You’ve written the book. You’ve pressed publish. Now you’re ready to share your story with the world. Cue the eBook promotion!

At Written Word Media, we’ve seen thousands of authors run successful promotions across Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Reader Reach Ads, and more. And we’ve also seen a few common missteps that can limit your promo’s potential.

But don’t worry—these aren’t dealbreakers. In fact, consider this blog post your backstage pass to a better book launch. Let’s walk through five common promo pitfalls—and how you can turn each one into a powerful marketing win.

1. Sending Readers to a Page That Doesn’t Convert

Why It Happens:

You’ve invested in a promo and driven readers to your Amazon page—yay! But if that page isn’t ready to impress, you may not get the downloads or sales you hoped for. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about making the most of your promo dollars by ensuring your book page is working with you, not against you.

How to Fix It: 

Start by making sure your cover and blurb are doing the heavy lifting:

• Does your cover match your genre?
  A thriller should look like a thriller. A cozy mystery should feel like a warm cup of tea. Browse top books in your category—does yours look like it belongs on the same shelf? Genre resonance helps readers quickly recognize that your book is exactly what they’re looking for.
• Does your description hook the reader right away?
  Think of your book blurb as the handshake before a first date. It should intrigue, excite, and give a clear sense of tone and stakes—all in just a few lines.

A quick polish on your book page can make a huge difference when new readers are deciding whether to click that “Buy” or “Download” button.

2. Picking the Wrong Price (or Not Updating It in Time)

Why It Happens:

Life is busy. And between pricing updates and promo scheduling, it’s easy to forget to double-check that your book is free for a Freebooksy promo or $5 or under for Bargain Booksy.

Why It Matters: 

We aim to make a high-intent match between readers and books. When a reader clicks on a promo, they expect the price they were promised. If it’s not right, the experience can be frustrating, and that can lead to fewer downloads or sales.

How to Fix It:

• Make sure your price is correctly set the day before your promo starts (we recommend adjusting the price in your dashboard at least 24 hours early to account for time zones and retailer lag).
  
• Choose the right pricing strategy for your goals:
  Want to boost rankings and widen your audience? Go with a free promo and aim for big download volume.
  Looking to make some revenue and recoup ad spend? Choose a bargain promo and target the sweet spot for impulse buys.

And don’t worry—our team checks every single promo before it runs. If something’s off, we’ll reach out. But things go smoother (and more stress-free) when you’ve got the pricing aligned in advance.

3. Losing Momentum Between Promos

Why It Happens:

You pour energy into setting up a Promo Stack—maybe even run a few ads—and then… pause. Totally understandable! Life happens. But momentum matters.

Why It Matters:

Consistency creates discoverability. You’re building reader recognition and feeding the Amazon algorithm every time you promote your book. It’s a lot easier to climb the mountain when you’re already halfway up, rather than starting fresh every time.

How to Fix It: 

Think in terms of cadence and rhythm. Find a promotional schedule that works for you—maybe it’s every 30 days, maybe every quarter. Just keep in mind: we require at least 30 days between promos on the same site, so planning ahead will help you keep the flywheel turning. When you find a groove that works, stick with it. Your backlist (and your sales chart) will thank you.

Even repeating the same promotion can be incredibly effective. Readers come and go, timing changes, and promotions often perform better over time as your book’s visibility grows. Visibility is a long game. It’s easier to build on momentum than to start from scratch every time.

4. Avoiding Ads Because They Feel Overwhelming

Why It Happens: 

Facebook Ads? Amazon Ads? Targeting, creative, copywriting… It’s a lot. And if you’re already juggling writing, editing, and marketing, learning an ad platform from scratch might not feel doable.

Why It Matters: 

Ads are an incredible complement to email promotions. They keep your book in front of readers beyond the inbox and help you sustain visibility, especially during and after a promo week.

How to Fix It: 

You don’t have to go it alone. With Reader Reach Ads, we manage everything for you:

• Professionally designed images
• Compelling ad copy
• Data-driven targeting
• Ongoing optimization

It’s full-service ad management—without the agency price tag. Let us handle the ads so you can focus on your next chapter (literally).

5. Not Promoting Your Promo (Before, During, or After)

Why It Happens: 

You’ve booked a promo, so you might think your job is done. But here’s the truth: your readers want to hear from you, too. Not only that, but you’ve already shelled out the money for an email promo. It’s well worth the time and effort to amplify the promotion to your existing audience. 

Why It Matters: 

Your existing audience is already primed to support you—they just need to know something’s happening! And who doesn’t love a sale?! A little extra visibility from your end can give your promo a nice boost.

How to Fix It: 

Marketing isn’t just about the promo day—it’s about what you do before and after. Don’t be shy—shout it from the rooftops (or at least your newsletter and socials):

Before and During Your Promo:

• Announce the deal in your newsletter (e.g., “My book is $0.99 this week on Bargain Booksy—get it before it’s gone!”)
• Ask readers to spread the word (they love to help)

After Your Promo:

• Follow up with a thank-you post or email
• Tease what’s coming next: another promo, a new release, a sequel?

A little planning and engagement can go a long way. Treat your promo like a celebration and your readers will show up to the party! 

The Final Word: Your Promo Is Part of a Bigger Story

You’re not just running a promotion. You’re building a career. A readership. A legacy.

These “mistakes” aren’t really mistakes—they’re learning opportunities. And every promo you run is a chance to get sharper, smarter, and more strategic.

At Written Word Media, we’re here to help you turn every Promo into progress. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we’re in your corner, cheering you on and making sure your story gets the spotlight it deserves.

The post 5 Mistakes Authors Make When Running eBook Promotions (and How to Fix Them) appeared first on Written Word Media.

Think of them as your book’s online dating profile. If something feels off—whether it’s the wrong “vibe” or mismatched expectations—your reader will swipe left faster than you can say once upon a time.

So how do you make sure your book connects with the right readers? Let’s dig into the factors that make a book cover and blurb convert—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes many authors make.

First Things First: Genre is Everything

Here’s the deal: your book cover and blurb must align with your genre. This is non-negotiable.

Readers are savvy. They know what to expect from a fantasy novel versus a cozy mystery. If your book doesn’t look like it belongs in their favorite category, they’ll move on—no matter how brilliant your writing is.

Genre Breakdown: What Should Your Book Look and Sound Like?

Let’s break this down with some easy-to-follow guidelines for a variety of genres.

Fantasy

Cover: Bold, epic fonts. Dark moody colors, dragons, swords, magical symbols, cloaked figures. Think quests, kingdoms, and ancient relics.

Blurb Language: The language in a fantasy novel blurb should be immersive, evocative, and compelling—drawing the reader into the world of the story while highlighting the stakes and conflicts.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Use vivid, atmospheric language.
• Lean into the lore—readers love a well-built world.
• Highlight the central conflict, especially if it involves power, prophecy, or peril.

Sample phrases:

• “A kingdom on the brink of war,”
• “an ancient power awakens,”
• “a reluctant hero must rise.”

Mystery/Thriller

Cover: Dark, minimalist, sharp fonts. Shadows, fog, clues, sometimes stark pops of color. Red string and corkboard energy.

Blurb Language: In mystery and thriller blurbs, tension is everything. You’re setting up intrigue and suspense, so your language should be crisp, punchy, and full of unanswered questions.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Emphasize urgency and stakes.
• Introduce the central puzzle or crime.
• Tease, don’t tell—leave the reader hungry for resolution.

Sample phrases:

• “A chilling murder,”
• “a detective racing against time,”
• “a dark secret uncovered.”

Romance

Cover: Bright, illustrated, or intimate photographic covers are popular across many romance subgenres. Soft pastels tend to signal sweet or wholesome romance, while deep reds, rich tones, and moodier lighting often hint at steamier reads.

Blurb Language: Romance blurbs should be emotional and evocative, capturing the chemistry, conflict, and connection between your protagonists. Whether you’re writing sweet or spicy, the focus is on feelings.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Highlight the emotional journey.
• Spotlight what brings the couple together—and what could keep them apart.
• Give a hint of heat (or heart).

Sample phrases:

• “A heartwarming story of second chances,”
• “their chemistry was undeniable,”
• “a love neither expected.”

Note: Romance is a broad genre with many beloved subgenres—romantic comedies, mafia romance, historical romance, dark romance, LGBTQ+ romance, and more. Each has its own visual and tonal language. A cartoon heart on a rom-com might charm readers, but it would confuse fans expecting high-stakes passion or taboo tropes. Always research your specific subgenre to make sure your cover and blurb speak directly to that audience.

Horror

Cover: Dark, eerie tones with creepy fonts. Imagery like foggy forests, haunted houses, ominous shadows, and unsettling silhouettes.

Blurb Language: Horror blurbs should evoke dread and curiosity. They play with fear—of the unknown, the supernatural, or the human psyche—and tease the horrors waiting within the pages.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Set a foreboding tone from the start.
• Use sensory, unsettling details.
• Leave the reader wondering what lies beneath the surface.

Sample phrases:

• “A town gripped by terror,”
• “a secret buried deep—and dying to be found,”
• “she never should have opened the door.”

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)

Cover: Futuristic fonts, spaceships, galaxies, advanced tech. Blue, black, metallic tones. Expect stars, circuits, and speculation.

Blurb Language: Sci-fi blurbs should balance world-building with human stakes. Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or future Earth, keep the language forward-thinking and high-stakes.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Advanced technology, alien civilizations, time travel, or dystopian futures.
• Big ideas: survival, identity, rebellion, innovation.
• Grounded characters facing cosmic consequences.

Sample phrases:

• “In a world where AI rules,”
• “the last hope for humanity,”
• “a mission to save the future.”

Young Adult (YA)

Cover: Bright, dynamic, sometimes illustrated. Often character-driven, with a teen protagonist front and center. Expect energy and emotion.

Blurb Language: YA blurbs should reflect the immediacy of teen life—emotions that feel larger than life, with a voice that’s fresh, authentic, and accessible.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Themes of identity, growth, or rebellion.
• Firsts—first love, first heartbreak, first major choices.
• A clear personal or external challenge the protagonist must face.

Sample phrases:

• “A coming-of-age story,”
• “first love, first heartbreak,”
• “one girl’s fight to change her world.”

Children’s

Cover: Colorful, whimsical, and full of charm. Large fonts, cute characters, animals, fun illustrations that spark curiosity and joy.

Blurb Language: For children’s books, blurbs should be simple, cheerful, and imaginative. Whether the book is educational or entertaining (or both), speak to the sense of wonder and fun.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Address the reader or parent directly.
• Emphasize learning, adventure, or bedtime snuggles.
• Keep the tone light, warm, and full of joy.

Sample phrases:

• “A delightful adventure for little ones,”
• “perfect for bedtime,”
• “teaching kindness and courage.”

Cookbooks

Cover: Clean, crisp, with mouth-watering food photography. Minimalist titles, inviting layouts, and a dash of delicious design.

Blurb Language: Cookbooks blurbs should be practical and enticing—highlighting ease, flavor, and the type of cook who’ll benefit from the recipes inside.

Here’s how to approach it:

• What kind of meals or cuisine it focuses on.
• The skill level required.
• What makes this cookbook stand out (speed? health? comfort food?).

Sample phrases:

• “Easy weeknight dinners,”
• “a step-by-step guide to delicious meals,”
• “perfect for home cooks of all levels.”

