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Smashwords Book Marketing Guide - How to Market any Book for Free: 65 Book Marketing Ideas
The all new 2018 edition of The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide. Updated and expanded with 65 book marketing ideas and dozens of new insights that will help authors, publishers and book marketers make their books more discoverable and more desirable to readers. Learn how how to put more of your marketing on "autopilot" so you can spend more time writing and less time marketing. Includes new "Deep Dive" bonus sections covering social media strategy for authors, how to work with beta readers, and how to earn free press coverage. You'll also learn how to write a press release. This popular book marketing guide offers easy-to-implement advice on how to market books at no cost. The book is useful to all authors and publishers, even if they're not yet working with Smashwords.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2008
198 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Mark Coker
14 books67 followersFounder of Smashwords, the leading distributor of indie ebooks. Since its launch in 2008, Smashwords has helped over 30,000 authors around the world publish and distribute nearly 100,000 ebooks. Millions of readers have enjoyed the talent and creativity of Smashwords authors.
Smashwords ebooks are distributed to Apple (32 countries), Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Diesel.
Author of:
The Smashwords Style Guide (how to create and format an ebook); The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide (how to market any book); The 10-Minute PR Checklist (how to implement a strategic PR program); and Boob Tube, a novel about the daytime television soap opera industry.
Smashwords ebooks are distributed to Apple (32 countries), Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Diesel.
Author of:
The Smashwords Style Guide (how to create and format an ebook); The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide (how to market any book); The 10-Minute PR Checklist (how to implement a strategic PR program); and Boob Tube, a novel about the daytime television soap opera industry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 24, 2012
As an avid reader, blogger, and Shelfari Librarians & Editors group member, I am often surprised how few of the tips in this e-guide have been followed by authors. Don’t just publish your book and hope that we will come. Help us find you.
I picked up "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide – How to Market any Book for Free" (Smashwords Guides) because it was free, short, and available for Kindle. [I am also a bit nosey.] This guide provides authors and publishers basic practical advice on how to market their books. The title is pretty clear. No bait-and-switch here.
Yes, this e-guide is a marketing tool for Smashwords. I think that it is a good way to get the word out about their services. Although I am not an author, I can see why people would use it. I have a couple of books from authors who used Smashwords and can see that they have put some of the tips to work. If you are curious about Smashwords, this guide is a good place to start.
Yes, you can get something out of reading it even if you don’t plan to use Smashwords. Yes, you can probably find similar tips all over the web. However, with this book, you don’t have to hunt them down. You get 30 solid tips (paired with comments from Coker’s PR perspective) all in one place for easy reference.
So, take 30 minutes to read the 39 pages and review your marketing plan. Do you have all of the relevant marketing tips covered? If it helps you tweak at least one area in your marketing mix, then it was worth the reading time and monetary investment (IT’S FREE PEOPLE – as of 5/21/12). If you are ahead of the curve and it is too basic for you, considering passing the book on to another author who could use the help. Consider it karma-worthy. Your thoughtfulness may come back to help you someday.
I am taking my own advice and making some updates to my marketing plan based on the "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide – How to Market any Book for Free". Sometimes it pays to be nosey.
I picked up "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide – How to Market any Book for Free" (Smashwords Guides) because it was free, short, and available for Kindle. [I am also a bit nosey.] This guide provides authors and publishers basic practical advice on how to market their books. The title is pretty clear. No bait-and-switch here.
Yes, this e-guide is a marketing tool for Smashwords. I think that it is a good way to get the word out about their services. Although I am not an author, I can see why people would use it. I have a couple of books from authors who used Smashwords and can see that they have put some of the tips to work. If you are curious about Smashwords, this guide is a good place to start.
Yes, you can get something out of reading it even if you don’t plan to use Smashwords. Yes, you can probably find similar tips all over the web. However, with this book, you don’t have to hunt them down. You get 30 solid tips (paired with comments from Coker’s PR perspective) all in one place for easy reference.
So, take 30 minutes to read the 39 pages and review your marketing plan. Do you have all of the relevant marketing tips covered? If it helps you tweak at least one area in your marketing mix, then it was worth the reading time and monetary investment (IT’S FREE PEOPLE – as of 5/21/12). If you are ahead of the curve and it is too basic for you, considering passing the book on to another author who could use the help. Consider it karma-worthy. Your thoughtfulness may come back to help you someday.
