How I Market My Books (Without a Huge Budget)

One of the biggest questions authors ask is: How do you actually market your books?

The truth is, I don’t start with advertising. I start with what’s already working.

Start With Real Feedback

Marketing begins with listening.

Did I recently receive thoughtful feedback?

Did a reader leave a strong review?

Did a client or collaborator say something meaningful about my work?

That’s marketing material.

When someone connects with your book, their words carry more weight than anything you could write about yourself. A genuine quote can become a powerful shareable graphic.

Before using it, I always reach out and ask permission. Respecting the person behind the praise matters — and people are usually excited to support the work once asked.

Turn Praise Into Visual Content

Once I have permission, I design a graphic quote.

I typically create layouts in Canva, which makes formatting fast and accessible. Sometimes I layer in original illustrations I’ve created in Procreate to keep the visuals personal and recognizable.

This step matters because readers don’t just remember words — they remember imagery and style. Consistent visuals help build author identity over time.

Share Across Platforms (Strategically)

After designing the graphic, I distribute it across platforms.

My website runs through Wix, which includes a feature that posts content to multiple social media channels at once. This saves enormous amounts of time and keeps messaging consistent.

Not every platform works the same way, though.

For example:

• Instagram and Facebook work well with direct reposting.

• Pinterest requires more hands-on work. I usually open the Pinterest app separately to create a pin, write a fuller description, and attach a direct link back to my book or website.

Each platform has its own language, so small adjustments make a big difference.

Use Your Website as Home Base

Social media changes constantly. Algorithms shift. Platforms rise and fall.

Your website is the one space you control.

I use Wix not only for my website but also for newsletters and announcements. The drag-and-drop editor makes updating pages, promoting releases, and sending email campaigns straightforward — even without advanced technical skills.

Marketing Is Documentation, Not Performance

The biggest mindset shift for me was realizing that marketing isn’t about shouting louder.

It’s about documenting:

• reader responses

• creative process

• artwork

• milestones

• conversations around the work

Every review, illustration, event, or insight becomes another doorway for readers to discover your books.

You don’t need a massive budget.

You need consistency, permission, and a system you can repeat.

Start small. Share honestly. Keep showing the work.