Self-Help & How-To

Cover: Minimalist, bold titles with a calm, inviting color palette. Clean lines and clarity that speak to personal growth.

Blurb Language: Whether it’s mindset, money, or mastering a skill, these blurbs should be motivational, actionable, and full of promise. Think results-oriented, but still grounded in empathy.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Clearly state the transformation or benefit.
• Offer a glimpse of the method or approach.
• Speak directly to the reader’s needs or aspirations.

Sample phrases:

• “Learn how to transform your life,”
• “practical tips for daily success,” 
• “a guide to better living.”

 Historical Fiction

Cover: Elegant fonts, vintage color palettes, textured backgrounds. Often features period-appropriate imagery like old letters, war relics, or classic silhouettes.

Blurb Language: Historical fiction blurbs should blend emotion with authenticity—transporting readers to another time while connecting them with the characters’ emotional journeys.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Specify the time period and setting.
• Introduce the protagonist’s personal struggle.
• Weave in real events or cultural moments when possible.

Sample phrases:

• “A sweeping tale set in [era],”
• “a forbidden love during wartime,”
• “a journey through history’s darkest hours.”

Why Genre Research is Your Secret Weapon

Before you hit publish, study the bestsellers in your category. Your goal is to blend in enough to meet reader expectations but stand out just enough to grab attention.

Questions to ask as you research:

• What do the top book covers in my genre look like?
• What kinds of words and phrases keep appearing in the blurbs?
• What emotions or promises are these covers and blurbs conveying?
• If my book were sitting on a shelf next to these, would it look like it belongs?

The Book Cover and Blurb Alignment Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to review before you publish:

• Cover Design: Does your design clearly signal your genre?
• Blurb Language: Are you using genre-specific phrases and themes readers expect?
• Tone: Does your book match the emotional journey your readers are craving?
• Comparison: Can you say, “If you like [genre], you’ll love this book”?

If you can confidently say “yes” to all of the above, you’re on the right track.

Tools to Help You Get It Right

If this all feels like a lot, you’re not alone. Many authors struggle to nail down the right look and feel, especially on their first book or when trying a new genre.

That’s why Written Word Media offers tools like:

• Email promotions to get your book in front of readers looking for exactly your genre.
• Reader Reach Ads to target readers who already love books like yours.

And suppose you’re launching a new book and want expert guidance on everything from genre positioning to promo strategy. In that case, our NewInBooks Book Launch Packages give you a dedicated launch specialist to help every step of the way. Because you should be writing—not guessing at cover design trends.

Final Thoughts: The Reader Is Ready—Are You?

You’ve done the hardest part—writing a book worth reading. Now, make sure readers can recognize that it’s for them.

Click-worthy covers and blurbs aren’t about tricking readers. They’re about making sure the right readers find you.

When your book looks and sounds like it belongs, readers are far more likely to give it a shot—and click that magic “Buy Now” button.

The post The Click Factor: What Makes a Book Cover and Blurb Convert? appeared first on Written Word Media.

Whether you’re a coach, a consultant, a memoirist, or a niche expert with a story to tell, we’re sharing real-world advice to help you rise above the crowd and actually connect with your readers.

Here’s a recap of the key insights from Sarah’s session. Grab your favorite highlighter and notebook — there’s gold in here.

Don’t Start with “Bestseller” as Your Goal

Yes, bestseller status is shiny. But chasing it often leads to short-term, unsustainable strategies. Instead, try to:

• Start with the end in mind. What do you really want your book to do? Generate leads? Build your brand? Get you speaking gigs?

• Write with purpose. Your book isn’t just about you — it’s for your reader. Focus on the transformation you’re offering them.

“Your book might be about you, but it’s not for you.” – Sarah Bean

Know Your Reader — Like, Really Know Them

Spoiler alert: Your reader isn’t everyone.

Move beyond vague demographics. Instead, dig deep:

• What are your readers struggling with?

• Where do they hang out (online and off)?

• What have they tried already that didn’t work?

• How do they talk about their problems?

The better you understand your readers, the more your book will feel like it was written just for them.

Nail Your Hook — Before You Write a Word

Your “hook” is the magnetic message that makes people say, “I need this book.” And it should answer this sequence:

• A: What’s the problem your reader is facing?

• B: What’s your unique solution?

• C: What’s the outcome of the outcome?

For example, a book on financial freedom isn’t just about budgeting — it’s about the freedom to travel, to quit that 9–5, to finally sleep well at night. That’s what you’re really selling.

Use Your Book’s Assets as Sales Tools

It’s not just your content that matters — it’s how you present it.

• Title & Subtitle: Short, memorable, and SEO-friendly.

• Cover: It needs to pop as a thumbnail. Think contrast, clarity, and emotion.

• Table of Contents: Each chapter title should spark curiosity and highlight a benefit.

Your Amazon “Look Inside” preview? That’s prime real estate. Use it to sell the transformation.

Get Platform-Ready: Build Your Author Assets

Want to attract media, endorsements, or influencers? Then prep like the pro you are. Here’s Sarah’s checklist:

Website (even a simple one)
Social media presence
Lead magnet + mailing list
Editorial + reader reviews
Media kit
Videos of you speaking or presenting (yes, even on Zoom!)

Be ready when opportunity knocks — and have your virtual “headshots in the car.”

Leverage Other People’s Audiences

Don’t just build your own audience — borrow others (ethically, of course).

• Create a “dream list” of influencers, podcasters, and community leaders in your niche.

• Follow and engage with them before you pitch.

• Look for ways to offer value (share their content, recommend their work).

• When you reach out, be clear on what you want: a blurb, a podcast invite, a social post.

It’s a long game — relationships come first, the ask comes later.

Final Takeaway: Build First, Then Brag

Authors often think: “Once my book is out, I’ll start marketing.” But your marketing needs to start before the first word is written. Don’t wait for opportunity to knock. Set out the welcome mat. Robert Belle did just that. A numbers guy by trade, Robert is an accountant who dared to do something unexpected — he wrote a book about creativity. His goal? To help other professionals (yes, even the spreadsheet-loving ones) reconnect with their creative spark and let it fuel their careers.

His book, Blow the Lid Off: Reclaim Your Stolen Creativity, Increase Your Income, and Let Your Light Shine!, didn’t just sit quietly on a shelf. Because Robert had put in the prep work — building a website, creating resources, and thinking deeply about his message — he was ready when a major opportunity came calling: a TED Global Talk.

Not just TEDx. The big leagues.

And because he was prepared — because he built it — his talk was selected, went live, and garnered over two million views in its first year. His book sales surged. His inbox started filling up with leads. And most importantly, his message got out there.

The moral of the story? Your book is a calling card. But your brand — your platform, your prep, your perspective — is what opens the door.

So write the book. Build the funnel. Polish the pitch. Even if the “what’s next” feels uncertain.

Because when the moment comes — and it will — you’ll be ready to shine.

Bonus Resource from Sarah

Want to dive deeper? Download the free audiobook version of Self-Promote and Succeed by Book Launchers founder Julie Broad at selfpromoteandsucceed.com/audio.

Want More Content Like This?

Register for our next Speaker Series! Each month we host live Speaker Series sessions with book marketing and self publishing experts. Anyone can join the live sessions and Gold & Platinum Members can watch the recordings any time!

The post How to Stand Out in the Crowded Nonfiction Market appeared first on Written Word Media.

In a recent Written Word Media Speaker Series, we sat down with Rossana Corniel, Head of Marketing Communications at Booksprout, to dive into strategies for building reader relationships and running impactful review campaigns.

Why Reviews Matter More Than You Think

Rossana kicked things off by breaking down why book reviews are critical to an author’s success.

• A 1-star increase on Amazon can boost sales by 5–9% (according to Harvard research).
• Readers rely on reviews to decide if your book is worth their time—books require a commitment, unlike a vacuum or a pair of shoes.
• SEO & discoverability—reviews help surface your book in Amazon and Google searches.
• Some promotional platforms require a minimum number of reviews to apply.

In short, reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential to your book’s visibility and long-term success.

How to Get More (and Better) Reviews

Getting reviews isn’t just about asking for them—it’s about setting your book up for success. Here are three must-haves for attracting high-quality reviews.

1. Make Sure Your Book is Ready

• Bad reviews often come from avoidable issues like typos and grammar mistakes → Hire a proofreader
• Plot holes and underdeveloped characters → Use beta readers
• Formatting issues → Check your eBook and print formatting before release

Pro Tip: A single typo won’t tank your book, but consistent quality issues will hurt your reputation.

2. Target the Right Readers

Ever received a review that said, “Too spicy!” or “Aliens shouldn’t fall in love with humans”? These are signs your book reached the wrong audience.

To avoid this:

• Market your book accurately—make sure your cover, blurb, and categories match your genre.
• Be transparent—if your book contains graphic violence, sensitive topics, or cliffhangers, let readers know upfront.
• Build an email list of engaged readers who genuinely love your genre.

3. Actively Ask for Reviews

Don’t assume readers will automatically leave a review. Most won’t—unless you ask.

How to encourage reviews:

• Add a request for reviews in your book’s front and back matter.
• Mention it in your newsletter and social media.
• Use reader engagement strategies—thank reviewers publicly and build relationships with them.

Finding and Connecting with Your Ideal Readers

So, where do you find the readers most likely to love (and review) your book? Rossana shared some go-to strategies:

• Join reader groups on Facebook, Goodreads, and Discord.
• Use genre-specific hashtags on Instagram and TikTok.
• Build an engaged email list over time.
• Leverage book influencers—reach out to those who already love books like yours.

Pro Tip: Look at what best-selling books in your genre are doing—what keywords do they use? How do their blurbs sound? Model success.

3 Ways to Get Reviews

There are three primary ways to get reviews:

1. Organic Reviews

Readers who finish your book might leave a review, but only about 5% of them actually do.
How to increase your odds:

• Add a review request at the end of your book.
• Gently remind readers in newsletters and on social media.
• Make them feel like their review matters.

2. Targeted Review Campaigns

For more proactive review gathering, try these strategies:

• ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) teams—recruit a launch team to read and review your book before it’s live.
• Influencer outreach—send free copies to book reviewers in your genre.
• Book review platforms like Booksprout, BookSirens, and NetGalley can connect you with readers ready to leave feedback.

3. Review Services

Book review services like Booksprout help authors distribute free copies to vetted readers in exchange for an honest review.

• Automated reminders ensure readers actually leave reviews.
• Saves time by connecting you with engaged reviewers instead of chasing them down.

How to Use Reviews in Your Marketing

Once you have great reviews, use them! Here’s how:

• Pull quotes for ads—”A gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat!”
• Highlight them on social media—feature a review in an Instagram story or TikTok post.
• Include them in your book description—Amazon lets you add editorial reviews in your listing.
• Use them for PR and pitches—bloggers and media outlets love strong endorsements.

Pro Tip: Even bad reviews can work in your favor. If someone complains, “This book was too spicy,” lean into it—that’s exactly what your target audience wants!

Final Takeaways: Building a Review Strategy That Works

• Know your audience—focus on your ideal readers.
• Ensure your book is review-ready—typos and plot holes kill credibility.
• Ask for reviews—if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
• Use ARC teams and review platforms—get proactive, not passive.
• Leverage your best reviews—they’re gold for marketing.

