Amplify: Ads, Media & Book Promotion
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Oct 30
- 7 min read
So you’ve written your book, journal, blog, or story. You’ve edited it, formatted it, protected your rights, and maybe even published it. You’ve started sharing it with the world.
Now what?
It’s time to amplify your voice.
This is the next step in your writing journey: learning how to promote your work so readers can actually find it. This means being strategic identifying your target audience and finding the best way to get in front of them, whether that’s through paid ads, partnerships, or smart, organic outreach.
No matter where you are in the process, this step matters. Because writing is only half the journey sharing it is how your words make an impact. When you focus your time and budget toward the right audience and track what’s working (using tools like analytics), it’s a lot like fishing. You figure out where the fish are, rent the boat, cast your line and wait for the right bite.
Promotion doesn’t have to be pushy or fake. You don’t have to dance on TikTok if that’s not your thing. When you’re speaking to the right audience, your promotion feels more like a service than a sell. You're offering something they need—they just didn’t know it existed yet.
Your audience is out there. They’re waiting to hear from you. So don’t be afraid to show up, share your work, and start the conversation.
Why Promotion Feels Hard for Writers
Many writers struggle with self-promotion because:
It feels uncomfortable to “brag” about their work
They don’t know where to start or what actually works
They’re overwhelmed with social media options
They don’t want to spend money on ads that don’t return results
We get it. But promotion is really about connection finding your readers, building a relationship, and letting them know you created something just for them.
From DIY to Strategic: What Promotion Can Look Like
This is also the stage where marketing becomes real—where you invest time, creativity, and sometimes money to help your work reach the people it was meant for.
Marketing doesn’t always start with big budgets and polished ads. For many writers, it begins with a few grassroots efforts:
Printing business cards or bookmarks and handing them out at local events
Asking friends or beta readers to post a review or share your book
Sharing your launch on personal social media pages, even if your audience is small
Dropping off copies at local coffee shops, indie bookstores, or libraries
Recording a short phone video to explain why you wrote the book and posting it on Facebook
These are all valid and valuable, but as your confidence grows, your strategy can grow with it.
On the more organized end of the spectrum, a full marketing plan might include:
A detailed launch timeline with weekly goals leading up to your release
Email marketing sequences to warm up your audience before the launch
Pre-scheduled social media campaigns using tools like Canva and Buffer
A media kit with your bio, headshot, book summary, and sample Q&A
Facebook or Instagram ads with a clear target audience and budget
A giveaway or pre-order bonus to build buzz
BookBub or Amazon ads backed by keyword research and tracking tools
Tracking analytics weekly to adjust what’s working and what’s not
The key difference? Intentionality. Instead of just hoping your book reaches people, you're setting a strategy to make it happen.
You don’t need to go “all in” right away but as you grow, it helps to experiment, measure, and adjust. Even a $10 Facebook ad or a one-page launch checklist can give you more traction than winging it.
Remember: the goal isn’t to become a marketing expert. It’s to become visible to the people who need your words and that’s worth the effort.
Amplifying Your Work Without Burning Out
There’s no one-size-fits all approach, but here are a few ways to start sharing your writing and build visibility:
1. Start with Your Why
Before you promote, pause and reflect: Why did you write this book or blog? Who is it for? How does it help or inspire?
That clarity will guide your messaging and your marketing decisions.
2. Choose 1–2 Channels to Focus On
You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick one or two platforms that fit your personality and your readers:
Instagram or Threads if you love visual quotes, poetry, or short writing clips
Facebook Groups, if your audience enjoys long-form or personal connection
LinkedIn If your writing is professional, business, or career-related
Email Newsletters to share writing updates and encourage loyal readers
Then post consistently whether that’s once a week or a few times a month. Consistency builds trust.
3. Use Ads (When You’re Ready)
Paid advertising can be powerful if:
You’ve identified your audience
You have a clear call to action (book sale, sign-up, freebie, etc.)
You’re willing to test and learn what works
Start small. You can run $5–$10 test ads on:
Facebook and Instagram
Amazon Ads (for books)
Book promotion newsletters like Freebooksy or BookBub
4. Pitch Yourself to Podcasts and Blogs
If you’ve written a book or share a powerful story, pitch to others who serve your audience:
Reach out to podcast hosts, bloggers, and YouTubers
Be clear about the value you bring (what topic can you speak on?)
