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The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing: The 80/20 System for Selling More Books
A complete guide to book marketing, from covers and blurbs to launching. Topics covered to get an effective cover-how to write an effective blurb-how Amazon's algorithms help you sell more books-how to launch your book...and more.
- GenresNonfiction
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2020
68 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 8, 2020
Nicholas Erik has an extensive website where he describes in lots of detail his approach to marketing independently published novels, which is how I came across him in the first place. You might ask yourself, with so much of his writing on indie novel marketing available free, is this book worth the buy?
Having read all of his website and now all of the book, I can assure you that it is worth it. He's done an extensive update and expansion on the materials that he's made available in the past, and this provides a great single compendium. I'd originally bought it as a "thank you" to the author for his online content which has helped me so much over the last year of bringing out my first novel (small press) and my wife's first novel (self published.) In the end, however, I was really glad I had picked the book up because it added to and focused what I'd already learned form Erik.
The author both markets his own novels under several pen names, but also does marketing for other authors. He addresses the importance of covers and blurbs and how to get ones which express your book's nature to the potential reader. He talks about getting your book in front of new potential readers via discount newsletters, ads on Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub, and the importance of building your own list of followers via an author website and newsletter.
I write very different types of novels from Nicholas Erik, but his insights carry over across genres and probably even apply to non fiction if you think about it well. Don't take this as a simple blue print but as a trove of experience from someone who has thought and experimented a lot and has very good basic insights into how book marketing (and book reading/buying) works.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who wants to figure out how to aggressively market an independently published book. If your book is out from a traditional publisher, many of these tactics will not be available to you (you can't schedule your own discounts, you won't have full control of your cover or your blurb, etc.) but the insights are probably still worth reading as you think about how books sell and how to reach customers.
Having read all of his website and now all of the book, I can assure you that it is worth it. He's done an extensive update and expansion on the materials that he's made available in the past, and this provides a great single compendium. I'd originally bought it as a "thank you" to the author for his online content which has helped me so much over the last year of bringing out my first novel (small press) and my wife's first novel (self published.) In the end, however, I was really glad I had picked the book up because it added to and focused what I'd already learned form Erik.
The author both markets his own novels under several pen names, but also does marketing for other authors. He addresses the importance of covers and blurbs and how to get ones which express your book's nature to the potential reader. He talks about getting your book in front of new potential readers via discount newsletters, ads on Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub, and the importance of building your own list of followers via an author website and newsletter.
I write very different types of novels from Nicholas Erik, but his insights carry over across genres and probably even apply to non fiction if you think about it well. Don't take this as a simple blue print but as a trove of experience from someone who has thought and experimented a lot and has very good basic insights into how book marketing (and book reading/buying) works.
I strongly recommend this to anyone who wants to figure out how to aggressively market an independently published book. If your book is out from a traditional publisher, many of these tactics will not be available to you (you can't schedule your own discounts, you won't have full control of your cover or your blurb, etc.) but the insights are probably still worth reading as you think about how books sell and how to reach customers.
August 19, 2024
This IS actually the ultimate guide to book marketing.
If you ever read only one book about this topic, read this one.
Yes, it's dry in places, yes, there's statistics and math, and yes, you will hear things you don't want to hear. But if you want to be successful in this business, you will find a TON of highly useful advice in this book.
If you ever read only one book about this topic, read this one.
Yes, it's dry in places, yes, there's statistics and math, and yes, you will hear things you don't want to hear. But if you want to be successful in this business, you will find a TON of highly useful advice in this book.
April 20, 2020
From overall strategies to running specific types of promos, a nerd's nerd explains how to sell indie books.
I'm very analytical, so when I saw that there was a) non-hand-waving explanations that assumed I knew more than I did, and b) extensive homework, I was on board. The author seems to be a process guy, so I would expect updated versions, addendum, and errata to accrete themselves on this book over time, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is not "here's what works," although there is some of that. This is "here's why," so that as indie authors pile on top of this or that new technique, you can understand and practice long-term strategies that will succeed regardless of how that shiny new technique comes and goes.
Recommended for indie authors who aren't having success with "but this worked six months ago!" books.
I'm very analytical, so when I saw that there was a) non-hand-waving explanations that assumed I knew more than I did, and b) extensive homework, I was on board. The author seems to be a process guy, so I would expect updated versions, addendum, and errata to accrete themselves on this book over time, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is not "here's what works," although there is some of that. This is "here's why," so that as indie authors pile on top of this or that new technique, you can understand and practice long-term strategies that will succeed regardless of how that shiny new technique comes and goes.