P.S. – Another Great Way to Get Reviews

Running a Freebooksy email promo can be another great way to get reviews! When you make your book free for a limited time and promote it to our huge community of engaged readers, you increase the chances of getting more downloads—and more downloads mean more reviews.

Ready to get your book in front of the right audience? Schedule a Freebooksy Promotion today!

Want More Content Like This?

Register for our next Speaker Series! Each month we host live Speaker Series sessions with book marketing and self publishing experts. Anyone can join the live sessions and Gold & Platinum Members can watch the recordings any time!

The post From Readers to Reviews: Unlocking the Secret to Positive Feedback appeared first on Written Word Media.

1. Editing: The Non-Negotiable Investment

Before your book hits the shelves (or e-readers), it needs to be polished. Editing ensures your prose shines and avoids embarrassing typos.

• Developmental Editing: Focuses on big-picture elements like plot, pacing, and character development. Costs vary but can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on your manuscript’s length.
• Copyediting and Proofreading: Hones in on grammar, syntax, and consistency. Budget $0.01–$0.03 per word.

Tip: To save money, ask beta readers to provide initial feedback before hiring a professional editor.

2. Cover Design: Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover—But Everyone Will

Your cover is your book’s first impression. A professional cover design can cost between $200 and $1,500. Remember, genre-specific covers resonate best with readers.

Pro Tip: Check out platforms like 99designs or hire a designer who specializes in book covers on a marketplace like Reedsy.

3. Formatting: The Devil Is in the Details

Formatting your book for print and eBook distribution ensures it looks professional. DIY tools like Vellum can cost around $250 for unlimited use, or hire a formatter for $50–$500 per project.

4. Marketing: Reaching Your Readers

Once your book is ready, you’ll need to let the world know it exists. Here’s a breakdown:

• Email Promotions: Platforms like Freebooksy or Bargain Booksy help authors target readers who are actively looking for books in your genre. Costs start around $40.
• Reader Reach Ads: Written Word Media offers ad management for authors, helping you reach your ideal audience. Packages start at $299 and include targeted ads, newsletters, and more​.
• Social Media Ads: If you’re managing ads yourself, plan to spend at least $50–$150 per campaign for platforms like Facebook or Amazon.

Budgeting tip: Allocate 20-30% of your budget to marketing to ensure your book finds its readers.

5. Additional Costs to Consider

• ISBNs and Barcodes: Can be useful for self-publishing, these can cost $125+.
• Author Website: A simple site on platforms like Squarespace or WordPress might cost $100–$300 annually.
• Miscellaneous Costs: Consider items like ARCs (advance reader copies), giveaways, or attending book festivals.

6. Budget Example: Self-Publishing a 60,000-Word Novel

7. Plan, Prioritize, Publish

If your budget feels tight, prioritize tasks based on what will directly impact your book’s success. A professional cover and editing are must-haves. For marketing, Written Word Media offers cost-effective solutions tailored to indie authors that can help maximize your budget while reaching the right readers.

Budgeting may not be the most glamorous part of your author journey, but it’s one of the most important. With careful planning, you’ll be well on your way to seeing your book out in the world—and into readers’ hands.

Ready to promote your book? Check out Written Word Media’s author services for effective and affordable options!

The post How to Budget for Your Book: A Guide for Authors appeared first on Written Word Media.

Whether you’re just getting started on your first book or you’re a seasoned indie veteran, this data will help you understand the trends shaping indie publishing in 2024. So, grab a coffee (or your favorite writing snack) and dig in. 

Table of Contents

1) How Are Authors Publishing in 2024?

2) Motivation & Income 

3) Genres

4) Title Counts

5) Book Formats & Print-On-Demand

6) Cover Design

7) Editing

8) Revenue Channels & KU

9) Author Websites and Direct Sales

10) Pricing Strategies

11) Marketing Insights

12) Email Marketing & List Building Strategies 

13) Sentiment & Community

1) How Are Authors Publishing in 2024?

Results

The indie author community continues to thrive, with 76.2% of respondents identifying as self-published, while 16% described themselves as hybrid authors—meaning they dabble in both self-publishing and traditional routes. Only 7.8% of authors remain fully in the traditionally published camp.

Analysis

Indie publishing has cemented itself as a dominant force. Self-publishing is no longer a “backup plan”—it’s a viable path to success. With so many tools and services available, authors are taking control of their careers and embracing the flexibility that self-publishing offers.

What It Means for You

If you’re considering self-publishing, now is the time! You’re joining a huge community of empowered authors, and there’s no shortage of resources to help you succeed. Whether you want to maintain full creative control or diversify your revenue streams, self-publishing offers the freedom to build your author career on your own terms.

2) Motivation & Income

Motivation for Publishing: What Drives Indie Authors?

Results

When asked about their primary motivation for publishing a book, authors offered a range of responses, with less than half focused on financial goals:

• 42.7% of respondents said, “I want to make money from my book,” highlighting a strong financial drive for many indie authors.
• 19.3% indicated that “I want my story to be told,” showing a significant portion of authors are motivated by sharing their personal or creative narratives.
• 16.7% stated that “writing is a hobby I enjoy,” reflecting the passion and enjoyment they find in the writing process itself.
• 14.7% want to become “a well-known author,” indicating a desire for recognition and status within the literary community.
• 6.8% selected “other,” with a mix of unique or alternative motivations not captured by the main categories.

Analysis

This data highlights that not every author is primarily motivated by financial goals—many are driven by the intrinsic value of storytelling or the joy of writing as a creative outlet. Interestingly, a deeper look into the data shows that authors who specifically stated that their goal was to make money from their writing tend to be higher earners than those with other motivations. This suggests that treating writing like a business and prioritizing financial success can directly impact income levels. Authors with financial goals may approach the process more strategically, investing in marketing, editing, and other areas that help boost sales.

What It Means for You

If you’re writing primarily for the love of the craft, that’s a wonderful place to start—and your passion will resonate with readers! However, if your goal is to increase your earnings from writing, the data suggests it’s beneficial to approach your career with a more business-minded focus. Authors motivated by income tend to see higher returns, likely because they invest in key areas like professional editing, cover design, and marketing.

Income Breakdown: How much Are Authors Earning each month?

Results

While 46% of authors earn $100 or less, the majority—54%—are earning over $100 monthly from their writing. Authors in the $251 – $1,000 range make up 17% of respondents, while the higher income brackets, from $2,501 to over $20,000, account for 17% of respondents.

Analysis

This data highlights a positive trend: while a significant portion of authors are still in the early stages of earning, more than half are generating some income from their writing. The $251 – $1,000 bracket represents a strong starting point for many indie authors, and it suggests that growth is possible as authors refine their strategies. Authors in the higher-income ranges, though fewer in number, demonstrate that there is real earning potential, particularly for those who focus on consistent marketing and building a backlist. The 17% of authors earning between $2,501 and $20,000+ are proof that indie publishing can be a sustainable career with the right approach.

What’s particularly telling, though, is the correlation between an author’s primary motivation and their income. Authors who report that their primary motivation is to make money from their writing tend to fall into the higher income brackets. In contrast, authors who are primarily motivated by passion—such as the 33.8% who publish to “have their story told” or the 27% who view writing as a hobby—may not place as much emphasis on maximizing earnings. As a result, they may be more likely to fall into the lower-income brackets, where the financial returns are modest but the creative rewards are high.

What It Means for You

If your primary goal is to make money from your writing, this data confirms that making money from your writing is possible. If you’re already earning over $100 per month from your writing, you’re on the right track! The next step is scaling up. If you’re currently in the lower brackets, remember that it’s common to start small—but many authors grow their income steadily over time. Every book you publish is an opportunity to reach more readers—and earn more revenue.

If your motivation for writing is driven by creativity or personal fulfillment, don’t be discouraged by lower earnings. Writing for the love of storytelling or as a creative outlet is incredibly rewarding in its own right.

3) Genres

Genre: What Genres Are Indie Authors Writing?

Results

No surprises here—Romance continues to dominate, with 22.7% of authors claiming it as their primary genre. Fantasy comes in second at 12.8%, followed by Science Fiction at 7.5%, and Thriller close behind at 7.3%.

In the higher income brackets (over $2,501 per month), certain genres such as Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, and Romance are more prominent. These genres seem to provide more earning potential, especially in the ‘$10,001 – $20,000’ and ‘More than $20,000’ income ranges.

Analysis

Romance’s dominance isn’t a surprise, but it’s interesting to note how genres like Cozy Mystery and Paranormal Romance gain traction in higher income brackets. This could be because these genres often come with loyal reader bases who are willing to invest in their favorite series or authors. The larger income in these categories may also be attributed to the voracious reading habits of fans within these genres.

What It Means for You

If you write in one of these top genres, you’re in good company! However, don’t be discouraged if your genre isn’t in the top three—niche genres have dedicated readers too. Focus on finding and serving your unique audience, and remember: many authors find great success by targeting specific, underserved readerships.

4) How Many Books Have Authors Published?

Results

The average number of books published by authors in the 2024 survey is 8 books, but this number varies widely depending on how long an author has been writing and their income bracket. Here’s a detailed breakdown by monthly income bracket:

Analysis

There’s a strong correlation between the number of books published and author income. Authors in the highest income brackets are far more prolific, with those earning over $20,000 publishing an average of 61 books. Meanwhile, authors in the lower income brackets have typically published fewer titles, with the $100 or Less group averaging 9 titles.

This suggests that the more books an author publishes, the more likely they are to see increased visibility and revenue. The benefits of having a larger backlist are clear—more books mean more opportunities to capture new readers, run promotions, and cross-sell between titles. Additionally, each new book added to an author’s backlist contributes to their long-tail sales which indie authors often rely on to create consistent income over time.

Having a backlist also makes it easier for authors to experiment with pricing strategies, box sets, or bundles, giving them more ways to maximize their sales potential. Many authors in the higher income brackets have built up substantial backlists, which allows them to take advantage of these strategies and compound their success with each new release.

What It Means for You

Building a backlist takes time, but it’s one of the most important strategies for long-term success in indie publishing. If you’re early in your author journey and haven’t published many books yet, don’t worry—every book you add to your catalog increases your earning potential. Focus on writing regularly and consistently growing your backlist, as each new title offers another chance to reach readers, boost your visibility, and ultimately grow your income.

Additionally, if you’ve already published several books, now’s the time to consider leveraging your backlist. Create box sets, try different pricing strategies, and run promotions to draw attention to your older works. As your backlist grows, so do your opportunities for success! 

5) Formats & Print-On-Demand (POD) 

Results

While eBooks remain the top format for indie authors, paperbacks have solidified its place as a must-have offering, especially for authors who want to reach readers who prefer physical books. Almost half of authors now have at least one title in audiobook format. Collector’s Editions are a growing format, especially with the rise of Kickstarter campaigns and Direct sales.  

Analysis

The majority of authors are fulfilling their print orders through print-on-demand (POD).  Amazon’s KDP is the overwhelming favorite for POD, due to its seamless integration with Amazon’s marketplace. IngramSpark is the second most-used platform, providing access to broader distribution channels, especially for those aiming to reach brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries. Draft2Digital is a less common option for POD, but it’s used by authors looking for additional distribution flexibility.  

What It Means for You

If you’re not offering print books yet, adding POD to your lineup can expand your reach significantly. Audiobook creation is becoming cheaper with every passing year, and is also something to consider as you plan for 2025. 