I am taking my own advice and making some updates to my marketing plan based on the "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide – How to Market any Book for Free". Sometimes it pays to be nosey.
November 27, 2019
I just read the 2018 edition of this book. It contains some great information, and is recommended reading for all indie authors, particularly those who, like myself, are still very much in the early stages, in terms of their self-publishing journeys. I currently use Lulu, Draft 2 Digital, and sometimes Obooko, and am not a Smashwords author, but I still found the book helpful.
August 10, 2019
Like Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success (Smashwords Guides) this is basically simple advice that’s still useful to read if you’re going to be publishing your own eBook. Some of it is so basic I can’t believe it needs to be said:
Judging from the books I’ve read, this clearly does need to be said—and more and more, not just for self-published authors. Books I buy new almost always have more typos than books I buy used.
There is a lot of generic advice, such as “Karma will always reap its revenge” (in other words, treat people, even journalists, with respect) and then very specific advice such as:
The section on press releases describes a press release in detail and then provides an example.
And like the previous book I read, he is very skeptical of paying money for services, in this case for marketing and advertising.
The alternative is to establish a “brand” outside of paid advertising. This mostly means become a subject matter expert on something related to your book, and then leveraging that expertise. This is going to be difficult, but he does describe how to bootstrap your efforts.
And he provides very useful advice on how to contact journalists, from the time of day to how to create the write tone in your contact request.
This appears to be generally good advice with useful examples. It’s also free (he undoubtedly considers it building the Smashwords brand) and quick to read.
A common mistake of new self-published authors is that they publish their book without editing. All books need editing, preferably by an experienced editor.
Judging from the books I’ve read, this clearly does need to be said—and more and more, not just for self-published authors. Books I buy new almost always have more typos than books I buy used.
There is a lot of generic advice, such as “Karma will always reap its revenge” (in other words, treat people, even journalists, with respect) and then very specific advice such as:
If you write non-fiction, experiment with free and then for the rest, price higher on the spectrum, such as between $5.99 and $9.99. Non-fiction readers are less price-sensitive than fiction readers. In fact, their bias usually leans in favor of higher-priced books. A few years ago in the Smashwords Survey we found evidence that as price increased from $.99 toward $9.99, unit sales actually increased.
If you have a web site, for each of your books provide direct hyperlinks to the book pages of major sales channels that carry your book. You’ll want links to Smashwords, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Amazon at a minimum.
The section on press releases describes a press release in detail and then provides an example.
And like the previous book I read, he is very skeptical of paying money for services, in this case for marketing and advertising.
Consumers go out of their way to ignore paid advertising. This is why it’s so difficult for authors to achieve a return investment for most paid advertising.
The alternative is to establish a “brand” outside of paid advertising. This mostly means become a subject matter expert on something related to your book, and then leveraging that expertise. This is going to be difficult, but he does describe how to bootstrap your efforts.
And he provides very useful advice on how to contact journalists, from the time of day to how to create the write tone in your contact request.
This appears to be generally good advice with useful examples. It’s also free (he undoubtedly considers it building the Smashwords brand) and quick to read.
If this smacks of some form of extortion, that’s because it is. Facebook holds your friends hostage.
January 3, 2021
I had read an earlier version years ago, so it was nice to get some updated info (this read was the 2018 edition). Overall it's a mixture of stuff I've been doing since I started indie publishing in 2010, plus some things I've tried in the past that didn't work all that well for me, as well as some new things I haven't gone all-in on (yet). I definitely consider this a must-read for any indie author / publisher. And it's totally free, so grab a copy.
September 24, 2014
This is a great free and easy to read book about marketing your book written by Smashwords founder, Mark Coker. I have yet to publish my book, but am doing so soon, so am doing research to help with the marketing. Coker's book has lots of great tips, all of them free, about how to market your book.
The first half of the book gives a bit of a history of self publishing and outlines what Smashwords does, how books are distributed. I have seen a lot of complaints that this book is just a big advertizement for Smashwords, but I enjoyed learning more about what they do -- and it is a free book put out by Smashwords. Also, don't read that part of the book if you don't like it.
Next, Coker explains about book marketing and social media, how hyperlinks work, building a platform, and how authors can help each other. This was a useful overview, especially for someone like me who is diving right in and trying to understand how it all works.
Finally, there are 41 free marketing tips. You can pick and choose what to do and what will work for you. Some are easy, like updating your email signature, and some are more involved like, publish more than one book. This is a great check list of things to do, compiled in an easy list with clear instructions on how to do them and why they are a good idea.
