The Author's Bookshelf: Must-Read Marketing Books for Authors
As an author, you'd rather spend your time writing than marketing — and that's completely understandable. But even the most brilliant book won't find readers if no one knows it exists. A little marketing effort goes a long way toward making sure your work gets seen.
There are many levels of support available for authors who want to grow their visibility, from free resources to done-with-you communities to fully done-for-you services. For authors who prefer a hands-on, self-taught approach, there's also a wealth of books and experts worth learning from. Below is a curated shelf of author marketing books, each with notes on what makes it worth your time.
Ways to Get Marketing Support as an Author
Before diving into the book list, it helps to know there's more than one way to build your marketing skills.
Free Resources
Blogs, videos, and podcasts offer a steady stream of free guidance for authors looking to learn the basics of book marketing without a financial investment.
Done-With-You Support
The Authors' Allies RoundTable is a done-with-you marketing membership designed to walk authors through building their own marketing suite, all while connecting with a community of fellow female indie authors going through the same process.
Done-For-You Services
For authors who'd rather hand marketing off entirely, one-on-one done-for-you services are also available.
Self-Guided Learning
For authors who prefer to learn and implement marketing themselves — whether by choice or by budget — ongoing education through classes and books is key to keeping up with a fast-changing industry.
The Author Marketing Bookshelf
Here are the books currently sitting on my book marketing bookshelf, each recommended based on firsthand experience with the author's teaching style, classes, or community.
Marketing Matters by Wendy H Jones
Wendy Jones leads one of the largest and most respected women's writing groups on Facebook, and her book offers a solid overview of how to set up a marketing program from the ground up.
The Author's Field Guide to Marketing by Morgan Gist MacDonald
This title is available through Kindle Unlimited and is also free with an Audible membership, making it an accessible entry point for authors on a budget.
Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn is a long-established, successful full-time author entrepreneur, and this book — now in its 4th edition — is paired with a podcast covering similar ground. She's considered a must-follow resource for anyone serious about building a writing career.
The Author's Guide to Libraries by Cari Dubiel
Cari Dubiel brings a unique perspective as both a librarian and an author. Her book walks through exactly how libraries choose which books to add to their collections. She's also appeared as a guest on the Authors' Allies podcast, where she discussed the topic in more depth.
The Author Advertising Blueprint by Matthew J. Holmes
Matthew Holmes teaches a strategic approach to Facebook ads, and his classes have proven valuable for authors trying to get a handle on paid advertising.
Self-Publishing with Amazon Ads by Bryan Cohen
Though this book dates to 2022 and could use an update, Bryan Cohen remains a trusted name in Amazon ads education, and his periodic ad challenges are a useful supplement to the book itself.
The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing by Nicholas Erik
Nicholas Erik breaks down book marketing concepts clearly, both in this book and through his regular email newsletter.
Help! My Facebook Ads Suck by Malorie and Jill Cooper (The Writing Wives)
Known as The Writing Wives, Malorie and Jill Cooper do a nice job of breaking down Facebook ad strategy in both their book and their classes.
Choosing the Right Format for You
If you're a note-taker, it's worth getting print copies of these titles so you can highlight, tab, and reference them while actually setting up your ads and campaigns. If budget is tighter, all of them are available as ebooks, and several are available as audiobooks as well — though audiobooks can be harder to follow for titles that include graphics and photos found only in the print or ebook versions.
Get More Free Author Marketing Help
Grab a free copy of the ebook 10 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan to start putting these strategies into action.
Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, including Amazon links (with the exception of the author's own products). Purchases made through these links may earn a referral commission at no additional cost to you.
FAQ
What's the best marketing book for a first-time author?
Marketing Matters by Wendy H Jones is a great starting point, since it offers a broad overview of how to build a marketing program from scratch.
Are these books available for free or at low cost?
Several are accessible at low or no additional cost through existing subscriptions — for example, The Author's Field Guide to Marketing is available through Kindle Unlimited and free with Audible membership.
Should I buy the print version or the ebook?
Print copies are recommended for readers who like to take notes, highlight, and reference material while actively working on their ad campaigns. Ebooks are a good lower-cost alternative, though audiobooks can be difficult to follow for titles that rely heavily on graphics and screenshots.
Which book is best for learning Facebook ads specifically?
Both The Author Advertising Blueprint by Matthew J. Holmes and Help! My Facebook Ads Suck by The Writing Wives focus specifically on Facebook advertising strategy.
Which book is best for learning about Amazon ads?
Self-Publishing with Amazon Ads by Bryan Cohen is a solid resource, though it was published in 2022 and an updated edition would be welcome.
Is there a resource specifically about getting books into libraries?
Yes — The Author's Guide to Libraries by Cari Dubiel walks through how libraries select the books they carry, drawing on her experience as both a librarian and an author.
Where can I get free author marketing resources to start?
You can download a free copy of 10 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan to begin building your own marketing plan at no cost.