6) Cover Design: Investing in the First Impression

Results

Cover Design Spending by Income Bracket 

Indie authors’ spending on cover design varies based on income, and here’s how it breaks down:

• Lower-earning authors (especially those earning $100 or less/month) tend to spend very little or nothing on cover design. Many rely on free or low-cost tools like Canva or pre-made templates, creating their own covers to save money.
• Mid-range earning authors (those earning between $251 – $1,000 and $1,001 – $2,500) generally spend between $100 – $499 on cover design. They often hire freelancers or use more affordable design services to create polished, professional covers that suit their genre and appeal to their target readers.
• Higher-earning authors (in the $10,001 – $20,000 and More than $20,000 brackets) are more likely to invest heavily in professional cover design. These authors tend to spend between $500 – $999 or more for a custom cover design, and some at the very top of the income scale even spend $1,000+. This higher investment ensures they have genre-appropriate, eye-catching covers that stand out in the marketplace and help sell their books.

Analysis

The importance of a high-quality cover can’t be overstated. As the first thing a potential reader sees, your cover plays a critical role in drawing them in and signaling what to expect from your book. While lower-earning authors may start with DIY or pre-made covers, as they progress in their careers, many shift to professional cover designers to ensure their books stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Higher-income authors understand the long-term return on investment that comes from a great cover—especially in competitive genres like Romance, Fantasy, and Thriller, where a compelling cover can make all the difference in attracting readers. They’re willing to spend more to ensure that their covers not only look professional but also align with genre expectations, helping to sell more copies.

What It Means for You

If you’re just starting out and have a limited budget, using free tools or pre-made covers is a great way to get your book out there. But as you build your author brand, investing in professional cover design will help set you apart. Even spending in the $100 – $499 range can dramatically improve the appeal of your book, making it more likely to catch the eye of your target audience. As your income grows, consider raising your investment in cover design to maximize your book’s visibility and sales potential.

7) Editing: Polishing Your Story for Success

Authors’ spending on editing services varies, with almost 70% of authors investing some resources in professional editing services, while nearly a third of authors do not outlay cash for editing.

Editing Spending by Income Bracket 

The amount authors spend on editing varies based on their income, but it’s not always the case that high-income authors spend the most. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Lower-Earning Authors: Authors earning $100 or less are more likely to spend little to nothing on editing. Many rely on beta readers, self-editing, or skip professional editing entirely due to budget constraints. However, a significant portion of authors in this bracket still invest in editing, with many spending between $100 – $999, showing that even with limited resources, these authors understand the value of a well-edited book.
• Mid-Income Authors: Authors earning between $251 – $1,000 and $1,001 – $2,500 are more likely to invest between $100 – $999 on editing. Spending in the $500 – $999 range is common in these income groups, balancing cost with the need for professional polish to ensure the book is market-ready.
• Higher-Earning Authors: Interestingly, while many authors in the $10,001 – $20,000 and ‘More than $20,000’ income brackets do invest heavily in editing, not all of them spend significantly more than mid-income authors. Some may spend $500 – $999, while others may stick within the $100 – $999 range, indicating that editing is a priority, but not always an area where more spending is required. Only a small percentage of high earners spend over $2,000 on editing, with most opting for professional yet reasonably priced services that meet their needs without going overboard.

Analysis

The data shows that editing is a priority for authors across all income levels, but how much an author spends doesn’t always increase with income. Even high-income authors don’t always shell out top dollar for editing. Many high earners have refined their processes over time, knowing exactly what kind of editing their books need and using efficient editors who deliver great results without requiring massive budgets.

For lower- and mid-income authors, investing in professional editing—particularly in the $100 – $999 range—can significantly improve the quality of their books, enhancing reader satisfaction and helping to build long-term success. While high-income authors still invest in editing, they often find ways to balance quality and cost without necessarily spending more.

What It Means for You

Editing is crucial to producing a polished, professional book, but it’s important to find the right balance between quality and cost. Whether you’re just starting out or further along in your career, investing in professional editing—within your budget—can elevate your book and lead to better reviews and reader retention.

For lower-income authors, starting with beta readers or lower-cost editors is a smart approach, but as your income grows, consider allocating more budget to editing. High-earning authors may not always spend more, but they still prioritize professional editing as part of their publishing process, and so should you.

8) Revenue Channels & Kindle Unlimited (KU)

Results

When it comes to generating revenue, Amazon is still the dominant platform for indie authors, with 87% of respondents naming it as their top revenue source. Amazon did show a modest drop from last year when 91% of respondents listed it as their top source of revenue. Kickstarter, Apple, and Kobo all gained single-digit points as a top revenue source in 2024. When looking at which sources generated the 2nd most revenue for authors, Amazon still topped the list, but Apple and Direct Sales from Websites took a much larger share: 13% and 12% respectively.

87.5% of respondents have at least one book enrolled in Kindle Unlimited (KU). The sheer reach of Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, coupled with the KU program’s page-read model, makes it a primary source of income for many authors. However, authors’ reliance on KU varies depending on their income level:

• Over 75% of Income from KU: A significant portion of authors in the higher-income brackets earn most of their income from KU:
  • 31.8% of authors in the $5,001 – $10,000 bracket.
  • 29.8% of authors in the $10,001 – $20,000 bracket.
  • 25% of authors in both the $1,001 – $2,500 and More than $20,000 brackets.
• These authors are the most reliant on KU for their income, especially in the higher-earning brackets. The KU page-read system allows them to generate more stable income streams compared to solely relying on book purchases.
• No Income from KU: Conversely, a large percentage of lower-earning authors (earning $100 or less) report earning nothing from KU:
  • 28% of authors in this bracket do not make any income from KU.
  • Another 8% of authors in the $101 – $250 range also report making nothing from KU.
• These authors often fall into lower-income brackets and are more reliant on other sales strategies or platforms.

Revenue Channels Beyond KU

While Amazon remains the biggest player, other platforms also contribute to indie authors’ revenue, particularly for those who choose to publish “wide”—meaning they distribute their books across multiple retailers instead of being exclusive to Amazon.

Here’s a breakdown of the other key revenue channels:

• Apple Books: The second most lucrative platform for many wide authors. Apple Books offers access to a dedicated user base, particularly in international markets. Higher price points are often more sustainable on Apple compared to Amazon, making it an attractive option for some authors.
• Kobo and Barnes & Noble: While not as large as Amazon or Apple, these platforms offer additional revenue opportunities, particularly for authors focusing on print or reaching global markets.
• Smashwords and Draft2Digital: Frequently mentioned as alternative sources of revenue (“Other”), especially for authors looking to go wide. Smashwords has a strong presence, with many authors listing it as one of their top revenue-generating platforms. Draft2Digital is also popular for its ease of use in distributing to multiple retailers and libraries.
• Direct Sales: As mentioned in the Direct Sales section, more authors are experimenting with selling directly from their own websites. This trend is growing as authors realize the benefits of keeping a larger percentage of their revenue and building stronger relationships with readers.
• Patreon: Some authors are using Patreon as a platform for generating income through reader subscriptions, particularly for niche genres or serialized content.
• Audiobook Platforms: While Audible dominates the audiobook market, other platforms like Findaway Voices and Chirp are gaining traction for authors seeking more control over their audiobook sales and distribution.
• Library Sales: Platforms like Overdrive and Hoopla offer authors another revenue channel, particularly for audiobooks and eBooks. Authors who focus on wide distribution often find these platforms contribute meaningfully to their overall income.

Analysis

Amazon is undeniably the biggest driver of revenue for indie authors, particularly those enrolled in KU, which allows them to earn not just from sales but from page reads. For higher-income authors, KU is a reliable source of income, with many earning over 75% of their revenue from this program. However, going wide is a viable and often successful strategy for authors who want to diversify their income and reach more readers globally. Platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and IngramSpark offer alternatives to those who want to avoid being solely dependent on Amazon. Direct sales, while still a growing trend, is also proving to be a powerful tool for authors looking to build a more direct connection with their audience and capture a larger portion of the sale price.

What It Means for You

If you’re heavily reliant on Amazon and KU, you’re in good company. However, if you want to diversify your revenue streams, consider going wide. Platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, and IngramSpark provide additional opportunities to reach readers, particularly in international markets or for print distribution. Experimenting with direct sales through tools like Shopify or BookFunnel could also help you build stronger connections with your readers while keeping a larger share of your profits.

9) Direct Sales: A Growing Trend

Results

In 2024, 87.5% of authors have a website, but only 29.6% sell books directly from their site. However, 33.2% plan to start offering direct sales within the next year.

Direct Sales by Income Bracket

Results

The adoption of direct sales—selling books directly to readers rather than relying solely on third-party platforms like Amazon—varies widely depending on the author’s income bracket:

• Lower-Earning Authors: Authors in the $100 or Less bracket are far less likely to engage in direct sales. They typically rely heavily on third-party retailers like Amazon, Kobo, or Barnes & Noble to reach their readers. These authors may not yet have the resources, knowledge, or confidence to set up direct sales channels, preferring the simplicity and reach of established platforms.
• Mid-Income Authors: Authors earning between $251 – $1,000 and $1,001 – $2,500 begin to experiment with direct sales. These authors are more likely to sell directly from their websites or through platforms like Shopify or BookFunnel, but they typically maintain a presence on third-party retailers as well. Direct sales are viewed as a way to diversify revenue streams and keep more of the profits from each book sale.
• Higher-Earning Authors: Authors in the $10,001 – $20,000 and More than $20,000 income brackets show a more balanced approach between direct and third-party sales. These authors often capture revenue through direct sales while still leveraging the visibility and audience reach of platforms like Amazon. For them, direct sales provide a way to maintain more control over customer relationships and keep a larger percentage of the revenue from each sale.

Analysis

The data indicates that direct sales adoption grows as income increases. For lower-income authors, the focus is primarily on third-party platforms, which are often simpler to use and come with a built-in audience. As authors become more successful and start building their readership, they are more likely to invest in direct sales channels. Higher-income authors, in particular, benefit from having both direct sales and third-party sales in their overall strategy. Direct sales allow them to keep a larger share of the profits while also building stronger connections with their readers—an important aspect of growing a loyal fan base.

Additionally, authors who sell directly can offer exclusive content, signed books, or special deals that may not be available through larger retailers. This creates a more personal, engaging experience for readers while enabling authors to bypass platform fees and keep more of the sale price.

What It Means for You

If you haven’t yet explored direct sales, it’s worth considering as your author career grows. Tools like BookFunnel and Shopify make it easier than ever to sell directly to readers while retaining control over your customer relationships and keeping a larger percentage of your revenue.

Start small—perhaps offering exclusive content or running a special sale—and gradually build up your direct sales strategy as your platform grows. By incorporating direct sales into your income mix, you can diversify your revenue streams and create a closer connection with your readers.

10) Pricing Strategies by Income: How Authors Maximize Earnings

Results

The 2024 survey reveals distinct pricing strategies based on income levels:

• Lower-earning authors (earning $100 or less) tend to price their books lower, with many pricing between $0.99 and $4.99. A significant portion of these authors offer free books to build visibility and readership, with 142 free titles among this group.
• Mid-range income authors (earning between $251 and $2,500) display more varied pricing strategies, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $5.99. While some offer free books, it’s less common in these brackets than among lower-income authors.
• Higher-earning authors (earning more than $20,000) price their books higher, with most books ranging from $5.99 to $10+. These authors use free books more selectively, typically as part of a broader marketing strategy, rather than a primary method to build readership.

