You wrote a book. Now you want readers. You ask, “Should I hire a book marketer or try it myself?” This guide keeps it simple. We’ll explain the book marketer’s role, clear pros and cons, real steps, and an easy decision plan. You’ll learn how effective book promotion works, what it costs, and how to build a successful book promotion strategy. If you want help, our team at Arkham House Publishers can guide you from idea to launch.
What a Book Marketer Does (in Plain Words)
A book marketer helps people find, buy, and love your book. They plan, test, and measure. They set up your pages, your ads, and your emails. They build the path from “never heard of you” to “I bought your book.” Here’s the book marketer’s role in simple steps:
- Shape your message. What promise does your book make? Who cares most?
- Fix your “storefront.” Your Amazon page, website, and social pages must be clear.
- Build your plan. Pick channels. Set dates. Choose tasks.
- Grow reach. Pitch media, reach bloggers, and invite early readers.
- Run campaigns. Test ads, email, and launch events.
- Track results. Watch clicks, costs, and sales. Improve week by week.
You can do parts alone. But a professional book marketer does it faster. They’ve seen what works and what fails. They know the traps, so you can skip them.
Pros of Hiring a Book Marketer
Speed and Focus
You save time. You work on writing and events. They handle setup, tools, and tests. This keeps your energy for readers and for your next book.
Clear Plan and Fewer Wrong Turns
A pro has a complete marketing plan. They know how to launch with less waste. They’ve learned from past books, across genres.
Better “Storefronts”
They polish your book page, images, and copy. Your promise is clear. Your page does its job: “click and buy.”
Smart Testing
They test covers, taglines, and ads in small runs. Small tests save big money. Good tests find winning words fast.
Warm Reach
They have contacts. Reviewers, bloggers, and podcasters trust their pitches. This helps your book get early eyes and honest reviews.
Data you Can Use
They track what matters: traffic, cost per click, sales rate, reviews, and return on ad spend. Clear numbers guide your next step.
Less Stress
Launch week can feel big. A steady partner keeps you calm and on plan.
Cons of Hiring a Book Marketer
Cost
Pros charge for time and skill. Fees and ad spend add up. You must set a budget and stick to it.
No one can Promise Sales
A marketer can’t guarantee a best seller. They can improve odds. But readers decide.
Fit Matters
A great romance marketer may not fit your sci-fi book. You must match genre, style, and goals.
Loss of Control (A Little)
You’ll give feedback, but you won’t click every button. Some authors like that. Some don’t.
Time to Ramp
A pro still needs time to learn your voice. Give them a clean brief and space to work.
Quick Primer: Key Terms You’ll Hear
- CTA (call to action): The words that ask the reader to act (like “Buy now”).
- ARC (advance review copy): Free early copy for reviews.
- CPC (cost per click): What you pay for one ad click.
- Conversion rate: Percent of visitors who buy.
- Landing page: A simple page built to sell one thing.
- Lead magnet: A free gift (like a chapter) for an email sign-up.
If a term feels new, ask your marketer to explain. Clear words help you make clear choices.
When to Hire a Marketer (and when not to)
You Should Consider Hiring if:
- You have a clear launch date in the next 3–6 months.
- You can set a marketing budget and protect it.
- You like data and want a test-and-learn plan.
- You’re busy with speaking, clients, or your next book.
- You want to grow a list for future books or services.
You May Try DIY First if:
- Your budget is near zero, and time is high.
- You love tools and want to learn by doing.
- Your goal is a soft launch for family and friends.
- You’re still testing your cover and title.
Both paths can work. The best path fits your time, money, and goals.
How to Decide: A Simple Scorecard
Give each item 0–2 points (0 = no, 1 = maybe, 2 = yes).
- I can spend at least 5 hours a week on marketing.
- I enjoy learning about tools and email tools.
- I want full control and can move fast alone.
- I have a list of 500+ readers or clients.
- I know my reader and my main promise.
If you score 0–3: Hire help or use a done-with-you plan.
If you score 4–6: Mix DIY and coaching.
If you score 7–10: DIY can work; add a pro checkup before launch.
Costs and Budget Basics (no fluff)
There’s no one price. Costs change by scope, market, and goals. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- DIY, near-zero spend: Use free tools and time.
- Starter plan ($250–$1,000): Light design, basic ads test, email setup.
- Core plan ($1,000–$5,000): Launch plan, ad tests, ARC team, media pitches.
- Growth plan ($5,000+): Ongoing ads, PR, bigger list growth, multi-month push.
These are not quotes. They’re frames to help you think. Always ask for a written scope: tasks, dates, and deliverables.
