The Best Book Marketing Strategy I Have Ever Heard

There's a stark reality in the publishing world that most aspiring authors never hear: 

If your book doesn't reach 10,000 readers within the first two years, there's an 86% chance it never will. 

The good news is, if you reach 10,000 readers in the first two years, then you have a very good chance of building to 100K over the following two years– meaning major impact and a serious, loyal following. 

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Tim Grahl, the CEO of Story Grid. Tim is a 15-year veteran of the publishing industry, who has launched over 100 successful books. What struck me most was his refreshingly practical approach to book marketing. 

"Focus on readers, not sales," Tim advised, though sales certainly serve as a useful proxy metric. Unlike movies or music, which often fade quickly, books can gain momentum over time. 

But again, this really depends on getting people to read—even if it’s just one page of your book. This is the only way that you get them to become loyal fans, and only when you have loyal fans will your book spread by the best method possible:

Word of mouth. 

The cornerstone of the strategy? Build your email list.  It's not just important—it's essential. 

How?

"Give away your book for free," Tim suggested. 

On your website, offer a free copy of your ebook to anyone who signs up for your email newsletter.  

Then reach out to every influencer you possibly can with an audience similar to yours: Whether they are on social media with (Bookstagram), a podcast host, a YouTube channel creator, or a Substack author. Give them a free copy, as well. Follow up two weeks later to see if they’d be willing to share your book with their audience.

You can use a platform like BookFunnel to make the book giveaway process seamless. 

Remember, book marketing isn't a sprint—it's a marathon that requires patience and persistence. Give your book away like crazy. If you start a YouTube channel, your videos may take two years to gain traction. Your podcast appearances accumulate impact slowly. Even sending copies to influencers in your genre takes time. 

But all these activities create ripples that eventually become waves.

As I reflect on Tim's wisdom, I'm reminded that our books, like our lives, unfold in their own time. The journey to 10,000 readers is about more than your marketing tactics. It’s about believing deeply enough in your message to share it consistently, authentically, and generously until it finds its people.

Aloha,
MeiMei

Tip of the Week

What step will you take today to begin building your pathway to those crucial 10,000 readers?

• Start an email newsletter. Offer a free giveaway to subscribers, even it’s just the first chapter of your book. 
• Start a substack. After you do, follow popular Substack authors in your genre. Comment and like their content to begin to build a relationship with them.
• Follow influencers in your genre on social media. Comment and like their content to begin to build a relationship with them.
• Find popular podcasts and YouTube channels in your genre and start following them. Comment and like the content to begin to build a relationship with the Creator.

Quote of the Week

Nearly everything awesome takes longer than you think. Get started and don't worry about the clock.

⁃ James Clear, NYTimes bestselling author of Atomic Habits