How to Advertise Your Book on Reading Websites
Social media advertising is one way to get the word out about your book. There are also a variety of reading websites and blogs where you can advertise your book. The advantage of using a reading website is the visitors are by nature readers. So you’re more likely to convert a browser into a buyer simply by showcasing your book.
Advertising on a book site also gives your book more visibility. On a large social media site, your advertisement will compete with millions of other ads. But with a reading site, the competition isn’t as fierce, meaning your book will have the chance to stand out.
If you’re ready to start advertising on reading sites the first thing you need to do is make a list of sites where you could advertise. Here are a few you may want to consider:
- Book Bub
- The eReader Café
- Just Kindle Books
- Booktastik
- Riffle Select
- Kindle Nation Daily
- The Fussy Librarian
- Robin Reads
After you have a big list of reading websites, start reviewing them to see if they’re right for your book. Some reading sites will only promote certain types of books. For example, Kindle Nation Daily only supports Kindle books. If you didn’t choose to make your book available through Kindle, then KND isn’t the right platform for you.
Another thing to consider as you’re reviewing sites is if your genre is popular with that audience. For example, Just Kindle Books shares this: “Our top performing genres are romance, mystery/thriller, erotic romance, paranormal fiction, women’s fiction, cooking and self-help.”
This means your funny middle grade novel probably won’t get a lot of traction on JKB and submitting an advertisement would waste your time and the time of the editors behind the site. Instead, make a note that this website isn’t a good fit and keep looking.
Once you’ve finished, you should have a list of reading sites where your book would fit best. Now it’s time to start submitting your advertisement. Most sites have strict guidelines about what they won’t accept. Don’t just blindly ignore these guidelines.
The guidelines are there for a purpose. The readers of these sites expect certain things (maybe a set price point or certain cover size) and the website owner wants to keep her readers happy. If you show disregard for her community, she’s not likely to support your book no matter how much you’re willing to pay.
After you’ve read and followed the guidelines, submit your book and any accompanying information like your genre or page count. Most site owners will have a form you can fill out or will ask you to send them an email.
If your book sounds like a good fit, the site owner or content editor will follow up with you. She’ll explain how her process works and collect payment from you. If you have any questions about how your book will be promoted, now is the time to ask.
Keep in mind that as you release more books, you may be interacting with this site owner again in the future. So, be sure to pay promptly and stay professional in your messages.