Recommended for indie authors who aren't having success with "but this worked six months ago!" books.
May 31, 2021
I thought this was an awesome read. It's a great read for authors. The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing really lives up to the title. It's full of tips, advice and information. And the author not only explains things well, there are also plenty of examples on how to set up a launch schedule or how to plan your discounted or free days. Then there are links to even more resources, like his recommended promotion sites list on his website.
It really is a great book to pick up if you want to get an overview of what is involved in becoming a successful author. The ultimate book marketing formula that is the backbone of this guide felt like a solid theory. I thought the book was written in a motivational and inspiring way. The way he explains things makes it all feel pretty doable and I liked how concrete the advice was. I also liked the concept of the 80/20 rule and focusing on those tasks that made the biggest difference.
The only thing that I would've liked is to see a bit more about marketing your books wide. It's clear the author has it's own preferences when it comes to marketing, KU and ads, which is fine. It just felt that if you're looking for more ideas on how to make your wide books a success you would get less out of this guide than if you're planning to go with KU. The advice on how to use ads mostly was limited to the concept of using ads and spread them out over days. It doesn't go into a lot of details on how to set up ads as that's outside of the scope of this book, so if you're interested in that you need another book or his course on the subject.
To summarize: If you're looking for a solid marketing guide that covers a broad range of techniques and explains how to implement them. I liked the authors writing style and how he explains everything. It also has a inspirational and motivational vibe and makes you feel like what he explains here is achievable. I did think the focus at times was a bit too much on KU marketing and less on marketing if your books are wide, so you might get less from this book if your books are published wide. I think it's definitely worth the read!
It really is a great book to pick up if you want to get an overview of what is involved in becoming a successful author. The ultimate book marketing formula that is the backbone of this guide felt like a solid theory. I thought the book was written in a motivational and inspiring way. The way he explains things makes it all feel pretty doable and I liked how concrete the advice was. I also liked the concept of the 80/20 rule and focusing on those tasks that made the biggest difference.
The only thing that I would've liked is to see a bit more about marketing your books wide. It's clear the author has it's own preferences when it comes to marketing, KU and ads, which is fine. It just felt that if you're looking for more ideas on how to make your wide books a success you would get less out of this guide than if you're planning to go with KU. The advice on how to use ads mostly was limited to the concept of using ads and spread them out over days. It doesn't go into a lot of details on how to set up ads as that's outside of the scope of this book, so if you're interested in that you need another book or his course on the subject.
To summarize: If you're looking for a solid marketing guide that covers a broad range of techniques and explains how to implement them. I liked the authors writing style and how he explains everything. It also has a inspirational and motivational vibe and makes you feel like what he explains here is achievable. I did think the focus at times was a bit too much on KU marketing and less on marketing if your books are wide, so you might get less from this book if your books are published wide. I think it's definitely worth the read!
February 19, 2021
This is good, as long as you're aware that the author clearly prefers a very specific kind of authorial approach that puts a lot of stress on writing to market. However, he does offer a wealth of information on basically all possible approaches to successful marketing, in a way that's easy to grasp. And the common recurrence of the ultimate book marketing formula in an easy-to-grasp graphic is super useful. I printed it out and it's hanging in front of my desk.
December 28, 2024
The best thing I’ve read about book marketing. Erik gives actionable steps, straight talk, and smart takes on what an author needs to do to succeed.
July 28, 2020
For the past three years, I have slogged through a swamp of writings on how to be an indie writer and publisher. Enough already. As soon as I finished Nicholas Erik’s “ultimate” guide (no overstatement here), I realized I’d found THE BEST guide for indies currently available.
Why? First, Erik’s book is well-written and well-organized. I didn’t have to wade through paragraphs of cute and entertaining blather to get to the heart of the subject. That’s far more than I can say for many other writers on book marketing, even ones who are considered leading lights in the field. He presents solid, easy-to-understand core principles, bulleted lists, simple diagrams, key takeaways, and action exercises. Like any good teacher, when he introduces a new concept, he circles back to the core principles for review. Then he shows us how those principles connect to the new concept. Yes, there’s the weedy stuff about market research and Amazon’s algorithms, but even more useful, to me anyway, are insightful comments on traffic, promos, branding, and especially newsletters. He even has a chapter on business fundamentals, crucial for indie writers who don’t have a clue about how to set up a business – and that’s what indie writing and publishing is – a business.