Overall, I got a lot out of this book -- and it gets the juices going for how to market, something I'm not familiar with at all. I appreciate Coker putting this book out and especially that it is free. I didn't always agree with his advice, but it gave me a place to start and lots to think about.
The first half of the book gives a bit of a history of self publishing and outlines what Smashwords does, how books are distributed. I have seen a lot of complaints that this book is just a big advertizement for Smashwords, but I enjoyed learning more about what they do -- and it is a free book put out by Smashwords. Also, don't read that part of the book if you don't like it.
Next, Coker explains about book marketing and social media, how hyperlinks work, building a platform, and how authors can help each other. This was a useful overview, especially for someone like me who is diving right in and trying to understand how it all works.
Finally, there are 41 free marketing tips. You can pick and choose what to do and what will work for you. Some are easy, like updating your email signature, and some are more involved like, publish more than one book. This is a great check list of things to do, compiled in an easy list with clear instructions on how to do them and why they are a good idea.
Overall, I got a lot out of this book -- and it gets the juices going for how to market, something I'm not familiar with at all. I appreciate Coker putting this book out and especially that it is free. I didn't always agree with his advice, but it gave me a place to start and lots to think about.
July 2, 2012
I can't completely vouch for the effectiveness of the advice contained within this particular book, but I can say that a number of it's offered tips have driven up my blog traffic substantially. If nothing else, it was worth the read for that. I'm sure I'll be using it as a reference for years to come.
While the guide is aimed at those interested in utilizing Smashwords specifically, there's plenty of cross application for anyone opting to go another self-publishing route, an Indie Press, or even the more traditional publication route. The advice is concise, logical, cost effective, and presented in a pleasantly engaging manner. While the first part of the book really pushes Smashwords itself, be patient--or just skip to the 30 tips that make up the last portion of the book.
All in all, I'd recommend this book for ANYONE who'd like to know how to better promote their work.
While the guide is aimed at those interested in utilizing Smashwords specifically, there's plenty of cross application for anyone opting to go another self-publishing route, an Indie Press, or even the more traditional publication route. The advice is concise, logical, cost effective, and presented in a pleasantly engaging manner. While the first part of the book really pushes Smashwords itself, be patient--or just skip to the 30 tips that make up the last portion of the book.
All in all, I'd recommend this book for ANYONE who'd like to know how to better promote their work.
August 21, 2011
I should have realised that this book would just be a big ad for Smashwords. The first half of the book is about how Smashwords can help you, the second half of the book is genuine tips and suggestions on how to market your book. Of the 30 or so tips two were ones that I had never thought of before so that makes reading this book completely worthwhile.
Read
April 4, 2016although this book is very basic, it has some really good reminders. For example, I had started in about.Me page but pretty much forgotten about it. So I gave that a fresh lick of paint. These are things that are easy to do and are definitely important for any offer to have, so I still recommend it even for the more seasoned author. Worth the read.
January 14, 2013
Lots of great marketing tips from authors. A crash course (that's free!) for anyone looking to publish in any format. It's a whole new world and we need to get our work out there!
February 15, 2014
This is an ad
This book is just an ad to self publish your book on Smashwords. Do not expect practical advice for marketing.
This book is just an ad to self publish your book on Smashwords. Do not expect practical advice for marketing.
November 28, 2015
Conflicted with other information I've gleaned. I decided no to act on it. I'm going down the Amazon path.
June 13, 2020
Marketing, no matter the business or person, is always a challenge. This is even more so for independent (indie) authors who, initially at least, have never been exposed to such a world. Consequently, anything that provides quality insight into it is very welcome.
The author, Mark Coker, is the founder of Smashwords, a publishing and distribution platform he designed for the primary purpose of helping unknown, individual, independent authors. He was motivated to do this when he and his wife encountered difficulties in getting their first book published and available to a general readership. This was back in 2005. The Smashwords site was launched in 2008.
Mark Coker’s background is public relations, that, combined with his own subsequent experience with Smashwords, makes him an ideal author for a book about book marketing.
Every aspect of book marketing an author may think of, and some they probably have not, are covered: Author Branding; Platform Building; E-Mail; Blogging; The Media; Social Media; etc. In other words anything/any source where a book’s existence and content may be publicised. A wide range of tactics are considered and discussed in detail including ways for the author to make their book(s) the best possible. It should be pointed out some suggestions specifically home in on various facilities available within the Smashwords environment however, this does not detract from the information shared, nor would it hurt for authors to consider trying some of them out.
