How to Sell More Books: The Ultimate Guide

Posted by Onassis Krown on April 30, 2025

Everything You Need to Know on How to Sell More Copies of Your Self-Published Book

Self-publishing a book is an exciting and liberating experience. You're the captain of your ship: no gatekeepers, no waiting on agents, and full creative control. But with this freedom comes responsibility. After all, what good is a brilliant book if no one reads it?

Many authors pour their heart into writing only to struggle with sales. If you're wondering how to break through the noise and actually get your book into readers' hands, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through proven strategies to boost your visibility, build an audience, and sell more copies of your self-published book.

1. Know Your Target Reader

Before you even begin marketing, you need to understand who you're marketing to. Who is your ideal reader? What are their interests, habits, pain points, and favorite genres?

Create a Reader Persona

Think of a single person who represents your ideal reader. Give them a name. Where do they hang out online? What books do they love? The more specific you are, the more effective your marketing will be.

Example:

Name: Rachel
Age: 35
Occupation: School teacher
Genre preference: Inspirational fiction and women’s literature
Where she shops: Amazon, Goodreads, BookTok
Biggest turn-on in a book: Relatable characters, emotional journeys

If you write nonfiction, your reader persona might be someone looking to solve a specific problem. Your job is to meet them where they are with content and messaging that speaks their language.

2. Optimize Your Book Cover and Title

People do judge books by their covers. In a saturated market, the right visual and title can make or break your sales. A professionally designed cover signals quality and builds trust instantly.

Don’t DIY Unless You’re a Pro

Unless you're a trained designer, hire a professional. Platforms like Reedsy, Fiverr, or 99designs can connect you with cover designers experienced in your genre.

Choose a Title That Sells

The title should:

Evoke curiosity
Be clear about the genre or topic
Use relevant keywords (especially for nonfiction)

Compare:
Bad: “Change”
Better: “Change Your Life in 30 Days: A Practical Guide to Personal Transformation”

3. Write a Killer Book Description

Your book description is your sales pitch. A potential reader has landed on your book’s page — now you have just a few seconds to convince them to buy.

Tips for an Irresistible Book Description:

Hook them in the first sentence
Present a conflict or key problem
Use short paragraphs and bullet points
End with a call-to-action

Example for fiction:
"Her past could destroy everything. But keeping it a secret might cost her the love of her life..."

Example for nonfiction:
"Struggling to stick to your goals? This book reveals the science-backed habits that will help you create lasting change — starting today."

4. Leverage Amazon SEO

If you’re publishing on Amazon (which you should be), learning how Amazon’s search algorithm works is vital.

Use Keywords Strategically

Amazon allows you to add up to seven keywords or keyword phrases during setup. Use tools like Publisher Rocket or even Amazon’s autocomplete to find high-traffic, relevant phrases.

Include keywords:

In your title or subtitle (where natural)
In your book description
In your backend metadata

Pick the Right Categories

Amazon lets you choose up to two categories, but you can request additional ones through their support. The right niche can help you hit a bestseller list, even if your overall sales are modest.

5. Build an Author Platform

Selling a book isn’t a one-time event — it’s a continuous conversation with your audience. Start building your platform early.

Website and Blog

Create a simple website with:

About the author page
Blog (for SEO and value)
Email list signup
Links to buy your books

Email List

This is gold. Social media comes and goes, but an email list gives you direct access to your readers.

Offer a lead magnet (free chapter, short story, or exclusive content) to encourage signups. Use tools like MailerLite, ConvertKit, or Mailchimp to manage your list.

Social Media

Choose platforms where your readers are. BookTok is hot for YA and romance. Instagram is great for visual genres. LinkedIn suits business and nonfiction authors.

The key: Don’t just sell — engage. Share behind-the-scenes content, writing updates, book recommendations, or thought-provoking posts.

6. Get Reviews — Early and Often

Reviews are powerful social proof. The more you have (especially positive ones), the more likely people are to buy.

Ways to Get Reviews:

Ask your ARC (Advance Review Copy) readers
Create a launch team of early supporters
Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers
Add a call-to-action at the back of your book

Avoid fake or paid reviews. Amazon is cracking down hard, and your credibility is too valuable to risk.

