How to Market Your Romance Novel for Free

I’m convinced that the hardest part of being an author isn’t the writing, it’s the marketing. Visit any online group about authorship and you’ll find tons of posts asking about marketing and tons more suggesting strategies, often ones with price tags on them. But what can you do if you don’t have a large budget to market your book?

The truth is that some of the most effective marketing strategies are completely free. Whether you’re a brand-new author or a seasoned pro, building authentic relationships with readers can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your audience.

Here are free strategies to market your book if your author budget is lean.

Before we begin…

Effective marketing starts by understanding your reader, where to find them, and what you want them to do (buy book, sign up for email etc). I encourage you to read Author Marketing 101 for an overview of understanding the reader journey so you can use the ideas below to best effect.

Build Your Platform for Free

Before you start telling people about your book, you should set up your platform so they have a place to go to learn about you.

What’s in Your Author Platform?

• A Website – Your online home base
  • Free tools: WordPress.com, Wix, or Carrd for simple sites. An all-in-one website, blog, email, and more resources is Systeme.io. It is a bit more involved to set up, but it’s free for up to 2000 subscribers. I’m using this for a new pen name.
  • Must-have pages: About, Books, Contact, Newsletter Signup, and Freebie/Reader Magnet

• An Email Newsletter – Your most valuable asset
  • Mailerlite (Free up to 1,000 subscribers, then $10–$50/month). I set my sister up with Mailerlite when she built her website.
  • Aweber  (Free trial then $15+/month. Get 4 months free with annual subscription). I use Aweber and love it.
  • Systeme.io (Free up to 2,000 subscribers, then $27month – all Features).

• Social Media Presence – Focused on where your readers are
  • Don’t do them all. Use the ones your readers use to talk or learn about books.

• Your Storefronts – Optimized book pages on:
  • Amazon Author Central (free author page)
  • BookBub (author profile + wishlists)
  • Goodreads (author profile + reader Q&A)

• Reader Connection Spaces – Optional but powerful
  • Facebook reader group, Discord server, or even a subreddit

Pro Tip: Building your platform is like planting seeds. It takes time, but every post, email, or reader conversation helps grow a community that will support every book you write.

Use Your Website as a Marketing Hub 

Social media is noisy and temporary. Your website, however, is a permanent, 24/7 home for your author brand. It’s where readers can always find you, learn about your books, and connect, without worrying about algorithms or fleeting posts.

What Your Website Should Include

• Homepage: A warm welcome with your name, tagline (e.g., “Spicy Small-Town Romance with Big Feels”), and links to your latest release or reader magnet.
• About Page: Share your author bio. Keep it personable, fun, and reader-friendly. Readers love knowing the person behind the books.
• Books Page: A hub for all your books. Include:
  • Covers
  • Descriptions/blurb
  • Retailer links
  • Reading order if relevant
• Newsletter Signup: Prominent and easy to find. Offer your free reader magnet here.
• Contact Page: Let readers, bloggers, or event organizers reach you easily. Use a form instead of posting your email online where bots can get it and spam you. If you can’t use a form, write your email with spaces so bots can’t grab it (e.g. author @ authorwebsite.com)
• Bonus (Optional) Pages:
  • Free extras (wallpapers, printables, bonus scenes)
  • Blog (great for SEO and reader engagement)
  • FAQ (answer questions like “What order should I read your books?” or “Will there be more books in X series?”)

Free Website Builders 

• WordPress.com – Flexible and professional with lots of free templates. It can be limiting in many ways, but it’s workable for a free option.
• Wix – Drag-and-drop ease with beautiful design templates.
• Carrd – Perfect for single-page, minimal websites (super easy and fast to build).
• Systeme.io – All-in-one resource for website, blog, email, ecommerce and more. It’s a bit more involved and techy to set up, but offers a lot of great features for free up to 2,000 subscribers.

How Your Website Works as Free Marketing

I’m going to be the first to admit my website is often dormant. When I do posts like this, I’m always thinking, I really need to check and update my website. Do as I say and not as I do. Your website is like your home where you can invite your reader friends to visit.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): When someone searches your name, your website shows up first, not your social media.
• Reader Funnel: Direct readers from your socials or author profiles straight to your newsletter signup or book pages.
• Link Hub: Your website should link out to:
  • Retailer book pages (Amazon, Kobo, etc.)
  • Social media
  • Newsletter signup
• Events and Updates: Host info on upcoming releases, takeover dates, or special promos.