This is an ideal book for those new to authoring and book marketing. It is easy to follow and understand, comprehensive and far reaching. Naturally, it is entirely up to the reader whether they implement some or all of the ideas presented but it is a useful guide. Authors who have been on the path for a while will undoubtedly find much is not new to them nevertheless, it does not hurt to be reminded, from time to time, of what is available. Smashwords Book Marketing Guide deserves a place in any authors reference library.
Publishing, The Internet, and Social Media constantly evolve consequently, the author, generously it must be said in view of the extra work and time required, regularly publishes updated editions. This review relates to the 2018 edition though readers should note the 2020 one is now available.
The book is available from multiple retailers including the author’s own Smashwords publishing site and Amazon. Again, very generously, Mark Coker has made this book free though there may be one or two retailers who attach a small price.
The author, Mark Coker, is the founder of Smashwords, a publishing and distribution platform he designed for the primary purpose of helping unknown, individual, independent authors. He was motivated to do this when he and his wife encountered difficulties in getting their first book published and available to a general readership. This was back in 2005. The Smashwords site was launched in 2008.
Mark Coker’s background is public relations, that, combined with his own subsequent experience with Smashwords, makes him an ideal author for a book about book marketing.
Every aspect of book marketing an author may think of, and some they probably have not, are covered: Author Branding; Platform Building; E-Mail; Blogging; The Media; Social Media; etc. In other words anything/any source where a book’s existence and content may be publicised. A wide range of tactics are considered and discussed in detail including ways for the author to make their book(s) the best possible. It should be pointed out some suggestions specifically home in on various facilities available within the Smashwords environment however, this does not detract from the information shared, nor would it hurt for authors to consider trying some of them out.
This is an ideal book for those new to authoring and book marketing. It is easy to follow and understand, comprehensive and far reaching. Naturally, it is entirely up to the reader whether they implement some or all of the ideas presented but it is a useful guide. Authors who have been on the path for a while will undoubtedly find much is not new to them nevertheless, it does not hurt to be reminded, from time to time, of what is available. Smashwords Book Marketing Guide deserves a place in any authors reference library.
Publishing, The Internet, and Social Media constantly evolve consequently, the author, generously it must be said in view of the extra work and time required, regularly publishes updated editions. This review relates to the 2018 edition though readers should note the 2020 one is now available.
The book is available from multiple retailers including the author’s own Smashwords publishing site and Amazon. Again, very generously, Mark Coker has made this book free though there may be one or two retailers who attach a small price.
July 7, 2020
Nice guide to marketing your ebook, and the guide (at the time of writing) is free!
Mark Coker's book is a step-by-step guide on how to market your ebook to people. Although there are alot of points to follow, he gives enough information for readers to digest easily through casual and direct English language. He even gives plenty of suggestions on websites to join and resources to use that can help you in the marketing process.
In the latest edition, he introduces a new section in the book called "Deep Dives" which deals with instructions on how to market your ebook and your author brand on social media. I predict that as more popular social media applications surface, the author will add them and his inputs about them to the book.
I would have liked to see at least a chapter on how to market your book to organizations that deal with print media, but the author deliberately averts the focus away from this idea since he is a firm supporter of digital book publishing. I don't blame him at all; ebooks are a fantastic medium for authors who have limited resources and want to publish their books as soon as possible without the print media restrictions. However, the print publishers still hold relevance and I would think they could provide good assistance to authors if the authors attain fame as a result of having best-selling ebooks. Perhaps in a future edition the author can add a chapter on what to do if you attain best-seller status and a traditional publisher approaches your for a deal in having your book printed.
The guide is a good reference to keep with you and to reread whenever you, as an ebook author, want to properly market your book to readers. Good luck on marketing your ebook!
Mark Coker's book is a step-by-step guide on how to market your ebook to people. Although there are alot of points to follow, he gives enough information for readers to digest easily through casual and direct English language. He even gives plenty of suggestions on websites to join and resources to use that can help you in the marketing process.
In the latest edition, he introduces a new section in the book called "Deep Dives" which deals with instructions on how to market your ebook and your author brand on social media. I predict that as more popular social media applications surface, the author will add them and his inputs about them to the book.
