen, and, hopefully, get people talking. That doesn’t happen by chance. Start by letting people know your release date in advance. Share your book cover. Get early reviews if you can.
The aim here is to build excitement. Even if it’s just a few posts, emails, or guest appearances, consistency is key.
Keep Showing Up After Launch
One mistake many authors make is going quiet after the book is out. But marketing doesn’t end on launch day. Keep showing up, even in small ways. Share a review you received. Post a quote from your book. Talk about the writing process. Stay visible. Even one small update a week can keep your book at the top of the minds of new readers.
Track What’s Working and Adjust as You Go
Every plan benefits from reflection. Check which posts got the most clicks. See where your reviews are coming from. Notice if your email list is growing or if a certain ad performed better than expected.
When you adjust your approach based on results, you spend less time guessing, and more time doing what works.
What Is a Marketing Plan for a Book?
If you’re wondering what is a marketing plan for a book, think of it as your roadmap. It lays out what you’re going to do, when, and why. It helps you stay focused, avoid distractions, and actually see progress. Even a simple plan written in a notebook is better than winging it.
What Are the 7 Steps of a Marketing Plan?
Most marketing plans follow the same basic flow, whether you’re self-publishing or going traditional. Here’s how we keep it simple:
1. Set your goal
Let’s start with what matters most, knowing what you want. Every book marketing plan begins with a goal. This could be selling a certain number of copies, growing your email list, getting book reviews, or just reaching new readers. Whatever it is, be specific. A clear goal helps you focus your efforts and track your progress, rather than trying to do everything all at once.
2. Know your readers
Once you know what you want to achieve, the next step is understanding who your book is for. Think about your ideal reader. What do they enjoy? Where do they spend time online? Are they into social media or more likely to read blogs? When you understand your audience, you’ll know exactly how to reach them and avoid wasting time on the wrong platforms or messages.
3. Build your platform
Now that you know who you’re talking to, it’s time to set up a place where readers can find you. This could be a simple website, a newsletter, or a couple of social media accounts. You don’t need to be everywhere. Just choose one or two spaces that make sense for your audience and start sharing updates, teasers, or personal thoughts. A basic platform builds trust and gives you a way to stay connected.
4. Budget your efforts
Next, figure out what you can realistically spend, in time and money. Not every plan needs a huge budget, but setting limits helps you make smart choices. Maybe you’ll spend a small amount on ads or schedule an hour a day for marketing. The point is to stay consistent without getting overwhelmed. A little planning now keeps you from burning out later.
5. Plan your launch
This is the big moment when your book goes live. Your launch plan doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be thought out. You might set a release date, share countdown posts, offer free chapters, or send review copies ahead of time. The idea is to build excitement and make sure your readers know the book is coming. Even a small launch done right can make a big impact.
6. Keep promoting
After launch week, it’s tempting to go quiet, but don’t. Ongoing promotion is how you keep the momentum going. Share updates, reader reviews, or little behind-the-scenes stories about your writing process. Stay active where your audience hangs out. Regular posts, even if they’re quick and simple, help keep your book in people’s minds.
7. Review and adjust
Finally, take time to check in with your plan. What worked? What didn’t? Maybe one platform brought in more readers than another, or a type of post got more engagement. Use that information to tweak your strategy going forward. The best marketing plans grow with you, just stay open to trying new things and adjusting as you learn.
How Do I Market My Books?
This question comes up all the time. And honestly, the answer is different for everyone. Some authors swear by social media, others prefer in-person events or email. The key is to pick the methods that feel doable and sustainable for you.
You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be consistent where it counts.
How to Write a Marketing Script?
If you’re planning a video, a podcast ad, or a book trailer, a simple script can help. Start with a hook, something attention-grabbing. Then share what the book is about and why someone should care. End with a call to action, like “Get your copy now” or “Available on all platforms.”
At WBA, we help authors shape these scripts so they sound natural and engaging, not sales or stiff.
Final Thoughts
Writing a book is hard work, but getting it in front of readers doesn’t have to be. Now you know how to write a marketing plan for a book in a way that’s fast, focused, and built around your goals.
If you’d rather not do it alone, we’d be happy to help. From planning your launch to building your author brand, Wright Book Associates has you covered. We’ll guide you through the steps, help you avoid the noise, and give your book the attention it deserves.