Make It Reader-Friendly

• Keep it simple and easy to navigate.
• Make sure it looks good on mobile (most readers browse on phones!).
• Keep links updated. Nothing frustrates readers more than broken links.

Pro Tip: Your website doesn’t need to be fancy. A clean, clear site with your books, newsletter signup, and an about page does 80% of the work for you. You can always grow it later.

Leverage Social Media (Without Paying for Ads)

Social media is one of the most powerful free marketing tools available to romance authors, but it doesn’t mean you need to be everywhere or post nonstop. The key is to focus on the platforms where your readers hang out and create content that feels authentic to you. For a deeper dive into social media for authors, check out this post.

Pick Your Platforms

Not all social media is created equal—and not every platform fits every author. Consider where romance readers spend their time:

• TikTok – Great for viral reach with BookTok trends, short videos, and character tropes. Many authors, including Kate Hall swear by TikTik. Kate says it helped her become a 6-figure author. She’s got a good course on TikTok here.
• Instagram – Perfect for aesthetic-driven content like mood boards, reels, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
• Facebook – Still strong for reader groups, author pages, and event takeovers.
• Threads or X (Twitter) – Good for quick thoughts, writing updates, and engaging with the writing community. Many agents and publishers still hang around X, so it can be a place to make professional connections.
• Pinterest – Ideal for visual storytelling like mood boards, character aesthetics, or linking to blog posts.

Content Ideas That Attract Romance Readers

• Behind-the-Scenes: Share glimpses of your writing process, messy desks, favorite writing snacks, or playlists.
• Book Snippets: Post flirty banter, steamy lines, emotional quotes, or first lines from your books.
• Tropes & Aesthetics: Readers love seeing tropes! Create graphics or reels like “This is a grumpy/sunshine romance” or “If you love fake dating…”
• Mood Boards: Feature character mood boards, location inspiration, or vibe boards for your WIP.
• Author Life Humor: Memes, funny reels, or relatable posts about writer struggles, deadlines, or coffee dependency.

Boost Engagement 

• Use Reels, Stories, and Lives: These formats tend to get more reach than static posts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Play Games: Host simple interactive games like:
  • “This or That” (e.g., Grumpy/Sunshine or Enemies-to-Lovers?)
  • Polls about tropes, covers, or favorite romance heroes.
  • Q&A sessions about your books or writing life.
• Join Hashtag Challenges: Weekly hashtags are a free way to stay visible in the romance community. Examples:
  • #TeaserTuesday
  • #WIPWednesday
  • #ThrowbackThursday (for old releases or past writing milestones)
  • #RomanceWriter or #IndieRomance
  • Seasonal ones like #SummerRomance or #SpicySeptember

Pro Tip: If you’re ever stuck on what to post, think like a reader. What behind-the-scenes glimpse, playful game, or juicy snippet would make you stop scrolling?

Build and Nurture an Email Newsletter 

I’m a huge fan of email and I think too many authors miss how powerful it can be. Social media algorithms change. Platforms come and go. But your email list? That’s yours. It’s one of the most powerful free tools you have to connect directly with readers who love your work and want more. For a deeper dive into email marketing, check out this post.

Why an Email Newsletter Matters

• Direct access to your readers. No fighting with social media algorithms.
• Stronger reader relationships. Emails feel personal, like chatting with a friend.
• It sells books. Readers on your list are far more likely to buy your next release.

Think about it this way: It takes very little effort or commitment for a reader to click “Follow” and even if they do follow, there’s no guarantee that your posts will show up on their social media feed. BUT…a reader who gives you their email address is raising their hand and saying yes, I want to know about you. Your email showing up in their inbox isn’t based on an algorithm, meaning your readers are more likely to see it and read it. Finally, because they’ve given you their email, they’re more committed to you and therefore more primed to buy.

How to Start Free

• Use free email providers:
  • Mailerlite (Free up to 1,000 subscribers, then $10–$50/month). I set my sister up with Mailerlite when she built her website.
  • Aweber  (Free trial then $15+/month. Get 4 months free with annual subscription). I use Aweber and love it.
  • Systeme.io (Free up to 2,000 subscribers, then $27month – all Features).
• Create a signup form and embed it on your website, add to social media bios, and share everywhere.