I would have liked to see at least a chapter on how to market your book to organizations that deal with print media, but the author deliberately averts the focus away from this idea since he is a firm supporter of digital book publishing. I don't blame him at all; ebooks are a fantastic medium for authors who have limited resources and want to publish their books as soon as possible without the print media restrictions. However, the print publishers still hold relevance and I would think they could provide good assistance to authors if the authors attain fame as a result of having best-selling ebooks. Perhaps in a future edition the author can add a chapter on what to do if you attain best-seller status and a traditional publisher approaches your for a deal in having your book printed.
The guide is a good reference to keep with you and to reread whenever you, as an ebook author, want to properly market your book to readers. Good luck on marketing your ebook!
March 9, 2019
If you’re an indie author, an aspiring author, or a traditionally published author, you’ll find real value in this free Smashwords Book Marketing Guide. If you’re a book publisher or a book marketer, you’ll also find some valuable book marketing ideas and insights.
Coker, who has done more for indie authors around the world than anyone else I’m aware of, serves up 65 book marketing ideas, all of them free, all of them no-nonsense, time-tested strategies. Sure, some of the tips favor Smashwords, the world’s largest distributor of self-published ebooks.
But, don’t forget, the book is free, and it’s something that should be expected, considering what Coker has done for the indie publishing industry.
The 2018 edition contains useful information on working with beta readers, the secret to garnering free press coverage, and even a detailed section on how to write a press release.
It’s well-written, well-organized, and chock full of useful marketing tips. I’ve been writing novels for eight years now and, after finishing the marketing guide, I’ve compiled a useful TO DO list of the areas in which my book marketing efforts have produced lackluster results. I now have a pretty clear picture of the areas that need improvement and some useful tools to do just that.
Thank you, Mark.
If you’re an author and you’re not familiar with Mark Coker, get acquainted with him. You’ll be glad you did.
Highly recommended.
Coker, who has done more for indie authors around the world than anyone else I’m aware of, serves up 65 book marketing ideas, all of them free, all of them no-nonsense, time-tested strategies. Sure, some of the tips favor Smashwords, the world’s largest distributor of self-published ebooks.
But, don’t forget, the book is free, and it’s something that should be expected, considering what Coker has done for the indie publishing industry.
The 2018 edition contains useful information on working with beta readers, the secret to garnering free press coverage, and even a detailed section on how to write a press release.
It’s well-written, well-organized, and chock full of useful marketing tips. I’ve been writing novels for eight years now and, after finishing the marketing guide, I’ve compiled a useful TO DO list of the areas in which my book marketing efforts have produced lackluster results. I now have a pretty clear picture of the areas that need improvement and some useful tools to do just that.
Thank you, Mark.
If you’re an author and you’re not familiar with Mark Coker, get acquainted with him. You’ll be glad you did.
Highly recommended.
June 16, 2024
"Smashwords Book Marketing Guide" by Mark Coker presents itself as a comprehensive guide on how to market any book, but it's primarily focused on ebooks. The title suggests a broader scope that might mislead readers looking for traditional book marketing strategies.
The first half of the book is heavily centered on promoting Smashwords, making it feel more like an advertisement than a marketing guide. However, the second half offers practical tips on marketing ebooks, including using social media and other digital platforms.
The "Deep Dives" section is particularly useful, providing detailed instructions on building an author brand online. This is valuable for authors focusing on digital marketing, but it lacks depth in traditional marketing methods, such as print media and bookstore placements.
For authors new to self-publishing, this book can serve as a helpful introduction to digital marketing strategies. However, those looking for comprehensive advice on marketing traditional books might find it lacking.
In summary, "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide" offers some good tips for ebook marketing but falls short in addressing the needs of authors aiming to market physical books. It's a decent starting point for new authors, especially those using Smashwords, but not as useful for more experienced writers or those focused on traditional publishing.
The first half of the book is heavily centered on promoting Smashwords, making it feel more like an advertisement than a marketing guide. However, the second half offers practical tips on marketing ebooks, including using social media and other digital platforms.
The "Deep Dives" section is particularly useful, providing detailed instructions on building an author brand online. This is valuable for authors focusing on digital marketing, but it lacks depth in traditional marketing methods, such as print media and bookstore placements.
For authors new to self-publishing, this book can serve as a helpful introduction to digital marketing strategies. However, those looking for comprehensive advice on marketing traditional books might find it lacking.
