How to Self-Publish a Book on Amazon with Your Future Success in Mind

by Penny Sansevieri | Sep 26, 2023 | Being in Business as an Author

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Whether you’re using a hybrid publisher, an indie publisher, or figuring out how to self-publish a book on Amazon directly, there are steps to success you can’t ignore.

And while the technicalities of uploading your book to Amazon are crucial, today, we’re going to focus on something equally vital: author marketing.

After all, your future success as an author depends not just on your writing but on your book presence on Amazon. Because no amount of promotion can revive a bad book!

So let’s dive into some smart tips to help you navigate the exciting world of book marketing and set yourself up for a bright future.

Get to Know Other Titles in your Genre

I’m not suggesting that you read everything that’s been published in your genre (though I do recommend being a fan of your genre!) but you should know the “look” of what readers expect in terms of a book cover. Do your homework, this will really pay off in terms of pulling readers in and making sure that any promotion you do is helping you sell books.

Make Sure You’re in the Right Genre

Seriously, this is so big and so overlooked. You can’t guess at your genre, you should know where your book belongs – without question. This is important for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is reaching the right readers, but also – your cover needs to reflect your genre, too.

Build Your Author Brand

Before your book even hits the digital shelves, start building your author brand. Think of it as your online persona. Create an author website or blog, and be active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Share your writing journey, engage with your audience, and let your personality shine through. An authentic author brand will not only help you connect with readers but also set the stage for your future books.

Leverage Your Amazon Author Page

You can’t access your Author Central Page on Amazon until you have a book on Amazon, so this isn’t one of the first things you’ll be doing – but it most definitely shouldn’t be the last.

Amazon offers an Author Central platform where you can create an author profile and manage your books. This tool is a goldmine for authors. Ensure your author bio is compelling and showcases your expertise. Regularly update your profile picture and keep readers informed about your latest projects. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with your audience and keep them engaged.

Utilize Amazon Ads

I get it, Amazon ads seems daunting – but it’s one of the only ads platforms that doesn’t spend your money willy-nilly. In fact, it’s hard to get Amazon to spend through your budget – generally. But if you’re worried about the cost of the ads, set a budget cap that you’re comfortable with. Two of the reasons I find that authors struggle with Amazon ads is the platform itself, and the cost of the ads. Spend some time getting familiar with the platform, you’ll be glad you did.

Run a Smart Pre-Order Campaign

One often overlooked but crucial aspect of Amazon book marketing is setting up a smart pre-order campaign. The majority of authors like to use pre-orders to boost early sales and yes, I get it. But let’s face it, unless you’re a big brand, most readers don’t pre-order books months in advance. Do a short pre-order, I recommend 2-4 weeks at most and run some Amazon ads during that time. The reason is not to sell books (though that’s an added benefit) but to “teach” the Amazon system where your book belongs, meaning the category, sub-genre, etc.

It can take Amazon sometimes months to learn where a book belongs, meanwhile, the book sits in limbo in either the wrong genre, or languishing somewhere at the bottom of the sales rank. A pre-order with the boost of an ad set, can help pave smart pathways to your book and bring more readers to your retail page.

Self-publishing a book on Amazon isn’t just about getting your book out there; it’s about building a lasting author presence. So, roll up your sleeves, infuse your marketing efforts with passion and authenticity, and watch your future as an author take flight. Your readers are waiting, and they can’t wait to discover your incredible stories.