Across all income brackets, price points like $2.99, $3.99, and $4.99 remain popular, and while free books are common among lower-income authors, they are used strategically by authors at all levels.

Analysis

The data shows a clear correlation between income level and pricing strategies. Lower-income authors, in their effort to grow their readership, often rely on low-priced or free books to attract readers and build their fan base. As authors earn more, they become more confident in pricing their books higher, likely due to stronger reader followings and established brand recognition.

Interestingly, even though free pricing becomes less common in higher income brackets, it remains a valuable tool across all levels, suggesting that offering a free book can be an effective way to increase visibility and entice new readers. Authors who are earning more may be using higher price points as a way to reflect the perceived value of their work, particularly in niche genres or with dedicated audiences.

The $2.99 to $4.99 price range is popular across the board, showing that these price points are well-established in the indie market as effective options for maximizing both sales volume and profit margins.

What It Means for You

If you’re just starting out or in a lower-income bracket, offering free books or pricing your books lower (between $0.99 and $4.99) can help you build visibility and expand your audience. Free pricing is particularly useful for newer authors to gain traction and attract reviews.

As you progress and your author platform grows, don’t hesitate to experiment with higher pricing. Authors in the higher income brackets have found success charging $5.99 or more, reflecting the value of their growing fan base and brand recognition. However, don’t discount the use of free offerings, even if you’re an established author—when used selectively, free books can be a powerful marketing tool to hook new readers or promote a series.

Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment with different price points—$2.99 to $4.99 are popular and effective across all levels, but as your career advances, adjusting your pricing strategy to reflect your growing audience can lead to higher returns.

11) Marketing Tactics & Insights

Results

Marketing remains the most challenging aspect of the indie author journey, with 78.5% of respondents citing it as the hardest part of self-publishing. On average, authors spend 8 hours per week on marketing, and approx. $700 per per month on marketing spend. The data shows a clear correlation between low marketing spend and lower income levels. Of the 297 authors who spend nothing on marketing, 91.25% fall into the low-income brackets, earning $100 or less or between $1,001 – $2,500 annually. This suggests that authors who don’t invest in marketing are overwhelmingly more likely to remain in lower income cohorts, reinforcing the importance of marketing spend in driving book sales and increasing author income. 

Here’s how authors rated the effectiveness of popular marketing tactics:

• Promo sites like Freebooksy and Bargain Booksy: Rated 3.3/5 on average. These services remain favored for their affordability and ability to reach targeted audiences through email promotions. Freebooksy and Bargain Booksy offer strong results, especially for authors running price promotions (free or discounted books).
• BookBub Deals: Slightly higher, with an average rating of 3.4/5. Though more expensive than other promo sites, BookBub Deals consistently generate significant visibility and sales, making them a top choice for authors with the budget.
• Author Newsletters: Rated 3.3/5. Author newsletters remain a steady and reliable marketing tool, allowing authors to engage directly with their readers. While they may not provide immediate sales spikes, newsletters are crucial for long-term audience building and keeping readers informed about new releases and promotions.
• Lead Magnets: Rated 3.0/5. Lead magnets, such as giving away a free book or novella, can be an effective tactic for building an email list and attracting dedicated readers.
• Facebook Ads: Received a lower average rating of 2.9/5. Many authors find it difficult to optimize Facebook Ads, and the high cost-per-click can limit returns. Authors often need professional help or a steep learning curve to achieve success with this platform.
• Amazon Ads: Scored even lower, averaging 2.7/5. Like Facebook, Amazon Ads require careful targeting and constant optimization. Many authors struggle to see a consistent return on investment (ROI) without a deep understanding of the platform.
• Newsletter Swaps: This rating dropped from 2.6 last year to 2.4 this year. Authors may be finding diminishing returns from newsletter swaps, possibly due to overuse or less engaged audiences. While once a popular low-cost strategy, its effectiveness seems to have declined, indicating that authors may need to refine their approach or seek out new swap partners with more engaged lists.
• BookBub Ads: Average rating of 2.2/5. Many authors find BookBub Ads challenging to optimize and expensive, with limited results compared to other options
• Kickstarter Campaigns: Rated 2.1/5. Surprisingly, Kickstarter campaigns were rated lower than expected. While some authors have successfully used Kickstarter to fund their books, many may find it difficult to build momentum or reach their funding goals. The platform requires a different skill set—building a compelling campaign, engaging backers, and delivering rewards—which may not align with the typical marketing strategies used by indie authors. The lower score suggests that while Kickstarter has potential, it may not be the easiest or most reliable revenue channel for the average author.

Overrated Marketing Tactics (According to Authors)

Many authors shared their experiences about which tactics felt overrated:

• In-person events: Considered the least effective by 23.6% of respondents. Book signings and author appearances can be fun and great for engagement, but they rarely translate into substantial sales, especially compared to digital strategies like email promos or paid ads.
• Social media: Ranked as overrated by many authors who struggle to convert social engagement into actual book sales. While social media is important for building your author brand and maintaining reader relationships, it often doesn’t generate immediate sales unless used in conjunction with other tactics.

Underrated Marketing Tactics

While many authors focus on common strategies like promo sites and ads, some less-discussed marketing tactics are proving highly effective for those who use them strategically:

• Reader Magnets: Offering free content (such as a novella, short story, or sample chapters) as a reader magnet in exchange for email sign-ups is a powerful way to grow an email list. Reader magnets are particularly effective when placed in the backmatter of a book or as part of a BookFunnel promotion. Authors who use reader magnets consistently find that they can build large, engaged email lists, which in turn boosts long-term sales.
• Backmatter Links: Adding email sign-up links or promotional offers in the backmatter of your book is an often-overlooked tactic. This simple method gives readers a direct path to continue engaging with you after they finish reading. Many authors credit their growing email lists and repeat sales to this subtle but effective strategy.
• Multi-Author Promotions: By participating in multi-author promotions, authors can share each other’s work with a broader audience, often resulting in significant email list growth and sales. These promotions are frequently organized through platforms like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin and work particularly well for authors with complementary genres or fanbases.

Analysis

The data shows that promo sites such as Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, and BookBub Deals are still highly rated by authors and continue to deliver solid results, particularly for price promotions. These services are especially useful for boosting visibility, driving downloads, and generating reviews, and they’re more straightforward than paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Amazon. On the flip side, paid ads (especially Facebook Ads and Amazon Ads) are often seen as expensive and challenging, especially for those without the time or knowledge to manage them effectively. However, they can be powerful tools when optimized properly, particularly in highly competitive genres where promo sites alone may not be enough to gain traction.

The data also shows that marketing spend increases as author income rises, with higher-income authors investing more in marketing efforts. This makes sense because as authors generate more revenue, they have more resources to reinvest into promotional activities, which in turn helps to grow their audience and boost book sales, creating a positive feedback loop. In essence, increased marketing spend enables authors to reach more readers, which leads to higher earnings and more funds to continue investing in their author business.

What It Means for You

If you’re feeling frustrated with marketing, it’s important to remember that many authors struggle to find the right approach. Don’t forget to test different strategies and track your results. What works for one author may not work for another, so keep experimenting until you find the tactics that deliver the best returns for your genre and audience. And if social media or in-person events aren’t bringing in the results you want, don’t be afraid to pivot to more effective methods. 

Pro Tip: Mix and match your marketing strategies to maximize your reach. A combination of promo sites, newsletter swaps, and reader magnets can build a long-term foundation for sales without relying too heavily on paid ads.

12) Email Marketing & List-Building Strategies

Results

Higher-earning authors are significantly more likely to have email lists. In fact, 96.08% of authors earning $10,001 – $20,000 have an email list, and 96.23% of authors earning more than $20,000 maintain a list. In comparison, only 53.23% of authors in the $100 or Less income bracket an email list.

Here’s how list size correlates with income:

Analysis

There’s a clear connection between having an email list and earning more as an indie author. Authors with larger email lists have a direct channel to engage with readers, announce new releases, and promote book sales without relying solely on third-party platforms. Higher-income authors seem to treat their email lists as key assets in their marketing toolkit, using them to build deeper connections with their readers.

What It Means for You

Building and maintaining an email list is crucial for growing your readership and increasing your income. Even if you’re in a lower income bracket, start small—focus on organic methods like adding links in your backmatter and using social media to invite readers to join your list. As your list grows, you’ll have more opportunities to market directly to readers, which can lead to more sales over time.

ESPs (Email Service Providers): What Authors Are Using for Their Email Lists

Results

The survey revealed several trends in the tools indie authors use to manage their email lists. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ESPs by income bracket:

• MailerLite and Mailchimp dominate the lower- and mid-income brackets due to affordability and ease of use. These platforms are especially popular among authors earning up to $5,000 annually.
• ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign gain more traction with higher-income authors who require more advanced features, such as automation and list segmentation, to handle larger email lists.
• Flodesk and Klaviyo are niche but increasingly popular among authors with specific design or eCommerce needs.
• Sendfox and Substack are emerging as affordable, user-friendly options for newer authors or those looking for simple email list management without the bells and whistles of larger platforms.
• A significant number of authors (225 respondents) did not specify their ESP, which may indicate some authors still manually manage their lists or use custom solutions.

Analysis

Authors are choosing their ESPs based on their income level and marketing needs. While MailerLite and Mailchimp are cost-effective and beginner-friendly, higher earners are leaning towards more robust platforms like ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign, which offer advanced automation and segmentation features necessary for managing large lists and complex marketing strategies.

What It Means for You

If you’re just starting out, platforms like MailerLite or Mailchimp are great entry points—they’re easy to use and affordable for smaller lists. As your income and list grow, you might want to explore more advanced ESPs like ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign, which can help you scale your email marketing and offer more personalization to your subscribers.

List-Building Tactics: How Authors Are Growing Their Email Lists

Results

The strategies authors use to build their email lists vary widely, but certain tactics stand out based on income bracket:

• Lower-earning authors ($100 or Less and $251 – $1,000) rely heavily on giveaways and social media to build their lists, with 159 and 188 entries for these methods, respectively.
• Mid-income authors ($1,001 – $2,500 and $2,501 – $5,000) tend to use a mix of backmatter links (placing signup links at the end of their books) and social media, though newsletter swaps with other authors are also common.
• Higher-earning authors ($10,001 – $20,000 and More than $20,000) take a more diversified approach. They use backmatter links, paid ads, multi-author promotions, and reader magnets (offering free content in exchange for email sign-ups).

Analysis

The choice of list-building strategies varies widely based on income, but low-cost, organic methods like social media and giveaways remain popular across the board. BookFunnel stands out as a highly recommended tool for authors in the lower and mid-income brackets. It’s favored for its ability to share free content and collaborate with other authors. As income increases, authors adopt more sophisticated strategies, including paid promotions and multi-author campaigns.

What It Means for You

Growing an email list doesn’t have to break the bank! If you’re starting out, focus on low-cost, organic methods like social media, backmatter links, and reader magnets. As your author business grows, consider investing in paid ads or multi-author promotions to reach a wider audience and build your list even faster.

13) Sentiment & Community

Results

This year, we asked a few open-ended questions about how authors are feeling and where they find community. Authors expressed a mixture of optimism and frustration. Many voiced challenges around marketing fatigue, the saturation of the market, and a desire for better tools. However, there was also a strong sense of community, with groups like “20BooksTo50K” and “Wide for the Win” providing support and camaraderie.