In summary, "Smashwords Book Marketing Guide" offers some good tips for ebook marketing but falls short in addressing the needs of authors aiming to market physical books. It's a decent starting point for new authors, especially those using Smashwords, but not as useful for more experienced writers or those focused on traditional publishing.
February 9, 2018
Book Review – Smashwords Book Marketing Guide by Mark Coker
Smashwords Book Marketing Guide by Mark Coker is a non-fiction that covers off of marketing techniques.
The Cover: The cover is basic but professional and clearly fits the non-fiction title.
The Bad Stuff: This is an obvious Smashwords promotional tool and the tips provided really shouldn’t be anything new to the average author who has been publishing for a while.
The Good Stuff: The book is well produced and all the basic marketing tips are here in one place (along with a few things that some authors may not know or have considered). This would certainly be a very useful resource for a new writer and will help them set themselves up as an author, giving them the best shot at making their writing a successful business.
Overall, this is more a marketing tool for Smashwords and I really don’t have an issue with that. In my opinion this book does not contain much in the way of new information for a writer that has been self-publishing for a while (though I appreciate there are differing levels of experience out there). It is however a treasure trove of good ideas and advice for the novice. For this reason I’m giving this one a profile lifting 3 out of 5 golden bookmarks.
Smashwords Book Marketing Guide by Mark Coker is a non-fiction that covers off of marketing techniques.
The Cover: The cover is basic but professional and clearly fits the non-fiction title.
The Bad Stuff: This is an obvious Smashwords promotional tool and the tips provided really shouldn’t be anything new to the average author who has been publishing for a while.
The Good Stuff: The book is well produced and all the basic marketing tips are here in one place (along with a few things that some authors may not know or have considered). This would certainly be a very useful resource for a new writer and will help them set themselves up as an author, giving them the best shot at making their writing a successful business.
Overall, this is more a marketing tool for Smashwords and I really don’t have an issue with that. In my opinion this book does not contain much in the way of new information for a writer that has been self-publishing for a while (though I appreciate there are differing levels of experience out there). It is however a treasure trove of good ideas and advice for the novice. For this reason I’m giving this one a profile lifting 3 out of 5 golden bookmarks.
March 10, 2018
There's a better than average chance that, as an author, you haven't given much thought to how to market your book. I've met several authors over time who believe that just putting a quality book out there is all that it takes; somehow, magically, your book will just sell itself.
Except, that isn't reality. The challenge for independent authors is that we have to wear all of that hats -- and that includes being your own marketing director. Even traditional publishers aren't putting much money into marketing anymore, so it behooves authors to learn best practices for tooting their own horns without being obnoxious.
This book literally is the guide to those best practices. Smashwords CEO Mark Coker provides lessons learned from his days not only in corporate PR but as an author himself. This little book, free of charge on Coker's site, provides easy tips to incorporate into your marketing plan, as well as practical examples.
If you read no other business book as an author, read this one.
Except, that isn't reality. The challenge for independent authors is that we have to wear all of that hats -- and that includes being your own marketing director. Even traditional publishers aren't putting much money into marketing anymore, so it behooves authors to learn best practices for tooting their own horns without being obnoxious.
This book literally is the guide to those best practices. Smashwords CEO Mark Coker provides lessons learned from his days not only in corporate PR but as an author himself. This little book, free of charge on Coker's site, provides easy tips to incorporate into your marketing plan, as well as practical examples.
If you read no other business book as an author, read this one.
April 15, 2018
The Best Free Advice You’ll Ever Get
I met Mark Coker at a book convention last year and was impressed with his knowledge of the self-publishing field. This book made me a fan.
The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide is packed with advice we all need to follow that isn’t limited to using the Smashwords platform. There’s solid guidance for getting the word out about one’s work and to build a reputation as a creator. Definitely a book to read and then dive into later to refresh the memory. Very highly recommend!
I met Mark Coker at a book convention last year and was impressed with his knowledge of the self-publishing field. This book made me a fan.
The Smashwords Book Marketing Guide is packed with advice we all need to follow that isn’t limited to using the Smashwords platform. There’s solid guidance for getting the word out about one’s work and to build a reputation as a creator. Definitely a book to read and then dive into later to refresh the memory. Very highly recommend!
January 6, 2018
Smashwords Book Marketing Guide has forty-one marketing tips on how to get your self-published book not only to market but promotion ideas too. It was an interesting read for any self-publishing author or for that matter for any author. With forty-one ideas it is bound to be useful to all authors to promote their books and stories. It is worth the short time it takes to read and keep for handy reference too.
