Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in-between, let’s break down exactly how to sell those first 100 copies without resorting to begging your grandma’s bridge club to buy one. (Although hey, no shame if they do.)
- Start with a Soft Launch to Warm Up the Crowd
Before you even think about paid ads or influencers, start small. A “soft launch” means sharing your book with a select audience first—your inner circle, beta readers, and early supporters. These are the folks who already know you, trust you, and are most likely to cheer you on.
Send personalized messages. Not a mass email. Reach out with sincerity:
“Hey [Name], I’ve just launched my book! I’d love if you could check it out and leave an honest review. Your support would mean a lot.”
You’d be surprised how many people will happily help—especially when you ask with heart, not hype.
- Make Your Book Easy to Love (and Buy)
Let’s talk packaging. The fastest way to lose a sale? A book cover that looks like a middle school PowerPoint slide. Readers do judge books by their covers—so yours needs to pop, even at thumbnail size.
Also, make sure your Amazon (or sales platform) listing is tight:
- A compelling book description with short, punchy sentences
- Keywords that help people find you
- Clear categories
- A price that matches the perceived value (don’t be afraid of $0.99 to gain momentum)
And reviews? Even just 5–10 solid reviews will dramatically boost your credibility and conversions. Which leads us to…
- Create a Launch Team (a.k.a. Book Cheerleaders)
Don’t go at this alone. A launch team is your book’s pit crew. They help with:
- Preordering or buying early
- Sharing your book on their socials
- Leaving thoughtful reviews
- Hyping your launch in comment sections or groups
Recruit them early. Offer incentives like:
- Behind-the-scenes content
- A free PDF of the book
- A Zoom Q&A or thank-you shoutout
Make it feel fun and personal. This isn’t about bribery—it’s about building a team that genuinely wants to see your book fly.
- Leverage Social Proof (Even the Small Stuff Counts)
You don’t need a massive audience to make a big impression. Screenshot your first 5-star review and share it. Got a reader photo with your book? Post it. Get a message saying “OMG I couldn’t put it down”? That’s gold.
Every little piece of social proof adds fuel to your credibility fire. Readers want to know someone else took the leap—and didn’t regret it.
Pro tip: Use your Instagram Stories, TikTok, or Facebook Reels to showcase these. Even a quick video of you unboxing your book or sharing an excited update can drive curiosity and clicks.
- Tap Into Reader Communities (Without Spamming)
Book lovers live online—and they talk. Goodreads groups, Facebook book clubs, Reddit threads, niche forums… they’re everywhere. Find where your ideal readers hang out and join in.
But here’s the catch: don’t waltz in screaming “BUY MY BOOK!” That’s a one-way ticket to being ignored (or banned). Instead:
- Participate in conversations
- Recommend other books
- Share your experiences as a writer
- Then organically mention your book when relevant
Genuine connection always wins over pushy promotion.
- Guest Appearances: Podcasts, Newsletters, and Blogs
You don’t have to be famous to land a podcast interview or blog feature. Hosts and curators are always looking for fresh voices and stories—especially if your book covers a niche topic or an emotional journey.
Search for:
- Indie author-friendly podcasts
- Book review blogs open to submissions
- Email newsletters with guest spot opportunities
Offer something of value—like writing tips, background stories, or how your book came to be. The subtle mention of your book will feel natural, and the exposure can spark a burst in sales.
- Run a Limited-Time Promo or Giveaway
Few things drive impulse purchases like scarcity. Use a countdown timer. Slash your price for 72 hours. Offer a free bonus with every purchase. Or try a simple giveaway:
“Buy my book by Friday and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a signed copy + special surprise!”
Even better? Partner with a fellow author and cross-promote your giveaway to each other’s readers. Everyone loves free stuff, and you’ll double your reach.
- Build an Email List ASAP
This one isn’t just about your first 100 sales—but the next thousand, too.
Start collecting emails right away, even if it’s just from your book’s landing page. Offer a freebie (like a bonus chapter or short story) and keep your list updated with:
- Book news
- Behind-the-scenes peeks
- Q&As
- Encouraging notes
Your email list is gold. These are the readers who are choosing to stay in your world. They’ll be the first to buy your next book, leave a review, or recommend you to friends.
- Turn Readers into Raving Fans
This is where the magic happens. If someone reads your book and loves it, don’t let that be the end of the story.
Encourage them to:
- Leave a review
- Tell their friends
- Follow you on social
- Join your email list
- Post a photo or tag you
Give them a reason to stay connected. Readers want to feel part of something—so invite them into your journey.
- Stay Consistent (and Have Fun With It)
Let’s be real—some days, it feels like shouting into a void. But don’t disappear. The difference between authors who sell 100 books and authors who sell 10 is consistency.
Post often. Talk about your book often. Mention it when you feel awkward. Celebrate even the small wins. Show up with energy—even if it’s messy and imperfect.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. And remember: momentum builds. That 100th sale always comes faster when you keep moving forward.
Bringing It All Together
Selling your first 100 books isn’t about flashy marketing tactics—it’s about connecting with real people, showing up authentically, and building momentum step by step. And you don’t have to do it alone.
At some point in your author journey, you’re going to crave guidance—a team that knows what works, what doesn’t, and how to help your book shine without losing your voice. That’s where trusted names like Writers Bloom come in. They’ve walked this road with countless authors, and their quiet confidence in the process is something you can lean on when the path feels overwhelming.
So go out there. Get loud about your story. Make those first 100 sales. And then keep going—because your next 1,000 readers are waiting.
Now, go sell that book.