7. Run a Strategic Launch Campaign

A well-orchestrated launch can catapult your book into the spotlight and generate momentum that carries into long-term sales.

Pre-Launch

Build anticipation with teasers and cover reveals
Collect pre-orders
Line up your ARC readers
Prep your email sequence

Launch Week

Post daily across channels
Run a time-sensitive promotion (e.g., $0.99 for launch week)
Encourage readers to leave reviews
Go live on Instagram or Facebook
Run ads to your warm audience

Post-Launch

Thank your supporters
Analyze what worked
Keep promoting — don’t let the energy fade

8. Use Paid Advertising (The Smart Way)

Ads can be a game-changer, especially on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub. But they can also drain your wallet if not used wisely.

Start with Amazon Ads

These are pay-per-click and can be highly effective if you target the right keywords and bid conservatively.

Test different:

Keywords
Ad copy
Book covers (if running split tests)

Try Facebook and Instagram Ads

Use them to:

Grow your email list with a lead magnet
Retarget people who clicked your book link
Boost visibility during launch week

Always test small budgets first. Track your cost per click, conversion rate, and overall ROI.

9. Collaborate with Other Authors

Writing might be a solo craft, but selling doesn’t have to be. Collaborate with other indie authors in your genre to amplify your reach.

Ways to collaborate:

Newsletter swaps
Joint giveaways
Anthologies or boxed sets
Cross-promotion on social media

Building community also keeps you motivated and informed on industry trends.

10. Offer Multiple Formats

People consume books in different ways. Offering your book in various formats increases the chance that someone will buy.

Formats to Consider:

Paperback: Use KDP Print or IngramSpark for distribution
eBook: Make it Kindle-friendly and readable on multiple devices
Audiobook: Growing rapidly — consider using ACX or Findaway Voices
Hardcover: Especially valuable for collectors or gift-giving seasons

Each format adds another revenue stream and boosts credibility.

11. Keep Writing and Publishing

One of the most powerful ways to sell more books… is to write more books.

Each book you publish is an entry point for readers to discover you. If someone loves Book 3, they’re likely to go back and buy Book 1 and 2.

Series Sell

If you're writing fiction, consider writing a series. A reader who buys one is much more likely to buy the rest. For nonfiction, build a brand or collection around a specific topic.

Even short reads or novellas can serve as great bridge content.

12. Host Events and Appearances

Even in a digital age, real-world interactions matter. Whether it's a local event or a podcast interview, each appearance grows your audience and sells books.

Event Ideas:

Book signings (libraries, indie bookstores, coffee shops)
Virtual readings or Q&As
Speaking at conferences or webinars
Guest appearances on podcasts or YouTube channels
Joining panels or author summits

Use these events to connect authentically and plug your book naturally — not pushy.

13. Leverage Influencers and Ambassadors

Social media influencers and bookstagrammers can give your book massive visibility with their followers.

Steps to Connect:

Research micro-influencers in your niche (5K–50K followers)
Engage with their content for a few days
Reach out with a genuine message and offer a free copy
Be clear about what you’re asking: a review, an Instagram post, a shoutout

Even a few posts from the right person can drive serious sales.

14. Create a Long-Tail Strategy

Marketing your book isn’t just about the first month. Plan for long-term, sustainable sales.

Tips for Ongoing Sales:

Repurpose your content (blog to social, podcast to email)
Run promotions during key seasons (holidays, Black Friday, summer reads)
Participate in bundle deals or seasonal anthologies
Keep networking and guest posting on relevant blogs
Refresh your ads and metadata periodically

Final Thoughts: Comprehensive Strategy to Sell More Books Online

Selling more copies of your self-published books is a marathon, not a sprint. But with a smart, strategic, and consistent approach, you can see real results.

Remember: you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the foundations — a quality book, a strong description, and a reader-friendly cover. Then slowly add layers: email marketing, social media, paid ads, and partnerships.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep writing. Your readers are out there — it’s just a matter of reaching them.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

Tags: Increase Book Sales

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