Boost Signups with a Reader Magnet

Readers love free bonuses. Offer something enticing in exchange for their email:

• Short story, prequel, epilogue, or bonus scene.
• A printable swag pack. (Bookmarks, trope bingo, wallpapers.)
• A sneak peek of an upcoming book.
• Character dossiers, playlists, or artwork.

Tip: Deliver it easily through BookFunnel or StoryOrigin, both of which have free options. Or use Google Docs, just make sure you set the “Sharing” to everyone with the link. This is less safe as it’s possible people can get your reader magnet without email sign up.

What to Send 

I treat my list like a friend I’m having coffee with. My emails are conversational often starting with some anecdote about something in my life. I also like to ask readers a question to boost engagement. I love it when subscribers hit reply and converse with me. For a more detailed list of ideas on what to send your subscribers, check out this post.

• Updates about your writing life.
• Sneak peeks, excerpts, or cover reveals.
• Behind-the-scenes stories: Character inspiration, how you chose tropes, deleted scenes.
• Personal shares: Book recs, recipes, playlists, or what you’re watching.
• Fun reader questions or polls.
• Special treats: Exclusive bonus content or first-to-know announcements.

How Often Should You Email?

• Consistency matters more than frequency.
• Aim for monthly, bi-weekly, or around key events (cover reveals, releases, sales). I email weekly.
• Don’t ghost your list. Check in, even if it’s just to say “Here’s what I’m reading this month!”

Pro Tip: It’s not about writing a newsletter, it’s about writing a letter to your readers. Keep it warm, fun, and conversational. Romance readers love knowing the person behind the pages.

Get Creative with Free Content Marketing 

Content marketing sounds fancy, but at its core, it’s simple: share interesting, entertaining, or helpful content that draws readers to you. And guess what? You can do this completely free. The real downside of content marketing is that it’s time consuming, but it can be quite effective if you find the right balance and system of creating and distributing your content.

What is Content Marketing?

It’s anything you create that helps readers:

• Get to know you
• Fall in love with your voice
• Connect with your stories and characters

Creative Content You Can Create for Free

• Blog Posts: Write about:
  • Your favorite tropes (“Why I’ll Always Love Grumpy/Sunshine”)
  • Behind-the-scenes looks at your books
  • Writing life, book recs, or inspiration boards
  • For 90+ more blogging ideas, check out this post.
• YouTube Videos:
  • Share bookish chats, trope breakdowns, or writing updates.
  • Film readings of snippets or bonus scenes.
• TikTok or Instagram Reels:
  • Hop on trends with a romance twist.
  • Create short, funny videos about author life or reader expectations.
• Pinterest Boards:
  • Create mood boards for books, series, characters, or tropes.
• Podcasts (Guest or Your Own):
  • Start a simple podcast about romance books. Or serialize your book into a podcast.
  • Or pitch yourself as a guest on existing bookish podcasts.

Note that you should focus your content on your target reader. What do readers like to consume? Many authors post writing content which might attract writers, but you’re selling a romance novel, you want to attract romance readers.

Free Tools to Help You

• Canva: For graphics, thumbnails, and social posts.
• YouTube: Free to upload; use your phone to film.
• Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters: Free and easy way to start a podcast.
• Pinterest: Free to create boards that link back to your website or books.
• Your Blog (on your website): Free if you’ve already built a basic website

Make It Fun 

Okay, so this is easier said than done because content marketing requires a constant flow of ideas, creating the content, and distributing it. Plus you need to respond to readers’ comments. But here are tips for making it easier.

• Choose formats you enjoy. If you hate video, skip it! If you love talking, try a podcast.
• Repurpose: A blog post can become a series of Instagram posts. A TikTok can become a Reel.
• Focus on content that sparks conversations. Ask readers about their favorite tropes, book boyfriends, or endings.

Quick Tip: The best content doesn’t scream “Buy my book,” it whispers “You’re gonna love this world I’ve created.” Show readers why they’ll want to be part of your story universe.

Utilize Reader Groups and Author Communities 

One of the most overlooked completely freeways to market your romance books is simply by showing up where readers already are. Reader groups and author communities are filled with people who love romance, actively look for book recommendations, and enjoy connecting with authors. Many readers will post things like, “I’m looking for a cozy fantasy romance. Any suggestions?” If you wrote a cozy fantasy romance, you can post a link to your book.