What It Means for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone. Seek out communities or author groups where you can share your journey and learn from others. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can make all the difference! Finding a supportive group can be key to staying motivated, especially in an industry as competitive as self-publishing.

Sentiment & Community Detail

Challenges with Marketing

One of the recurring themes in the survey responses was marketing fatigue. Many authors expressed frustration over the sheer amount of time and money it takes to promote their books effectively. For some, it feels like marketing has started to take away from their writing time—leading to a feeling of being spread too thin.

Several respondents noted that while they’ve tried various marketing services, it’s challenging to find those that consistently deliver meaningful results. There’s a growing sense among indie authors that paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Amazon can be overwhelming, with costs often outweighing the returns.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “Marketing books, specifically, is the most frustrating thing there is to do. I truly don’t want to spend the time or even have the time to do it.”
• “I just wish there was someone who would stop selling their services and actually provide a service that worked.”

Desire for Better Tools and Options

Several authors voiced a desire for more tools and options to help them market their books—particularly for niche genres or when it comes to direct sales. There’s a growing interest in moving away from relying entirely on platforms like Amazon, with many authors seeking tools that will help them build stronger direct relationships with their readers.

Authors also expressed a need for more support in marketing specific genres like paranormal mystery, and in reaching international or niche audiences.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “Just more opportunities to promote direct sales. All the current promos send readers to third-party platforms while a lot of us are trying to build our direct sales.”
• “We need more ways to market niche books to the right readers.”

Frustration with ROI and Market Saturation

The increasing saturation of the indie publishing market was another frustration many authors shared. A few noted that even with effective promotion stacks, sales weren’t always enough to justify the cost. Some authors are starting to experiment with alternative revenue models such as Kickstarter or Patreon, pivoting away from traditional retail-based strategies.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “I paid for a promo and didn’t sell a book. Very underwhelming.”
• “I (and many other well-earning authors) have restructured our marketing plans around NOT using newsletters. The results are on the downward slope.”

Views on AI

The responses regarding AI were mixed. Some authors are vocally opposed to the idea of AI in writing, seeing it as a threat to creativity and the authenticity of storytelling. Others are more neutral, either curious about its potential or simply tired of hearing about it altogether.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “You didn’t have an option: I wouldn’t touch AI at any price.”
• “Help authors avoid the temptation to take AI shortcuts. They’ll thank you later.”

Community and Burnout

Despite the frustrations with marketing and market saturation, there was an overarching sense of community among authors, with many pointing to forums and groups like 20BooksTo50K and Wide for the Win as invaluable sources of support. These groups have become go-to resources for indie authors, offering advice, encouragement, and camaraderie.

That said, burnout is real. Several authors expressed feeling worn out by the constant grind of writing, marketing, and managing the business side of being an indie author. Balancing it all has become a significant challenge, with some authors voicing concern about sustaining momentum over time.

However, the community spirit is still strong, with many authors thanking WWM for its consistent support, resources, and marketing tools, despite the difficulties they face in the marketplace.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “I think we’re happier as writers when we remember why we started writing in the first place.”
• “Just a general sense of despair when it comes to ever succeeding as a writer. But I’m not giving up.”

Popular Author Communities

When asked about online author forums and groups, many respondents revealed they are part of multiple communities. Groups like 20BooksTo50K and Wide for the Win were mentioned frequently, but there are also genre-specific groups on Facebook and Discord that indie authors find valuable.

Facebook remains the most popular platform for these groups, with Discord also gaining traction, particularly among authors who prefer more niche, focused conversations. Some authors even create their own private groups for targeted discussions, such as those centered around Kickstarter, subscriptions, or marketing strategies.

Commonly Mentioned Groups:

• 20BooksTo50K: A highly popular group focused on helping indie authors achieve financial success.
• Wide for the Win: A group for authors committed to selling books on multiple platforms beyond Amazon.
• Self-Publishing Formula (SPF): Another well-regarded resource for marketing and self-publishing advice.
• Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (RWA), and Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA): Frequently mentioned for genre-specific support.

Community Fatigue

While these online communities can be incredibly helpful, some authors mentioned community fatigue. Being part of too many groups or constantly engaging in discussions can become overwhelming. There were mentions of drama, time-wasting, and limited ROI (return on investment) when it comes to participating in these forums. Some authors have reduced their group participation to focus more on writing.

Several authors mentioned they have opted out of these groups altogether, choosing to work independently to avoid distractions.

Key Quotes from Authors:

• “I’ve left most of the groups. They became time sucks.”
• “Too much drama in some of these forums. I’d rather just focus on writing.”

Non-Members

Interestingly, a notable minority of authors stated that they either don’t participate in any groups or have left them entirely. Some mentioned negative experiences, time constraints, or simply preferring to focus on their writing instead of engaging in online discussions.

Conclusion: What We Learned in 2024

This year’s survey confirms what many of us already know—self-publishing is thriving, and success in this space requires a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and creative marketing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your author business, the insights from our survey can help you on your journey.

And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to indie success. Take these insights as a guide, but always feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in 2025!

The post 2024 Indie Author Survey Results: Insights into Self Publishing for Authors appeared first on Written Word Media.

Think about your book cover as an advertisement. It’s the most widely used piece of advertising creative you will have. And it’s important to invest in.

In this post, we’ll outline the five most common mistakes in book cover design and how to avoid them. These tips can help you whether you are creating you own cover with a program like Canva, or working with a designer. When you work with a cover designer, keep these tips in mind and make sure you give them creative direction that won’t force them to make the mistakes below.

1. Too many elements on the cover

This is an all too common mistake, particularly with inexperienced designers. It’s common to feel the need to fit multiple elements of your plot on the cover to give it a more descriptive feel. It’s also common to see covers with all main characters depicted to give readers a better idea of what they look like.

Here are the big problems with overloading a cover with story elements:

• It’s confusing, the reader isn’t going to know which element is most important.
• Book covers are shown as rows of tiny thumbnail images on most retail sites like Amazon. There simply isn’t enough space on that tiny thumbnail to communicate much.
• As a rule of thumb, one beautiful element that tells part of the story is almost always better than lots of small elements.

The desire to have a cover describe a book comes from a good place of care for the reader. But, unfortunately, such book covers will likely only be appreciated by readers after they have read the work. Without context, a mish-mash of elements can seem overwhelming and can turn a reader off.

Take a look at the example cover below. The style is in the Cozy Mystery vein, but it has tried to put every aspect of the plot on the cover. Yes, it’s interesting to imagine how the author will weave all of these objects together, but that requires a lot of thought.

A reader is making split second decisions about which book to buy. At first thought, this cover is confusing and overwhelming. A well-designed cover will draw a reader’s interest right away, not after studying it like a famous painting.

This cover also doesn’t utilize blank space, which is an extremely powerful design concept. Inexperienced designers will often shy away from leaving any space unused on a cover. But, in reality, having well placed blank space draws attention even more to key elements. If you notice your cover designer has left blank space on your cover, resist the urge to tell them to fill the space with stuff.

A great example of picking few elements and using blank space is Joanne Fluke’s cover for “Banana Cream Pie Murder.”

This cover leaves some room to breath in the middle, which draws the eye to the few main visual elements. It is easy for a reader to see and understand everything on this cover with a quick glance.

Many book cover designers will ask you to fill out a form with information about what you the author want on the cover, make sure to give them the feedback that you don’t want too many elements.

2. Not a genre fit

This is a big one. Different genres have developed distinct differences in how book covers are designed. If your book cover does not share these stylistic similarities, readers interested in that genre will pass because it doesn’t look like other books they have enjoyed.

This book cover is confusing. It has a lot of futuristic science fiction style colors in the background, but the overlay, while it does a good job of creating focus on a single element, doesn’t fulfill what we expect. Is this a science fiction book? Is it a romance? Is it both? The fact that we can’t instantly say for sure is a problem. If this book is a romance novel set in a city, this cover isn’t what readers of urban contemporary romance have come to expect.

Holly Rayner has a much better cover on this book. We have a lot of similar elements, but the color scheme of the background is more in-line with the romance genre. Deep purples and no neon tell the reader “this is a romance book.”

Remember, you only have a split second to make an impression with your cover. Most readers know their favorite genres and what those covers look like. If your cover does not look like your genre, you can miss out on readers who would love what you have written. Or, get readers who expected something else based on your cover.

3. Poor or wrong font choices

Once again, it’s all about signaling to readers what your book offers. Your font should be similar to other covers in your genre. Take a look at the fantasy book cover example below.

We’ve got a classic fantasy style image, but the font? Not so much. It’s cheerfully handwritten with flourishes that would be much more at home on a chick lit or teen romance novel. This font makes this cover feel a lot lighter. You almost wonder if it’s a goofy tale about a spunky goblin navigating a difficult world of classic fantasy tropes.

Here, Stuart Thaman’s book cover design uses a much more appropriate font.

Serif fonts are often used for fantasy covers, and the medieval look fits perfectly with the genre. The font used here looks like it could have been pulled from the detailed handwriting of an ancient monk who transcribed this tale.

Take a look at bestsellers in your genre when choosing a font. You don’t have to use the exact font others are, but use something that is similar enough that readers won’t be thrown by it. Generally a decent cover designer will use appropriate fonts, but be careful not to ask for a specific font if it’s off-genre.

4. Poor image quality

This is an easy mistake to make if you are new to book cover design, and it’s important to be able to spot it in case you work with an inexperienced designer.

When you use an image on a cover, be careful if you find you need to enlarge it at any point. Small images will decrease in quality as they are stretched to fill space. Looking at the cover below on the left, you can tell that the text is fuzzy, and the detail of the image is blurred.

 

Additionally, be careful if you want to change the dimensions of an image. If you are using Amazon’s recommended cover dimensions (2,560 by 1,600 pixels), and your background image is much wider at 2,560 by 2,600 pixels, you should crop the image to get rid of the extra width.

Some programs will allow you to simply drag the image smaller, and create a smushed version of the original. See the example below.

As you can see, the image on the left was squished in order to fit the required width. The image on right was simply cropped, and avoids having to smush a wide image into a narrow cover.

This is a pretty drastic example. It’s easy for this to happen in a more minor way without it being obvious. We recommend checking your final cover against the original background image to make sure things look they way they should. As the author you will likely get a cover image that is the correct aspect ratio, but be careful when you upload it to your website or use it for other purposes.

5. Poor readability

Today, book covers are displayed by vendors in a number of sizes and formats. Almost always, readers will see your cover at a size much smaller than a physical book cover.

This means that it’s vitally important that your cover be legible when it is shrunk down and put in a list of books.

In the examples below, Barry Eisler and Scott Pratt both have designs with massive text dominating their covers. Compare the three covers below. The text on the book cover to the left is still legible, but you have to really strain to see it. Readers will be drawn to a cover they can easily understand when scrolling through a list of books. A good practice is to look at your book cover as a thumbnail. Often when a designer sends you a book cover, you look at it in large format on your computer. Shrink it down to thumbnail size to make sure it’s going to look good on retail sites.

Another aspect to consider is that not everyone’s eyesight is the same. If you use a cover like the one on the left, it may end up looking like the example below to some readers.

 

Need more resources on book cover design?