Unlike some writers working in this field, Erik understands that not all of us have all the time in the world to write and market our books. We have jobs, or maybe we have kids to take care of, or a job and kids. He understands that not all of us have a lot of money, or even some money, to spend on promos and ads. And best of all, for someone like me who is an artist as well as a writer, he understands that there are some of us who have other priorities. I love writing mystery-suspense. But I’m not giving up my art! He has helpful advice for those of us (most of us) with various limitations. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of not attempting to do everything all the time. Simplification is often the best route to success.
Summary: Nicholas Erik’s book is the best guide to indie book marketing available now. And you gotta love a guy who quotes jazzman The Bird when giving advice to indie writers.
Why? First, Erik’s book is well-written and well-organized. I didn’t have to wade through paragraphs of cute and entertaining blather to get to the heart of the subject. That’s far more than I can say for many other writers on book marketing, even ones who are considered leading lights in the field. He presents solid, easy-to-understand core principles, bulleted lists, simple diagrams, key takeaways, and action exercises. Like any good teacher, when he introduces a new concept, he circles back to the core principles for review. Then he shows us how those principles connect to the new concept. Yes, there’s the weedy stuff about market research and Amazon’s algorithms, but even more useful, to me anyway, are insightful comments on traffic, promos, branding, and especially newsletters. He even has a chapter on business fundamentals, crucial for indie writers who don’t have a clue about how to set up a business – and that’s what indie writing and publishing is – a business.
Unlike some writers working in this field, Erik understands that not all of us have all the time in the world to write and market our books. We have jobs, or maybe we have kids to take care of, or a job and kids. He understands that not all of us have a lot of money, or even some money, to spend on promos and ads. And best of all, for someone like me who is an artist as well as a writer, he understands that there are some of us who have other priorities. I love writing mystery-suspense. But I’m not giving up my art! He has helpful advice for those of us (most of us) with various limitations. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of not attempting to do everything all the time. Simplification is often the best route to success.
Summary: Nicholas Erik’s book is the best guide to indie book marketing available now. And you gotta love a guy who quotes jazzman The Bird when giving advice to indie writers.
August 20, 2022
If you’re an indie author who just can’t fit all the writing/publishing/marketing puzzle pieces together…READ THIS BOOK.
I can’t remember the first time I came across Nicholas Erik’s website. I believe another author had pointed me to one of his pages where he recommends the best promo sites to use. A while later, I intentionally sought out that page—and wound up reading more. And ONE THING he said caught my attention. I won’t go into boring detail here, but let me give you a little background.
I’ve been indie publishing for over ten years. I had some initial success, mainly because I was able to market myself organically via means that are no longer available and because there was less competition. As the field changed, I scrambled to keep up and failed miserably.
Trying to figure things out, I bought well over forty books purporting to have the answer. Visited dozens of websites saying the same. Paid (literally and painfully) thousands upon thousands of dollars for over a dozen courses that claimed to have the answers.
They all offered something. But none of them was the magic bullet.
I’ve since learned there’s no magic bullet. But I also know that a lot of the courses, books, and sites I read were full of snake-oil-salesman advice.
But Nicholas Erik? He’s the real deal.
So back to the ONE THING he said that caught my attention.
In the advice they offered, many authors swore that focusing on one particular element would make a huge difference in sales (even authors I still trust to this day say this). But Nick was the one guy who said what I’d observed myself: that one particular thing really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. And Nick is all about not wasting time. Your efforts should be focused on the actions that will matter the most.
So I decided when I read that statement, I was sold, and I started really paying attention to his advice.
I bought this book first (and have since purchased one of his courses, other books, and more), and I have not regretted it. If you follow the advice in this book, you can slowly grow your independent author career. And isn’t that what we all want?
I don't recommend marketing books often to fellow authors, but you better believe this is one I will again and again. Huge thank you to Nicholas Erik for all he does for fellow authors!
I can’t remember the first time I came across Nicholas Erik’s website. I believe another author had pointed me to one of his pages where he recommends the best promo sites to use. A while later, I intentionally sought out that page—and wound up reading more. And ONE THING he said caught my attention. I won’t go into boring detail here, but let me give you a little background.