Where to Find These Communities

• Facebook Reader Groups: Many subgenres of romance have active groupslike spicy contemporary, dark mafia, cozy romance, or paranormal. Search for groups that match your genre.
• Romance Author Groups: Network with other authors for cross-promotion, support, and newsletter swaps.
• Discord Servers: Growing in popularity for reader communities, often more intimate and interactive than Facebook.
• Online Forums: Reddit’s r/RomanceBooks or Goodreads groups are great for connecting with readers.
• Instagram & TikTok Communities: Not “groups” in the formal sense, but frequent engagement in comments, collabs, and hashtags can function like community-building.

How to Participate (Without Being Spammy)

• Be a reader first. Comment on posts, share book recs, and engage authentically.
• Join conversations. Talk about favorite tropes, authors you love, or share your thoughts on trending romance topics.
• Follow group rules. Most have strict promo guidelines. Stick to approved promo days or events.
• Offer value. When you do share, make it fun. Offer a freebie, a fun fact about your book, a spicy teaser, or a trope hook rather than just “buy my book.”

Author Takeovers

• Many reader groups and online romance events host author takeover days, where you get a time slot to post fun games, teasers, and giveaways.
• Takeovers are a fantastic, free way to meet readers who love your genre.
• What to post:
  • Fun games like “This or That”, “Name That Trope”, or romance mad libs.
  • Snippets from your books.
  • Behind-the-scenes facts or character introductions.
  • Mini giveaways—ebooks, swag, or even a reader magnet offered in the comments.

Build Connections with Fellow Authors

• Look for newsletter swaps, shared promo events, or themed group sales. Bookclicker offers swap opportunities and is free.
• Support each other by sharing releases, cover reveals, or fun collab posts.
• Romance authors are famously collaborative, lean into that!

ProTip: The best promo doesn’t feel like promo. Show up, be yourself, and talk about books, the ones you write and the ones you love.

Collaborate with Other Romance Authors

One of the greatest strengths of the romance writing world is how collaborative it is. Romance authors cheer each other on, lift each other up, and know that readers don’t read just one book, they read hundreds.

Collaboration is not only free, it’s one of the fastest ways to grow your audience.

Ways to Collaborate

• Newsletter Swaps
  • You feature another author’s book in your newsletter, and they feature yours. There are Facebook groups for this, or check out Bookclicker, which is free.
  • Great for cross-pollinating audiences who love the same tropes, heat levels, or subgenres.
  • Tools like StoryOrigin or BookFunnel (both offer free tiers) help organize swaps easily.
• Social Media Shoutouts
  • Share each other’s cover reveals, sales, or fun bookish posts.
  • Do joint TikToks, Instagram Lives, or Facebook chats to introduce your audience to each other.
  • Create a shared hashtag or reel trend together.
• Group Giveaways
  • Pool together with a few authors to offer a prize bundle (ebooks, reader swag, gift cards).
  • Each author promotes it to their readers, massively increasing the reach for everyone.
  • Use free tools like Google Forms to collect entries.
• Anthologies or Box Sets
  • Collaborate on a themed collection such as holiday romances, small town, grumpy/sunshine, etc.
  • Anthologies often reach new readers who then seek out your individual books.
  • Free if you stick to digital-only releases and divide tasks (editing, formatting, covers) among the group.

Check out Tender and Tempting Tales which publishes romance anthologies to see their guidelines and calls for submissions.

• Joint Events and Takeovers
  • Host a takeover day together in a reader group.
  • Run a Facebook event for a trope party (e.g., “Enemies-to-Lovers Bash”) with multiple authors posting games and teasers.
  • Coordinate release day parties where you each share a time slot.
• How to Find Author Collaborators
  • Join author Facebook groups or Discord servers.
  • Engage in online romance writing communities (like #RomanceWriter on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok).
  • Reach out to authors whose books align with yours in trope, tone, or heat level.
  • Post here at Write With Harte

Quick Tip: The best collaborations happen when you’re generous first. Share another author’s post. Recommend their book. Cheer their success. People remember kindness and often return it.

Cross-Promote with Reader-Influencers 

You don’t have to go viral on TikTok yourself to benefit from it. You can partner with the people who already have influence in the bookish world. (This is how most of the big romance authors of today from Colleen Hoover to Rebecca Yarros went viral). Reader-influencers (BookTokers, Bookstagrammers, BookTubers, Goodreads reviewers, and book bloggers) have built engaged communities of readers who trust their recommendations.