The Professional Book Marketer’s Role (Deeper Look)
1) Set your Promise and Reader
They shape your hook in plain words. “This book helps X do Y.” They build a reader profile: age, needs, goals, and fears. Simple, not fancy.
2) Fix Pages that Sell
- Amazon page tune-up: Strong subtitle, clear blurb, clean bullets, A+ Content if used.
- Author site: One page that tells your promise and asks for a sign-up or a sale.
- Retail links: Store links work. Images load fast. Reviews show up.
3) Build your Launch Plan
They map 8–12 weeks. They set three phases: pre-launch, launch week, and post-launch. Each phase has tasks and owners.
4) Grow Early Believers
They invite ARC readers. They set rules for fair reviews. They guide you on outreach to podcasts, blogs, and local news.
5) Run Smart Tests
They test ad copy, images, and audiences. They start small. They scale only what wins. They stop what fails.
6) Report and Improve
They send a clear weekly update: tasks done, numbers, and next steps. One page is enough.
Timeline: What to Expect, Week by Week
Pre-launch (Weeks −12 to −1)
- Set your goals and budget.
- Finalize cover, subtitle, and book page copy.
- Build or fix your landing page.
- Create your lead magnet (first chapter PDF).
- Invite 25–100 ARC readers.
- Draft press pitch and media list.
- Plan social posts and a light email series.
- Test small ads to learn who clicks.
Launch Week (Week 0)
- Announce to your list and partners.
- Share three social posts with clear CTAs.
- Pitch two or three shows or blogs each day.
- Watch your pages for errors and fix them fast.
- Thank readers. Ask for honest reviews.
Post-launch (Weeks +1 to +12)
- Keep a steady ad that pays its way.
- Share one helpful tip from the book each week.
- Guest post or do two podcast chats a month.
- Add a book to your talks, webinars, or client calls.
- Track results and trim what doesn’t work.
Channels and Tactics (simple and useful)
Amazon Ads (if you’re on Amazon)
Start with low bids. Test keywords and product targets. Keep one winning ad live.
Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram)
Use a simple image, your hook, and a short line. Send clicks to your best page.
BookBub and Goodreads
- BookBub: Deals and ads that reach heavy readers. See ideas at the BookBub Partner Blog: https://insights.bookbub.com
- Goodreads: Claim your author page and join the Author Program: https://www.goodreads.com/author/program
Email List
Email is still gold. Send a welcome note, a free chapter, and two helpful tips. Ask for replies to start real talks.
PR and Guest Spots
Pitch small first. Local radio, niche podcasts, and trade blogs convert best. Share a teachable idea from your book.
Partnerships
Swap value. Offer a free talk or a short guide to a group that serves your reader. They share your book. Win-win.
Strategy Examples by Goal
Goal: Build an Email List for Future Books
- Free chapter lead magnet.
- Landing page with simple sign-up.
- Weekly tip linked to the book theme.
- Guest post to send new readers to the page.
Goal: Drive Launch Week Sales
- Warm your list 2–3 weeks ahead.
- ARC reviews are ready by launch.
- Daily short posts with buy links.
- Small ad test that you scale on day two.
Goal: Grow Leads for a Service Business
- Add a “work with me” page.
- Place your book’s CTA in talks and webinars.
- Use a checklist from the book as a lead magnet.
- Track consult bookings from book traffic.
Strategies by Book Type
Fiction (Romance, Mystery, Sci-fi)
- Series matter. Tease book two.
- Use a short, punchy blurb and strong tropes.
- Lean on BookBub Ads and swaps with other authors.
- Build a cozy reader group for long-term love.
Memoir
- Lead with a core theme readers share (grief, care, growth).
- Pitch podcasts on that theme.
- Share one short scene as a social story.
- Read at local stores and libraries.
Business Nonfiction
- Position as a tool. Solve one clear pain.
- Speak at meetups and on LinkedIn Live.
- Offer a worksheet or cheatsheet from the book.
- Track leads and case studies.
Children’s Books
- Show pages in simple videos.
- Visit schools and libraries.
- Partner with parent groups and local stores.
- Use bright images and short, warm copy.
DIY Plan if You Don’t Hire (30-Day Sprint)
Week 1:
Set your promise and reader. Fix your book page copy. Make a one-page site with a sign-up.
Week 2:
Invite 25 ARC readers. Send a welcome email. Draft five social posts. Record a one-minute video.
Week 3:
Pitch three podcasts and three blogs. Test two small ads. Ask a friend to proofread your pages.
Week 4:
Launch. Email your list twice. Post three times. Thank readers and ask for reviews. Pause weak ads. Keep the best one.
If you want a pro check before launch, book a one-hour review. A quick tune-up can lift results.
