So, you finally wrote a book. First off, that’s huge. Seriously, most people say they’ll write one, but very few actually do. Now comes the part that nobody really warns you about: getting people to actually read it.
Let’s face it. Amazon is packed with books. Like, millions. If you just hit publish and walk away, your book will sink to the bottom faster than a stone. But the good news? There are simple, doable steps you can take without fancy marketing degrees or big budgets to help your book get noticed.
This guide is here to walk you through it.
1. Is Your Book Ready?
Before we get into ads and promos, let’s talk basics. Does your book have a professional cover? One that fits your genre and makes people want to click? If not, fix that. Readers do judge books by covers, especially online.
Is your book description strong? The first few lines should hook readers fast. Think of it like a movie trailer. Short. Punchy. Intriguing. And please, have someone edit it. Typos and weird formatting are a surefire way to lose readers. Also, take time to choose the right categories and keywords when uploading. These aren’t just technical checkboxes. They help people find you.
2. Make Amazon Work for You
When you upload to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you get to pick two categories. But here’s a trick most book promotion experts use: after you publish, you can email Amazon and ask them to add more. You’re allowed up to ten.
That’s a big advantage. The more relevant categories your book is in, the better chance it has to chart and get noticed. The same goes for keywords. Use Amazon’s search bar to see what readers are actually typing in. “Enemies to lovers” or “post-apocalyptic survival fiction” are more powerful than just “romance” or “sci-fi.”
Don’t overthink it. Just think like a reader.
3. Reviews Matter More than You Think
Have you ever bought something on Amazon with zero reviews? Probably not. Neither will your readers. In the early days, getting reviews is all about asking nicely. If someone finishes your book and says, “That was great,” your next words should be, “Would you mind leaving a quick review?”
You can also send early copies to bloggers, friends, or people in your writing group. And don’t be afraid to ask your readers directly at the end of your book. A simple “If you enjoyed this, please leave a review” really does help.
No begging. No bribing. Just friendly reminders.
4. Try KDP Select at Least Once
Amazon offers a program called KDP Select. It’s free to join, but it requires you to keep your eBook exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. In return, you get access to perks like:
- Free promo days
- Countdown deals
- Your book in Kindle Unlimited (KU), which pays you for pages’ read
This can be a smart way to boost visibility, especially for new authors. Just make sure to plan ahead. If you’re going to run a free promo, tell your followers and line up a few promotions in advance.
5. How Amazon Ads Build Steady Momentum
Amazon ads can feel overwhelming at first. But once you figure out how they work, they can help keep your book visible long after launch day. Start small. A few dollars a day is fine. Use keyword targeting, test different ads, and track what works. There’s no magic formula, but if you keep at it, you’ll start to notice patterns.
One thing to keep in mind: don’t expect instant sales. Ads are more like planting seeds. Give them time to grow.
6. Claim Your Author Page
Amazon lets you create a free Author Central profile. Do it. Add your photo. Write a bio that sounds like you. Link your blog if you have one. Readers love seeing the face behind the book, especially if they enjoyed it. And if you’re published on multiple Amazon marketplaces like the UK, Canada, or Australia, set up profiles there too. It helps you look more legit and discoverable.
You can choose to hire book promotion services to help your page look more professional.
7. Show Up on Social Media (Even a Little Helps)
You don’t need to dance on TikTok or become a full-time content creator. But if you want to promote your book, showing up helps. Post about your writing journey. Share quotes from your book. Show your desk, your coffee, or your editing process. Readers like feeling connected. The key is to focus on sharing, not selling. When people like you, they naturally want to support you.
8. Build an Email List and Use It Well
This one’s a long game, but it matters. Start building an email list, even if you only have 20 people. Offer something small for free, like a short story or first chapter, in exchange for an email. Then, stay in touch with updates, book news, or just something fun.
Social media comes and goes. Algorithms change. But your email list is yours to control.
9. Use Book Promo Sites to Boost Visibility
If you’re planning a price drop or free promo, consider submitting your book to sites that promote deals to their email subscribers. Some solid options include:
- BookBub
- Freebooksy
- Bargain Booksy
- Ereader News Today
- Fussy Librarian
They usually charge a fee, but the exposure is often worth it. These readers are hungry for new books and love discovering indie authors. Just make sure your book is well-edited and has a solid cover. These platforms are selective.
10. Keep the Momentum Going
Publishing your book is not a finish line. It’s just the starting point. Most books don’t take off overnight. Many gain traction slowly, through steady promotion, consistent reviews, and building your audience.
Keep running occasional ads. Post on your socials. Share milestones. Plan small sales. Launch more books. Cross-promote titles if you have more than one. It all adds up. Don’t let the hype of a “perfect launch day” make you feel like you missed your shot. Readers discover books every day of the year.
Final Thoughts
Book promotion services on Amazon don’t have to be intimidating or complicated. Think of it like this, you’re just helping the right people find the story you poured your heart into.
With a solid strategy and a little patience, your book can reach more readers than you ever imagined. So keep writing. Keep showing up. And give your book the best chance to be seen and loved.
Struggling to get your book noticed on Amazon? You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Ghostwriting Assistance, we have a team of book promotion experts who are ready to help polish your manuscript and get it to the right readers. Let’s talk about what your story needs next.
FAQs
1. Will my book sell without promotion?
Not likely. There are thousands of new books published every single day. Even great stories can get lost if no one knows they’re there. Hiring book promotion services gives your book a real shot at reaching the readers who are looking for it.
2. What if I don’t have a big budget?
That’s okay. You can still promote your book without spending a lot. Start by making sure your book’s cover and description are strong. Use the right keywords. Reach out to early readers for honest reviews. Focus on what you can do and grow from there.
3. Are reviews really that important?
Yes. Reviews help other readers decide whether your book is worth their time. They also tell Amazon’s algorithm that people are engaging with your work. If someone enjoys your book, kindly ask them to leave a review. Most readers are happy to support an author they like.
4. Should I join KDP Select?
It depends on your goals. If you want to use Kindle Unlimited and run price promotions, KDP Select can help. Just remember, your eBook will need to be exclusive to Amazon while you’re enrolled. Some book promotion experts start with it, then branch out later.
5. How long does book marketing take to show results?
It varies. Some books pick up fast, others take a few months or longer. The key is to stay consistent, keep learning, and keep showing up. Building an audience is rarely instant, but the rewards are worth it over time.