Many of these influencers are romance super-fans who genuinely love supporting indie authors often for nothing more than a free book and a chance to fangirl over their next favorite read.

Why Work with Reader-Influencers?

• Highly targeted audiences. Their followers are readers, exactly the people you want to reach.
• Trusted voices. Followers trust influencers’ book recs more than ads or algorithm-driven suggestions.
• Free exposure. Many micro-influencers (those with smaller but loyal followings) happily work with indie authors in exchange for ARCs or special access—not money.

Where to Find Them

• TikTok: Search hashtags like #BookTok, #RomanceBookTok, or trope-specific tags like #GrumpySunshineBooks.
• Instagram (Bookstagram): Look for accounts using #RomanceReader, #Bookstagrammer, or #SpicyReads.
• Goodreads: Look for reviewers who frequently read and review books in your subgenre.
• Book Blogs: Check blog directories or romance-focused blogs that review indie romance.
• Facebook Reader Groups: Some group admins are also influencers on other platforms.

How to Reach Out 

• Follow them first. Engage with their posts authentically, comment, like, share.
• Send a friendly DM or email. Keep it casual and polite:
  • Compliment their content (“I love your trope recommendation videos. I’ve added so many books to my TBR!”).
  • Offer your book as an ARC or gift copy if they’re interested.
  • Mention your genre/tropes so they know if it fits their audience.
• Respect boundaries. If they say no or aren’t open to reviews right now, thank them anyway and stay connected.

Ways to Collaborate (Beyond Reviews)

• Cover reveals. Let them post your cover before the public sees it.
• Exclusive excerpts. Share a spicy scene, first chapter, or character intro.
• Q&A or “Meet the Author” features.
• Themed posts. Collaborate on content like “5 Enemies-to-Lovers Books You Need” featuring your book alongside others.

How to Sweeten the Deal

• Offer them exclusive bonus content (like character art or signed digital bookmarks).
• Share their posts with your audience to help boost them in return.
• Host a joint giveaway where both your audiences can enter.

Quick Tip: Start with micro-influencers, those with smaller, niche followings. They often have higher engagement and are more open to indie authors than large, highly commercial accounts.

Offer Reader Bonuses and Swag Digitally 

Readers love feeling like they’re getting something extra whether it’s a peek behind the curtain or a cute keepsake from their favorite fictional world. And you don’t need to shell out for physical bookmarks, stickers, or merch to give readers something special. Digital swag is free to create, easy to share, and readers absolutely adore it.

What Kind of Digital Swag Can You Offer?

• Phone Wallpapers: Quotes, book covers, mood boards, or character art formatted for phones.
• Printable Bookmarks: Beautiful designs with your book covers, quotes, or tropes.
• TBR Trackers or Reading Challenge Sheets: Create romance-themed reading trackers.
• Trope Bingo Cards: Let readers check off favorite tropes from your book (or any romance they read!).
• Character Art, Mood Boards, or Aesthetic Collages: These are highly shareable and help readers fall in love with your world.
• Exclusive Bonus Content:
  • Epilogues, bonus scenes, deleted scenes.
  • Character Q&As, interviews, or backstories.
• Thank-You Cards or Certificates: A cute “Thanks for reading!” PDF or printable gift.

How to Create It (Free Tools!)

• Canva (Free Tier): User-friendly templates for everything from bookmarks to phone wallpapers.
• BookFunnel (Free Tier) or StoryOrigin: Host downloadable content for easy delivery.
• Google Drive/Dropbox: Simple and free for sharing links to printables or PDFs.

How to Share It

• Offer it as a reader magnet to grow your email list.
• Share in reader groups, takeover events, or social media posts as a surprise bonus.
• Add a “Free Extras” page to your website.
• Use it as a thank-you gift after a book release, giveaway, or newsletter signup.

Why Readers Love It

• It deepens their connection to your story and characters.
• It feels like an insider reward, something not everyone has.
• It makes readers more likely to talk about your books online. (Hello, free word-of-mouth marketing!)

Pro Tip: Even simple, pretty graphics can feel special. You don’t have to be a designer. Clean, clear, and on-brand is all you need. Canva templates are your best friend.

Engage in Book Promotion Sites with Free Options 

Book promotion sites aren’t just for paid ads and pricey promos. Many offer free tools and opportunities that can help you grow your email list, connect with new readers, and boost your visibility.