As we’ve discussed in this post, it’s vital that authors get their book cover right. Because of this, we want to provide you with as much information as possible to help you make the right cover decisions. If you’d like more resources on this topic, check out our other posts below:

Three Big Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a Book Cover

How to Find and Work with a Book Cover Designer

How to Create a Best-Selling Cover

Takeaways

Book cover design is critical to a book’s success, and there is a lot more to consider than you might expect. Keep in mind these mistakes when working on your next cover, and you’ll be more likely to produce an attractive cover that drives sales.

Also, remember that you can always change the cover on your eBooks. Have a cover you think might be hurting your sales? Swap it out for a new one and compare your numbers,

Do you have any cover design tips or stories? Let us know in the comments.

Note: this post was updated on 5/17/2024

The post The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Book Cover Design and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Written Word Media.

When you go to your favorite bookstore and look at other books in your genre, which book covers are you drawn to? Why do some covers appear to “POP” and others don’t?

There are three main categories of problems we see when looking at covers designed by the authors.

Problem #1: Low Legibility

Readability is king. This is the first consideration when asking yourself if you have a successful cover design.

• Font choice is everything. If your title font is too lightweight or overly decorative, it simply won’t show up on top of the background elements of your cover.
• Type size is just as important when it comes to legibility. If your title includes long words, it may best be portrayed at its largest possible size by using a narrow/condensed width font, and/or breaking the title across multiple lines.
• Type Hierarchy. When you first glance at a cover, what is the first block of text that you notice your eye gravitate to? For most authors, the title should be the most prominent, eye-catching text. The most common text hierarchy for book covers follows from the title to the author name, subtitle, and quotes.
• Contrast sets your book apart, literally. Contrast is what helps your eye distinguish background from foreground, light from dark. Dark colors will tend to recede to the back while bright colors appear at the front. How your background image interacts with the text can strategically bolster or subvert its legibility and importance. Is your front cover text the right color to really stand out against your background elements? If your background elements are too cluttered or there are no open or low contrast spaces for cover text to appear, your cover text may get lost entirely. Light text over dark backgrounds, or dark text over light backgrounds. 

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to view your cover design at thumbnail size to make sure it would be readable even when viewed among a sea of other covers online, or across the room in a bookstore. 

Problem #2:  The Genre is Unclear

Readers ARE going to judge your book by its cover, so it’s important to convey the genre of the book through the cover design and connect with your target market. But how?

• Image selection will be crucial here. When it comes to background imagery, sometimes less is more. A closeup of a knife, a splatter of blood on the floor, or a photo of a bullet hole through shattered glass would all communicate your genre. Stay on topic but don’t feel the need to give the whole plot away.
• Color is crucial and the quickest way to communicate a vibe. We often talk about color in terms of how it makes us feel (soft vs. harsh, warm vs. cool, bright vs. murky). For example, for a thriller, you may want a dark, eerie cool blue/black imagery that makes the viewer feel a sense of fear and featuring the title text in a hot blood red for the title text color for an extra bit of contrast and sense of danger. 

Problem #3: Poor Quality Artwork

DO NOT steal artwork straight off the internet for use on your cover! Not only are web-based images very likely too small to reproduce in print, but they are very likely copyright protected!

• Try professional stock photos. Start by searching for a reputable stock photo site such as shutterstock.com, 123rf.com, or dreamstime.com. These sites feature an extensive selection of professional photography and illustrations that you can license legally and affordably. Most stock sites charge $25-$100 for images, but most are in the $25 range. These sites also allow you to download a free low-resolution watermarked preview image so your designer can try it out in your cover layout before you commit to purchasing the high-resolution image.  
• Support the arts! Do you know an illustrator or fine artist who created a piece of artwork you would like to use on your cover? Contact the artist and ask for permission to use their artwork for this purpose, whether they would charge a usage fee, and how they would wish to be credited. Maybe you have something special in mind that you could commission them to create just for you.
• Is it high resolution? Even the highest quality original piece of artwork is only going to reproduce as well as its best digital scan or photograph. Make sure to have your images scanned or photographed professionally. Ask to have it scanned at a higher resolution and scale than you think you might ever need. Start with requesting at least 600dpi just to be on the safe side. Most printers require an output resolution of 300dpi, but what if you want to zoom in on a cropped portion of the imager? Bigger is better. 

The result of a self-designed cover is often an unprofessional one.

The difference between a professional-looking cover and one that appears amateurish comes down to the basic principles of design. 

Here are some essential elements for a successful book design:

• Cohesive design. Do the elements on your cover look like they belong together? Or do they clash in an unintentional, confusing way? The colors, fonts, and imagery of your book cover should all contribute to the message you want to send to a potential reader.
• Booooring? Is your cover visually interesting? Do you feel drawn to read the different areas of text? Striking the right balance between unity and variety in a cover design can make all the difference in catching a reader’s attention. A successful design will leverage all aspects of design to create interest and lead the eye to where you want the focus to be.
• Don’t blend in the crowd. Using a pre-fabricated book cover template may seem like an easy solution that allows you to plop in a title and background image to quickly create a book cover without much customization. While that template may be well-designed, one size does not necessarily fit all if your title is longer or your artwork doesn’t work quite so well. Also, there is a good chance that there are ten other books published on Amazon that appear almost identical. Also, templates may be good for e-book covers, but they almost never work for printed books. So, if you want to publish a paperback edition, you should consider hiring a book designer.
• Less is more. 
  • Is there room on your cover for the text and imagery to “breathe”? Or are all the elements crowded together in a way that’s hard to make out? Sometimes less is more. 
  • How many different fonts are used on your cover? Are the same font families used throughout the rest of the design?
    PRO TIP: A good rule of thumb is to stick to no more than two font families in your design. Try to choose a font with a large set of options (light, medium, semibold, bold, italic, extended, etc). This gives you plenty of options to mix and match while still maintaining a visual thread and a harmonious design.
  • Avoid collaging multiple images together. It can appear cluttered, messy, unclear, and compete with the readability of your front cover text.

We hope this article can help you judge your own cover before readers do and keep scrolling. If you are about to publish a new book or want to give new life to a published one that is not selling, getting a professionally designed cover is probably your best move.

About the Author

Claire Flint is the lead designer at Luminare Press, a small publishing company that specializes in book design. With more than twenty years of experience and hundreds of covers designed, Claire and the rest of the team can help any author create a professional book from cover to cover.

The post Three Big Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a Book Cover appeared first on Written Word Media.

It is definitely possible to design your own book cover, but we highly recommend getting the help of a trained professional. Unless you have some serious design skills, hiring help for your cover is a wise investment, even if you are on a tight budget.

The elements of an effective book cover

Book cover design is both an art and a science. Before you hire a designer to work on your next book cover, you should be prepared with some specific elements you want for the design to make the process as easy and successful as possible.

Understanding genre conventions

One of the key ways to ensure your book’s success is for your cover to resonate with readers. The best way to do this is to study other book covers in your genre and use similar genre conventions for your design.

Do you see color palette trends? Do other covers showcase characters from their story? Is the art style realistic or stylized? These are the elements you should keep your eyes open for and possibly include in a brief with your designer.

Typography matters

The typography on a cover is sometimes an afterthought for authors, but it deserves your attention. The text on your cover can make or break the entire design.

It is extremely important to get the font you use for your title and author name right. There are several elements when it comes to your font that you should pay close attention to, these include the font style, size, and color (is it legible on top of your artwork, does it clash with other colors?). As mentioned in the previous point, make sure you also take inspiration from other popular fonts in your genre.

Don’t make a cover for yourself

We get it, your book means everything to you and your cover must live up to the words you spent so long crafting. But it’s vital to remember that your cover is not for you, it is for the reader.

Cover design should prioritize elements that resonate with your target audience and focus on the themes and emotions that speak to their interests.

Keep this in mind when creating a brief for your cover designer. Be flexible with the suggestions they offer and have an open mind when they submit their designs.

Tips from an expert

If you’d like more tips on the elements that make an effective book cover, check out the video below from our recent Speaker Series session with professional book cover designer and illustrator, Rebekah Haskell from Vivid Covers!

How to find a cover designer?

Finding a cover designer can be a daunting process, especially if you are just starting out in your career as an independent author. Don’t stress because we are here to help make it a little easier for you!

Research other books in your genre

The first step to take when trying to find cover designer is to do your research. This might sound like something that is easier said than done. But the truth is, getting a list of possible designers can actually be a simple process.

A great way to find cover designers is to search Amazon for other books in your genre. In particular, other books by independent authors. Head to the Amazon Bestsellers in your genre and start clicking into the books you like the covers for.

Did you know that many independent authors actually list their cover designer in the front matter of their book? To access this, just click on the cover of the book and use the ‘Look Inside’ feature.

Now start making your list!

Ask other authors

Another easy way to find a cover designer is to ask other independent authors. If you’ve got author friends, obviously that is the best place to start. But, if you’re just starting out, you may not have a network yet.

Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to find independent authors online to start making connections. Joining author groups on Facebook is an easy first step and can open up a world of contacts. These groups are usually very active and makes it simple to reach out and ask for advice in an open forum.

If you have no luck here, you can go to your favorite independent authors websites. Most will have a contact page where you can reach out and ask questions. 

Attending author conferences and local networking events is another valuable resource, not just for finding cover designer recommendations but for establishing a network of author friends for any future questions you might have.

Post an ad for a freelance book designer 

While it is definitely a safer option to find established book cover designers that have worked with published independent authors already, there are many services available for you to find a freelance designer.

Freelance job sites like Upwork.com and Fiverr.com are a great resource for you to find the perfect designer and the process is relatively simple. For a site like Upwork, you can post the specifics for your task and then within 24 hours you’ll start getting proposals. If you just want to search through possible freelancers, Fiverr is great because you can filter by various aspects like budget, delivery time, and type of work to find the perfect option.

There are also book specific freelance sites like Reedsy.com that can be a valuable resource for cover design talent. 

We’d recommend the first two options as a first step, but hiring via a freelance website is a great backup if you can’t find the perfect fit from recommendations.

How to work with a cover designer?

So, you know how to find a book cover designer. But the work is not over yet. Knowing how to work with a cover designer is just as important as knowing how to find one. Cover design is a collaborative process and you definitely want to make sure you give your input and feedback along the way to ensure the finished product is exactly what you want.

Be Prepared

Scar in the Lion King said it best “Be Prepared.” You don’t want to waste your or your designers time, so being prepared and knowing what you want is crucial. Many designers even charge for their time, so having clear and descriptive ideas for your cover will make this process easier and quicker. You’re also more likely to not be disappointed with the end product because you’ve been clear in your vision.

Before you start collaborating on your cover we recommend taking a look at The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Book Cover Design and How to Avoid Them and How to Create a Best-Selling Cover articles for some inspiration.

Provide examples

It’s all great to describe what you want, but without visual examples it can be hard for a designer to picture exactly what you want. The best way around this is to find other books in your genre that you’d like to use as inspiration.

Don’t be afraid to include a lot of different covers you like. Ideally you’ll want to provide the designer with some examples for each aspect of you cover. The main stylistic components you’ll want to show in these examples are the imagery used, fonts, and colors. 

If you’ll be using stock photography in your cover, you can provide these up front to the designer or send links with suggestions of what to use. If your book requires specific artwork, send a copy of your book to the designer with the character and world descriptors highlighted so they know what to create.