October 25, 2017
I downloaded a free ebook back in November of 2015, but I didn't get around to reading it. I didn't know what Smashwords even was, but it was free and I needed all the help I could get with marketing my children's book. It was not until a fellow author introduced me to the coupons you can create on Smashwords that I decided to read this book. I think this book is very helpful to authors trying to promote their books. It is a basic book, would be most beneficial to newly published authors.
May 10, 2019
The book has some useful information for authors, indie or traditionally published, but not much. A large amount of this book is devoted to selling Smashwords as one of the best ways to distribute your ebook by listing the virtues of the distribution platform. I still recommend reading it, but you could probably finish it in a few hours, as you could skim over the stuff you already know or don't care about.
June 28, 2020
It’s a pretty complete walk through and worth the time
I’ve read about 10 books on this topic now, so I’m getting to the point where they are all blending together. However, this book does a very good job of covering the publishing process. I was hoping for a bit more on the post publishing end, but that is not to say it does not cover the basics there too. All in all I liked this book and I wish had read it earlier in my process.
I’ve read about 10 books on this topic now, so I’m getting to the point where they are all blending together. However, this book does a very good job of covering the publishing process. I was hoping for a bit more on the post publishing end, but that is not to say it does not cover the basics there too. All in all I liked this book and I wish had read it earlier in my process.
February 18, 2018
I eagerly awaited Mark Coker's new edition of the Smashwords Book Marketing Guide, and have not been disappointed! Whether you distribute your e-book through Smashwords or not (and you should) this book is full of practical marketing advice. It's always free, and whether you're new to indie publishing or you've been around for some time, you will find lots of valuable tips here.
April 10, 2018
Good rehash of previous work
Read the earlier version so this was just like a review of practices. He did have some updates to it and it would help if those were highlighted someway. His tips are useful and worthwhile and you can’t argue with the price (free) so every author should get this and at least skim the contents.
Read the earlier version so this was just like a review of practices. He did have some updates to it and it would help if those were highlighted someway. His tips are useful and worthwhile and you can’t argue with the price (free) so every author should get this and at least skim the contents.
July 8, 2018
Book Marketing Tips
I wish I had read this book first before I published my first book. Mark Coker covers all the different aspects of marketing your book in a way that does not feel overwhelming. He is clear and honest. I highly recommend this book to new authors but my bet is seasoned authors would learn a trick or two as well.
I wish I had read this book first before I published my first book. Mark Coker covers all the different aspects of marketing your book in a way that does not feel overwhelming. He is clear and honest. I highly recommend this book to new authors but my bet is seasoned authors would learn a trick or two as well.
September 24, 2018
As an introvert self-published author, this was great advice on not only why to get out and be part of the big world, but how. Will I find it easy? No. There are some tips that are scary and would force me too far outside my comfort zone. But this is about baby steps. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to go off and update my back-matter.
July 29, 2025
A guide to assist you in your marketing journey.
If you are serious about selling your books, this is the place to start. Written in 2018, many of the the things you learn will still apply today. After you have learned the basics, then expand to a more current book. We all have to start somewhere, and this book is a great foundation to begin with.
If you are serious about selling your books, this is the place to start. Written in 2018, many of the the things you learn will still apply today. After you have learned the basics, then expand to a more current book. We all have to start somewhere, and this book is a great foundation to begin with.
July 9, 2017
Very helpful
A useful list of concrete actions you can take to market you book. Coker's advice is applicable even if you don't publish on Smashwords. He covered some channels which were new to me, including online slide presentations. Good value.
A useful list of concrete actions you can take to market you book. Coker's advice is applicable even if you don't publish on Smashwords. He covered some channels which were new to me, including online slide presentations. Good value.
August 20, 2017
A great list of ways to drive sales skyward!
This book could seriously use an editor. There are missing words, maybe even a missing page? But there is plenty of really solid information here that should help you earn more money!
This book could seriously use an editor. There are missing words, maybe even a missing page? But there is plenty of really solid information here that should help you earn more money!
March 7, 2018
Great, actionable tips that won’t break the bank!
Easy to read, helpful information on how to market your book. Come away with a to-do list that empowers the author. I’ve also recommend Coker’s Style Guide. Thank you!
Easy to read, helpful information on how to market your book. Come away with a to-do list that empowers the author. I’ve also recommend Coker’s Style Guide. Thank you!
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