You’ve written a great book. Now comes the hard part: selling it. Because let’s face it, there are more books than ever flooding the market. Traditional PR is expensive. Social media is loud. And posting “my book is out now” isn’t moving the needle.
If you want to turn your book into a bestseller, you need to get creative. You need to think outside the box of what traditional publishers teach and deploy trending (and proven) strategies.
Here are 21 unconventional book marketing strategies that don’t rely on luck or massive budgets, but can create real momentum when executed at a high level.
1. Send a Video Message to New Subscribers
Personalization makes people feel special. Use tools like Bonjoro or Loom to record a 30-second welcome message for people who join your list. It’s extremely effective and builds instant loyalty.
2. Offer a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Your Writing
Create a short downloadable PDF or video that gives readers access to your early outlines, research notes or what inspired certain characters or scenes. People love the story behind the story. They love being a “fly on the wall” for the book-writing process.
3. Host a “Book Club” For One Special Reader
Offer to hop on a 15-minute video call with one lucky subscriber or reader each month to talk about your book. That’s the kind of buzz that spreads like wildfire and creates all types of FOMO.
Pull compelling lines or insights from your book and post them as image quotes with micro-stories or commentary. This is great for nonfiction but works for fiction too.
Pro tip: Use eye-catching design to stop people from scrolling.
5. Create an Epic Spotify Playlist Inspired by Your Book
Whether it’s mood music for writing or what your characters would listen to, this is pure bonus content readers love to share. Mateo Askaripour did this for his debut novel Black Buck, which became a bestseller.
6. Pitch Yourself as a Guest Expert
Even if you’re not writing business or self-help, there are angles you can speak to. The goal isn’t always to pitch the book directly but to show up and be interesting. The media is always looking for new content, especially when it’s local.
Pro tip: Come up with 5-10 unique pitch angles for media.
7. Send Your Book to Micro-Influencers
Skip the mega influencers. Find niche YouTubers or micro-bloggers with an engaged audience. A book review or shoutout in the right corner of the internet can outperform a big-name feature.
8. Create a Hidden Bonus for Readers
Inside the book, include a secret URL or code that leads to something extra. It could be a bonus chapter, an audiobook snippet, a video from you or even a free gift.
9. Partner with Local Businesses (Besides Bookstores)
Offer to do book signings in places like coffee shops, boutiques and other local businesses. Create a display that includes QR codes to buy or download a free chapter.
Pro tip: Invite other creators to make it feel like an experience.
10. Run a Reader Contest with Creative Prompts
Ask readers to write alternate endings, cast their dream movie version or name a sequel. Feature them in your newsletter and send gifts to winners. People love a fun contest.
11. Launch a “Read This First” Email Series
Instead of just sending your book to new subscribers, drip out 3 to 5 emails that share key scenes, stories or background to warm them up. Each one should build anticipation.
12. Turn Your Book into Bite-Sized Posts
Break your book into 50 mini posts. Use them across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and your blog over time. This keeps your content engine running.
Pro tip: Lead with a strong hook that leaves people wanting more.
13. Send Thank You Emails (With a Twist)
After someone buys your book, send a heartfelt note and a surprise link. This could be a free audiobook preview, a private post or a printable resource. The key? Make your readers feel special. It takes one moment to turn a one-off into a fan for life.
14. Build a Mini-Course Around Your Book
Especially for nonfiction authors, create a short email or video course that expands on your book’s core ideas. It builds authority and gives you a lead magnet that sells.
Pro tip: Clarify the problem your book solves, then design your course.
15. Ask Readers for a Video Review
Text-based reviews are great. But a 30-second reader video saying “this book changed something for me” is next-level social proof. Use a simple tool like VideoAsk to capture them.
16. Add a Story Highlight for the Book on Instagram
Not just a cover photo. Record quick vertical videos of your writing space, reader shoutouts, authentic reactions and favorite quotes.
Pro tip: People love to see how ideas came to life. Take them behind the scenes.
17. Offer Signed Bookplates with a Twist
Instead of a basic signature, add a short personal note or custom quote. Make it feel like they’re getting a collectible, not just a sticker.
18. Create a Pop Quiz About Your Book
Use a tool like Typeform or Google Forms to build a fun quiz that tests readers’ knowledge. Add a call to action to share results and link back to your site. You can even get creative and run a contest.
19. Do a Surprise Flash Sale
Email your list with a one-day offer. This could be a discount bundle, an exclusive coaching call or signed copies. Ryan Holiday, the Stoicism writer, does this effectively. Urgency still works when it’s authentic.
20. Partner with a Charity or Cause
Offer to donate a portion of your book proceeds to a cause tied to your story or genre. This gets attention and gives people another reason to support you.
21. Write a Bold Opinion Piece and Pitch It
Got a hot take on something related to your book’s theme or genre? Write it. Submit it to industry blogs or media. Controversial doesn’t mean disrespectful, but it should stand out.
Book Marketing Has Changed. Authors Who Adapt Will Win.
You don’t need a publishing deal with a 6-figure advance to market your book like a pro. You just need strategy, creativity and consistency.
While we covered a lot of ground, pick 3 of the ideas above and commit to executing them well. Then track what works, double down and keep showing up. If you’d rather focus on writing that next book, Slamdot can help. We build author websites, craft conversion-focused landing pages and help you launch successfully.
Want to turn your book into a breakout success? Let’s talk.