Set a budget

It’s very easy to get carried away in the cover design process and forget about the cost. You have to make sure you have a clear budget and your designer knows this. Be upfront with how much you want to spend and ask the designer if that is realistic for your project.

It is tempting to spend the bare minimum on a cover because it’s just another expense in the book launch process. But it is a very important step and deserves your time and consideration.

Think of your cover as your very first piece of marketing. It’s what everyone will see first when considering to buy your book, and you want it to do your writing justice.

Plan Ahead

If you know your new book will be part of a series, you’ll want to make sure you plan ahead for this now. If your budget allows, ask the designer to make several mockups for covers with similar elements, so you have some covers to use down the line. Even if you don’t have a title confirmed yet, getting this imagery now can prevent problems down the line.

Alternatively, make sure you get the contact details of your designer, so you can reach out to them in the future for more work.

You also want to make sure you ask your designer for the different elements used in the cover. What font was used, what exact color was in the background and text, where was the stock photo purchased from? Just in case you can’t work with this designer again in the future, this will make it easier for another designer to pick up where they left off.

I hope this helped make your cover design experience a little easier. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips or have cover designer suggestions of your own!

The post How to Find and Work with a Book Cover Designer appeared first on Written Word Media.

Fortunately, that is no longer the case! Now we have cool book marketing tools like Canva.

Authors, think of Canva as an online, easier-to-learn version of Photoshop.

This article will show you how to use Canva to create your own book marketing images. We will use step-by-step instructions and short videos of the actual Canva interface to teach you how to create the images you need to promote your books. Canva can be used to create all kinds of images, but we’ll focus on 3 main use cases to keep it simple:

1. Social Media Images
2. Banners / Ads
3. Book Covers

Sign Up for Canva

If you have a Canva account, skip to the next part.

Head over to Canva.com and sign up with a Google or Facebook account, or by setting up an email address and password.

Once you have signed up, Canva will try to walk you through the interface. Go ahead and click through, skip, or play with Canva to bypass this.

On to the next section!

Canva Pricing Plans

While Canva does have a generous free pricing plan, you should note that it is limited to 5GB of cloud storage. This should do the trick for most authors, but if you’re hoping to expand your plan to include premium stock photos, additional cloud storage, and deeper customer support, you’ll need to look into different pricing models:

Using Canva to Create Social Media Images

Social media is a great way to keep up with your readers and fellow authors. Creating images is a vital part of keeping your social media accounts active and making your profiles look professional.

For social media, you typically need to create:

• Cover images,
• Profile pictures,
• Promotional images, and
• Engagement images.

Canva can help you create all different kinds of imagery for your social accounts. For this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make an image for an engagement post.

Engagement posts are quick posts to keep your followers engaged and active.

It’s important to keep your audience engaged so they’re at the ready when you launch a new book and need them to spread the word and drive sales of your novel. Coming up with new engagement images can be a struggle. Canva is here to help! We’ll start by creating a basic engagement post.

The image we’re going to create is based on sizing dimensions for an Instagram post (1080 x 1080 px). If you need to resize for Facebook or Twitter dimensions you can do so once the image has been created.

1. Open Canva.
2. Click the purple button in the upper right hand corner that says Create a Design.
3. Choose the template called Instagram Post. This will open up the editing view for your image.

One of Canva’s biggest selling points is that there are templates already set up for you to use. You can find these on the left hand side of the page under Templates. Once you select a Template, it will appear in the main work area. Then you can customize the text by clicking on it and overwriting the template text with something your readers will appreciate. In the example below, we’re creating an image that thanks our readers.

1. From your open Instagram design, click Templates from the left hand menu.
2. To select a layout click on the thumbnail of that layout (scroll down to view more options).
3. Edit the text by clicking directly on the text. Change it to say what you want to your readers. In our example, the text says “Thanks for being a reader”
4. Click the Download button in the upper right hand corner of your screen to save the image to your desktop.

That’s it, you’re done! Easy, right? You can use the same basic steps to create all kinds of social media imagery for all social media platforms.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to know the exact sizing dimensions you need for a social media post. All platforms vary, including the type of image you’re posting. For example, a Facebook cover photo has different dimensions than a profile picture.

The next step is getting the image out of Canva and onto social media. Canva offers the ability to schedule your posts to social media sites. We’ll cover all the exporting options at the end of the article.

Using Canva to Create an Ad / Promo Image

Sometimes you’re directly marketing your book to a new audience with the goal of selling it. These opportunities come in a variety of forms. Maybe you’re doing a newsletter swap with another author. Maybe you’re paying to run an ad on a blog. Or, better yet, maybe you’re running Facebook Ads! In all of these cases, Canva can help you create the appropriate ad images.

For this example, we’ll show you how to create a Facebook Ad to promote a book. You can use the same basic principles to create any banner ad or promo image.

1. Open Canva.
2. Click the purple button in the upper right hand corner that says Create a Design.
3. In the search box, type in Ads. From there, choose the template called Facebook Ad. This will open up the editing view for your image.

Now we’re in the editing screen and we’re ready to make our ad. This is a little trickier than engagement imagery because, with this ad, you want to promote a specific book. We will need to import images and move them around.

1. From your open Facebook Ad design, click Templates from the left hand menu.
2. To select a layout click on the thumbnail of that layout (scroll down to view more options).
3. Click Uploads from the left hand menu.
4. Click the purple button that says Upload media.
5. Locate your book cover on your computer and upload it (in a pinch you can right-click, and download the book cover from Amazon to your desktop).
6. The book cover image should now be in your upload library.
7. Click the book cover from your upload library to add it to your design.

Now we have our Layout built and our book cover image added to the project. Let’s edit the ad until it looks the way we want it to.

1. Click on the background image of your design to select it.
2. Change the background color to whatever looks complementary to your book.
3. Move the book cover image so it’s in a good place. Arrange your text where it should go.
4. Looking good so far! Almost done!
5. Click on the text to edit it and change the default text to your book title.
6. You can replace any extra text with a one-line summary of your book.
7.  All done!

Feel free to get even snazzier from here! The beauty of Canva is that it has a wide variety of fonts and elements to choose from, even on the free plan.

A quick note on the text: Making the ad look great is more important than making the ad accurate! In our example, we have the text “Fifty Places to Dive Before You Die”. This does not do the book justice at all, but looks good, so we go with it.

If you want to experiment with different fonts or colors simply duplicate the ad in the same Canva Project.

1. Make sure you are still in your open Canva Project.
2. Select File from the upper left hand corner of the Project, then click Make a Copy.
3. Change the font or color of text to experiment, or play around with a new template.
4. Repeat!

Using Canva to Create Your Book Cover

In our experience, it’s always best to hire a professional to get your cover designed. However, if you’re going to do it yourself, Canva is a great resource to use. We’ll walk you through the steps to start your design.

1. Open Canva.
2. Click the purple button in the upper right hand corner that says Create a Design.
3. In the search box, find the Ebook Cover design option.

A Quick Note on Book Cover design

A good book cover tells the reader a little bit about the book and entices them to read it. The goal is to create a visually engaging image that is a nod to the plot contained in the book itself. Book covers that try to summarize the plot by adding all the elements of the story to the cover generally fall very short of this goal.

Let’s say your book is a Fantasy book that has a female vampire, a castle, sword-fighting, a few chapters on a sea voyage, and a love interest. Not all those elements need to be on the cover. In fact, the best covers pick just one or two elements of the plot to feature on the cover.

It’s more important for a book cover to be visually appealing than an accurate summary of the plot.

With that out of the way, let’s design a book cover!

1. Make sure you’re in your open Canva Design for an eBook from the previous step.
2. Select a layout from the list of thumbnails at the left, but don’t worry if the picture isn’t accurate. It’s okay to pick a template that’s off-topic from the content of your book; we’ll swap the images later.
3. For this example, we’ll pick the Wattpad Book Cover template called The Dark Side of Winter. It’s a very simple cover, with one image and an easy-to-read font.
4. Since our make-believe book is about vampires, the cabin in this template isn’t exactly right. Let’s find an image in Canva that will work for our book.
5. From the left-hand menu, click the Photos tab.
6. Locate the search bar above the photos, and use it to search for female vampires. We can also filter by Free photos for those not on the Pro plan.
7. Once we’ve found a photo we like, drag the image over and it will snap and become the background image.

Now we need to change the text to our book title and add our author name. Simply click on the text to edit it.

1. Click on the text to select it.
2. For this example, we will need to move the text around because it is hiding key parts of our image.
3. Just click and drag the text to the right spot, but keep it centered.
4. Remove any text you don’t need by clicking on the text and then clicking on the trash can icon which looks like this: 
5. Click on the text again to edit it. Change the default title to your book title. You can also resize the text by clicking on one of the white circles that pops up around it.
6. Edit the author name, or add in a tagline if needed.

That’s it! You’re done. But…. let’s be honest, you’re not really done. You’re going to tinker with it, experiment with a few fonts, and try some different images. We get it. It’s fun! We recommend duplicating the cover and playing with the design so you have a bunch of different options in one Canva project.

1. Once you have your book cover design done, make a duplicate. You can do this by making a copy, like we’ve previously done, or by clicking the duplicate icon on the right hand side of the cover.
2. Make any changes you want. If you mess up, don’t worry – the original is still preserved!
3. In the animation below, we use several techniques to change the image. We change the filter, the font size, the font itself, and try a few background images. Experimentation will yield good results if you’re patient. If you’re not patient, or find this process frustrating, go with the original Canva Layout, it will look great!
4. Repeat.
5. All your variations will be saved in the same Canva Project.

A Note on Canva Stock Images.

Canva has a ton of free images, but a lot of the good ones are considered “pro”. Pro images are part of the Pro or Enterprise plans on Canva, which start at $119.99/year. In our opinion, it’s well worth it to pay for a Pro plan on Canva because of the many options that are included – stock images being just one of the many benefits. As a comparison, stock images from most major websites like Getty Images or iStockPhoto will start at about $10.

If you can’t find a good image for your book cover, just use a template that’s mostly text. These book covers still look professional and are a good option if you struggle to pick imagery.

Canva has a great list of Book Cover templates you can browse. All of these are editable within Canva itself.

Wanting more tips on great book cover design? We recommend checking out the following resources:

• The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Book Cover Design and How to Avoid Them
• How to Find and Work with a Book Cover Designer
• How to Create a Best-Selling Cover

The Last Step: Getting Images out of Canva

Alright, now we know how to make all kinds of images for our book! The easiest way to get your images out of Canva is to hit the Download button and save them to your desktop. From there you can post them on social media, email them to your reader, or use them however you like.

Canva has a few more advanced options for sharing your images. If you’re planning to post it directly to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you can post directly from Canva. This is a really easy way to generate social posts. You’ll need to connect your social media accounts in order to enable this feature, but it’s quick and easy to do. Additionally, you can use the Canva Mobile App (for iPad or iPhone) to access your Canva images and post them to more mobile-centric sites like Instagram or Pinterest.

Wrapping Up On This Awesome Book Marketing Tool

Hopefully we’ve shown you how to create some great marketing imagery you can use to help promote your book. As we discussed, Canva can help you create everything from Ads to Engagement Images to Book Covers. We think it’s a great option for authors because it won’t break the bank and it’s very easy to learn. If you still have any questions on how to use Canva, post them in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them!

Once you’ve mastered Canva check out these free book marketing tools.

The post Free Book Marketing Tools for Authors: Canva appeared first on Written Word Media.