Don’t worry about being famous—just be real and relatable
Tip: Use your blog content here on this site as a portfolio when pitching!
5. Create a Launch Plan
Even a short plan helps guide your steps. Your plan might include:
Teaser posts before you release something
A few quote graphics or behind-the-scenes videos
An email series to invite readers in
A giveaway or discount for early supporters
Remember: it’s better to do a few things well than try to do everything.
How Other Writers Are Promoting Their Work
Writers today are amplifying their voices through creative, sustainable strategies:
Blogging weekly to build SEO and reader loyalty
Podcast interviews to share their personal stories
Newsletters that include writing tips, sneak peeks, or journal prompts
Collaborations with other writers, artists, or coaches to cross-promote
Reader magnets like free mini journals or poetry samplers in exchange for emails
Posting writing prompts or reflections on Threads or Instagram
Amplifying doesn’t mean chasing trends it means finding the way that fits your life and your audience.
A Note from Me: How I am Amplifying
Here I am again with some raw truth. I’m still figuring this all out, and honestly? Some days it’s overwhelming. There are times I have to stop, step back, and just breathe. Thankfully, I have some incredible friends in my corner who listen when I need to vent and offer wise, grounded advice.
Most of what I’ve learned so far has come from Book Launchers, especially through Julie Broad’s videos and her paid Author Accelerator program. That community has been a lifeline. I had to backtrack on my publishing journey—like many new authors—because I originally used Amazon’s free ISBN, which limited my flexibility. I had to start over. Then I began building this website, not just for writers, but for hurting people, too for anyone going through something hard. Each of my books speaks to a different audience, which adds another layer to the learning curve. And truthfully? As I write this, I’m learning right alongside you.
Recently, I watched a podcast (tip: follow authors you admire they’ll teach you so much), and that’s where I discovered Author Anchor. Think of them like a staffing agency for authors they train Virtual Assistants specifically for author support, and the cost is incredibly affordable. I now work with an amazing VA who knows more than I do in some areas, and she’s been such a gift.
I’m also using Book Launchers’ new Author Launch Kit, and it’s phenomenal. It gives you a full marketing plan, complete with content ideas, templates, and a schedule to promote your book without feeling overwhelmed. It’s helped me take the guesswork out of social media and focus my efforts.
On top of that, I’ve invested in a Wix Premium Plan, which gives me automation tools, built-in AI support, and the ability to directly sell downloads or physical books through Lulu. I also added a two year unlimited social media posting plan, so I can take the content from the Author Launch Kit and schedule everything with ease.
So here’s my truth: I’m not a marketing expert. I’m not a tech wizard. But with Wix, Book Launchers, and Author Anchor, I finally feel like I have the right tools and the right help to actually do this. These three resources are helping me amplify my voice like never before.
And you know what? I’m excited. Because this time, I don’t feel like I’m doing it all alone.
The Prompt Corner
The Prompt Corner is to reflect on how you feel about promoting your writing. Then explore these ideas in your journal or notebook:
What’s one piece of writing I’ve never shared but wish others could read?
How would I describe my writing voice in three words?
Who do I want to reach with my words, and what might they need to hear?
What kind of promotion feels natural to me? (Email, social, conversations?)
What’s one small step I can take this week to let others know about my work?
Your voice matters. Try one or all of these prompts you never know what you’ll unlock.
Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing
Here are a few tools to help you promote your writing more effectively:
Canva – Design graphics, social media posts, and marketing materials
MailerLite – Free email newsletter tool for up to 1,000 subscribers
BookFunnel – Helps you deliver reader magnets and grow your list
BookBub Partners – Paid book promotions with big reach
Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.
Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.
Write with Us: Book Promotion to Amplify Your Business
You made it through all 12 stages! Whether you’ve just begun dreaming or you’re getting ready to promote your book, you’re already a writer and this is just the beginning.
We’ll continue sharing weekly writing tips, journals, tools, and community updates right here. You’ll always be able to return to our 12 Steps resource list whenever you need direction or support.
So take a breath. Start writing. Share your story. And know we’ll be right here cheering you on.
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