How Free Book Promotion Sites Help You

• Grow your newsletter. Share your reader magnet in group promos.
• Reach new readers. Readers browse these sites looking for books in their favorite genres and tropes.
• Collaborate easily. Join group giveaways or newsletter swaps.
• Test the waters. See what kinds of promos work for you before investing in paid advertising.

Best Free (or Free-Tier) Book Promotion Platforms

• BookFunnel: Free plan lets you share a reader magnet and join some group promos.
• StoryOrigin: Free tier includes newsletter swaps, reader magnet delivery, and review copy distribution.
• Prolific Works: Free basic plan lets you offer giveaways to readers looking for free reads.
• BookSprout: Share advance review copies (ARCs) to gather reviews—free up to a certain number of reviewers.
• BookBub Author Profile: : Free to set up! While ads and featured deals cost money, simply claiming your profile lets readers follow you and get alerts for new releases.

How to Use These Sites for Free Marketing

• Offer a reader magnet. Join a group promo like “Spicy Romance Starter Pack” or “Summer Romance Freebies.”
• Set up newsletter swaps. Trade newsletter mentions with other authors in your genre.
• Share ARC copies for reviews. Use BookSprout or StoryOrigin to distribute copies in exchange for honest reviews.
• Participate in group promotions. Pool together with other authors to promote themed bundles (e.g., tropes like enemies-to-lovers or holidays like Valentine’s Day).

Make It Work for You

• Focus on promos that align with your genre, tropes, and heat level, quality readers are better than quantity.
• Add your promo links everywhere: your website, social bios, and reader groups.
• Track what works (e.g., which promos bring the most signups) so you can do more of what’s effective.

ProTip: Start with one platform (BookFunnel or StoryOrigin are both beginner-friendly) and join one group promo per month. Small, consistent steps grow your reader base over time.

Encourage and Leverage Reader Reviews 

Reviews are one of the most powerful (and completely free) marketing tools available to authors. Whether it’s on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, or TikTok, reader reviews provide social proof, reassuring potential readers that your book is worth their time and money.

The best part? Getting and using reviews doesn’t require a big budget, just thoughtful strategies and a little consistency. Check out this post on getting reviews for a deeper dive.

How to Encourage Readers to Leave Reviews 

• Ask Directly in Your Book (Note that Amazon Kindle automatically adds a CTA for a review at the end of your book):
  Add a short note at the end like:
  “If you enjoyed this story, the best gift you can give an author is a quick review. It only takes a minute and helps more readers find this book!” 
• Ask Your Newsletter Subscribers:
  Your subscribers are your biggest fans. Send a thank-you email after release asking for honest reviews.
• Use Reader Magnets or ARCs:
  When delivering a free book or ARC (via BookFunnel or StoryOrigin), include a reminder to leave a review if they enjoyed it.
• Post Gentle Reminders on Social Media:
  Celebrate each review milestone (“We hit 50 reviews—thank you!!”) and ask readers to help reach the next one.

Where to Encourage Reviews

• Amazon – Critical for sales algorithms and visibility.
• Goodreads – Great for discoverability and reader communities.
• BookBub – Reviews here help with future promotions and signal credibility.
• TikTok/Instagram/Facebook – Encourage readers to post a quick “I loved this!” or share their favorite trope or quote from your book.

How to Leverage Reviews for Free Marketing

• Share Review Quotes:
  Turn reader praise into graphics for Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. (“This grumpy/sunshine romance gave me life!”)
• Add to Your Website or Book Page:
  Use a few standout quotes on your homepage, book description, or sales page.
• Celebrate Review Milestones:
  “50 reviews in two weeks—thank you, readers!” This builds excitement and invites more participation.
• Use in Marketing Graphics:
  “Readers are calling it ‘deliciously spicy and addictive!’” works beautifully on social posts.

Quick Tip: Don’t respond to reviews in public (e.g. on Amazon or Goodreads). Reviews are for readers, not authors, and readers don’t like authors butting in, especially if they’re unhappy with a review. However, you can post or send a general “Thank you” to readeres who take the time to review. It shows professionalism, gratitude, and encourages others to review too.

Tap Into Local Opportunities 

When we think of book marketing, we often imagine online ads, social media, and global reach, but don’t underestimate the power of your own backyard. Local connections not only help you sell books but also establish you as the local author, which opens doors you didn’t even know were there.

The best part? Most of these opportunities are free or extremely low-cost, and communities love supporting local creatives.