What to Ask Before You Hire a Marketer
- Have you worked in my genre? Show me two samples.
- What’s your launch plan in 10 lines or fewer?
- What will you do in Weeks −8, −4, 0, and +4?
- What will I do? What will you do?
- What are your top three KPIs?
- How will we meet, and how often?
- What’s the fee? What’s extra?
- Who owns the ad accounts and data? (Answer: you should.)
Red flags: big promises, fake reviews, no data, no clear weekly plan.
Simple KPIs You Can Track
-
Email Sign-ups Per Week (and from where)
How many new people joined your email list this week? Note the source, like “site,” “Amazon page,” or “podcast.”
Formula: new sign-ups this week.
Example: 37 new emails. 20 from the site, 17 from the podcast. -
Click-through Rate on Key Links (CTR)
The percent of people who clicked a link after seeing it.
Formula: clicks ÷ views × 100.
Example: 50 clicks ÷ 1,000 views × 100 = 5% CTR. -
Cost Per Click on Ads (CPC)
The average amount you pay for each ad click.
Formula: ad spend ÷ clicks.
Example: $40 ÷ 80 clicks = $0.50 CPC. -
Sales Page Conversion Rate (CR)
The percent of visitors who buy your book.
Formula: purchases ÷ visits × 100.
Example: 25 sales ÷ 500 visits × 100 = 5% CR. -
Review Count and Average Stars
How many reviews do you have, and what is the average rating
Formula (average): total stars ÷ number of reviews.
Example: (5+4+5+4+3) ÷ 5 = 4.2 stars, 5 reviews.
-
Return on Ads Spend (ROAS)
How much revenue do you earn for each ad dollar.
Formula: revenue ÷ ad spend.
Example: $600 ÷ $200 = 3.0 ROAS (you earn $3 per $1).
You don’t need fancy tools. A spreadsheet works. Write the date, the number, and one note.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Going too Wide
Pick one main reader. Speak to them. Don’t try to please all.
Changing your Cover too Late
Decide early. One strong look helps all your ads.
No Lead Magnet
Give a useful sample, not just “join my list.” Give value first.
No Follow-up
A launch is a start. Share one helpful idea each week for 12 weeks.
Chasing Every Shiny Tool
Pick two channels and show up. Depth beats scatter.
Tools You Can Use (simple and low-cost)
- Email: MailerLite or ConvertKit for basic lists.
- Pages: WordPress or Squarespace for quick sites.
- Images: Canva for ads and social posts.
- Links: Bitly to track clicks.
- Project board: Trello or Notion for tasks.
- Ads: Amazon Ads, Meta Ads Manager (start small).
Pick what you can learn fast. Don’t add tools you won’t use.
People Also Ask
Do I need a big social following?
No. A small, warm list can beat a big, cold crowd. Focus on your reader and your promise.
Can I launch without ads?
Yes. Use email, partners, podcasts, and stores. Ads can help, but they’re not the only path.
How long should I market after launch?
At least 8–12 weeks. A slow, steady push works better than a one-day spike.
What You Keep After the Campaign
- A clear hook and subtitle that fits your reader.
- Clean copy for your pages and ads.
- A starter list you can grow with each book.
- Lessons from tests you can use next time.
- A calm, repeatable launch playbook.
These assets compound. Your second book will be easier. Your third can be a joy.
How to Get Started Today
- Write your hook in one line: “This book helps X do Y.”
- Fix your book page headline and bullets.
- Choose one main channel (email, podcasts, or small ads).
- Invite 25 ARC readers this week.
- Set one KPI to track next week.
Want help to move faster and avoid the traps? Our team at Arkham House Publishers can build your plan, set your tools, and guide your launch.
Tiny Stories: How a Plan Helps
A Busy Coach
A coach had no time. We set a 6-week plan. She sent one tip a week by email, did two small podcasts, and ran one steady ad. Her list grew. Her book fed her client work.
A Sci-fi Author
He tested two covers with small ads. One got twice the clicks. He used the winner and doubled launch week sales vs. his last book.
A Local Chef
He wrote a cookbook. We helped him host short live demos online in which he offered a spice blend as a bonus. His store sold out that month.
Every path is different, but a clear plan helps each one.
Conclusion
Hiring help can be smart. It can save time, cut waste, and lift results. But it must fit your goals and budget. Use this guide to weigh the pros and cons of whether to hire a book marketer, build a lean plan, and act with calm. If you want a partner who keeps it clear and kind, we’re here.
Ready to market your book the smart way? Hire Arkham House Publishers’ marketing services. We guide authors, aspiring writers, and business pros. We keep plans simple, warm, and clear.