Local Libraries

• Libraries aren’t just for traditionally published authors. Many are thrilled to feature local indie authors! (I sell more books at library events than almost any other type of in-person event)
• Offer to host:
  • An author talk about your writing journey.
  • A reading from your latest release.
  • A workshop on topics like writing romance, publishing, or even book marketing.
• Libraries often promote these events on their websites, newsletters, and community calendars giving you free visibility.

Local Bookstores

• Independent bookstores often love supporting local authors.
• Even if you primarily publish ebooks or print-on-demand, ask if they:
  • Have a local author shelf.
  • Would host a book signing or meet-the-author event.
  • Are open to placing a few consignment copies of your paperback.
• Pro Tip: Romance sells better when paired with a fun angle. Try framing it as a “Sip & Swoon Romance Night” or a “Fall in Love With Local Authors” event.

Community Events

• Check for farmers markets, festivals, craft fairs, or holiday bazaars in your area.
• Many have affordable booths for local creators and you don’t need to lug tons of inventory. Bring:
  • A few paperback copies (if you have them).
  • Business cards or bookmarks with links to your books.
  • A signup sheet for your newsletter, offering a freebie for joining.
• These events are also great for networking

Local Media

• Small-town papers, regional magazines, and local radio love feel-good stories about hometown authors.
• Send a simple press release about:
  • Your book launch.
  • An upcoming event (library talk, signing, workshop).
  • Your story as an author, especially if you have a unique hook (“Local teacher turns romance author” or “Former lawyer writes steamy beach reads”).
• Tip: Pair your press release with a great author photo and a short description of your book. Consider making a media onesheet to be more professional.

Pro Tip: Start small. Visit your local library, indie bookstore, or community center and introduce yourself. You’ll be surprised how often the answer is “Yes, we’d love to have you!”

Appear on Podcasts, YouTube Channels, and Book Blogs 

One thing about builiding your platform, is that no one will find it or follow you until they know about  you. Reaching out to readers through the resources they use is a great why to invite them back to your platform.

Podcasts, YouTube channels, and book blogs are absolute gold for free promotion. These creators are always looking for new guests, fresh voices, and interesting conversations.

Appearing on these platforms helps you connect with readers in a deeper way. They get to hear your voice (and sometimes see you), learn about your writing process, fall in love with your personality, and become interested in reading your books.

Why This Works

• Built-in audiences. These shows already have listeners or viewers who are avid readers.
• Longer shelf life. Podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and blog interviews stick around much longer than social media posts. (Here’s a blog interview I did back in 2015…still posted!)
• Builds trust. Hearing your voice or seeing your face creates a personal connection. Readers are more likely to buy from someone they feel they know.

Where to Find Opportunities

• Bookish Podcasts: Look for reader-focused shows (like Fated Mates, Smart Bitches Trashy Books)
• Author YouTube Channels: Many indie authors host channels where they interview other writers about craft, marketing, or books.
• Book Blogs: Romance bloggers often feature author interviews, guest posts, or spotlight new releases.
• Smaller/Indie Shows: Don’t overlook smaller podcasts or new YouTubers—they often have highly engaged audiences and are more open to indie authors.

How to Pitch Yourself 

• Keep it simple. Send a polite email or DM that includes:
  • Who you are: “I’m a romance author who writes grumpy/sunshine small-town romance with a dash of humor.”
  • Why you’d be a good guest: Mention a relevant topic, recent release, or fun hook (“I’d love to talk about why readers are obsessed with the forced proximity trope.”)
  • What you can offer: An engaging conversation about writing, publishing, or romance tropes. You might even offer a book giveaway to one of the show’s listeners.
• Keep it short, friendly, and personalized. Mention if you’re a listener/viewer or enjoyed a recent episode.

What to Talk About

• Your writing journey.
• The tropes you love (and write!).
• Behind-the-scenes of your latest book.
• Fun stories about being an indie author.
• Your thoughts on romance, publishing, or reader trends.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re nervous, remember, this isn’t just promo. It’s a conversation. Approach it like chatting with fellow book lover and you’ll come across as genuine, engaging, and relatable.

Author marketing has so many moving parts. It can feel a little bit like plate spinning. To help, especially with content marketing, create a marketing calendar. You might consider getting a marketing planner, such as the Author Social Media and Community Building Planner.

Do you have other free ways to promote your book? Let me know in the comments below!