I’ve been indie publishing for over ten years. I had some initial success, mainly because I was able to market myself organically via means that are no longer available and because there was less competition. As the field changed, I scrambled to keep up and failed miserably.
Trying to figure things out, I bought well over forty books purporting to have the answer. Visited dozens of websites saying the same. Paid (literally and painfully) thousands upon thousands of dollars for over a dozen courses that claimed to have the answers.
They all offered something. But none of them was the magic bullet.
I’ve since learned there’s no magic bullet. But I also know that a lot of the courses, books, and sites I read were full of snake-oil-salesman advice.
But Nicholas Erik? He’s the real deal.
So back to the ONE THING he said that caught my attention.
In the advice they offered, many authors swore that focusing on one particular element would make a huge difference in sales (even authors I still trust to this day say this). But Nick was the one guy who said what I’d observed myself: that one particular thing really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. And Nick is all about not wasting time. Your efforts should be focused on the actions that will matter the most.
So I decided when I read that statement, I was sold, and I started really paying attention to his advice.
I bought this book first (and have since purchased one of his courses, other books, and more), and I have not regretted it. If you follow the advice in this book, you can slowly grow your independent author career. And isn’t that what we all want?
I don't recommend marketing books often to fellow authors, but you better believe this is one I will again and again. Huge thank you to Nicholas Erik for all he does for fellow authors!
September 25, 2022
For any aspiring author of the indy variety, anyone trying to publish their own manuscripts and then market these works with any moderate success, this is not a book that pitches easy fixes. On the contrary, this is a book with a raw and frequently disarming reality check that treats the would-be indy author like a professional, forcing him or her to think about their writing like a business owner would think about their products and their customers. This is a book that draws a clear, heavy, and important line between the publication of books, which isn’t all that hard to do for anyone who likes to write, and the amplification of those books to a wider audience, which requires a level of commitment far greater and sometimes more discouraging than the writing itself. As one of those aspiring authors, someone with five books in publication right now, I found the first few chapters of this title the most valuable. It forced to me to really sit down and draft an individual marketing plan for what I want to achieve with my writing, how long it might take me to get there, and how I can begin to implement some of the ideas in this book, little by little, week after week, until I reach some of the long and short term goals I’ve finally started to put in place. After years of constant and frequently aimless writing, this is a book that put me on a straighter path toward writing with a purpose.
September 9, 2020
I have been following Nick for a while now, and I always found his newsletter full of valuable suggestions and strategies for indie authors.
So, when I found out he was releasing this guide on book marketing, I bought the paperback as soon as possible.
I finished the book today, and I have to say I was not disappointed.
The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing is a generous book with a strategy wired into it to give the best chances to success to independent author. Note: this guide is not about making it for sure as an author, but rather is about giving you some of the tools and the strategies to make good decisions as a business owner.
Nick is generous with the number of examples he provides, and describes in great details what works and what doesn't (base on his experience) in the book-world.
This is a book that needs to be studied, more than simply read, and it will become a useful companion when it is time to sit down and plan a healthy strategy for your next book launch.
Highly suggested to authors who are serious about their authorpreneur business.
So, when I found out he was releasing this guide on book marketing, I bought the paperback as soon as possible.
I finished the book today, and I have to say I was not disappointed.
The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing is a generous book with a strategy wired into it to give the best chances to success to independent author. Note: this guide is not about making it for sure as an author, but rather is about giving you some of the tools and the strategies to make good decisions as a business owner.
Nick is generous with the number of examples he provides, and describes in great details what works and what doesn't (base on his experience) in the book-world.
This is a book that needs to be studied, more than simply read, and it will become a useful companion when it is time to sit down and plan a healthy strategy for your next book launch.
Highly suggested to authors who are serious about their authorpreneur business.
July 11, 2021
A great read with lots of practical information to apply. As stated, this is a long term game and you are to build brick by brick. While I am no where NEAR the level of writing a book a year (well, I did write a novella), I am certainly not at the point of writing 4-6 a year. While this can be immediately off-putting (not because of the author, it's just the standard for self-publishing), I have kept in mind that it is a long term focus for myself. I'll build brick by brick and should I need to make a change and can write full-time, this book will be a great guide to do so—as long as the industry doesn't drastically shift.
If you are a self-publishing author, I highly recommend you to pick this up.
If you are a self-publishing author, I highly recommend you to pick this up.
March 4, 2020
Super highly valuable insights
If you’re new to this game, this book will make you grow very fast and with the right tips. You can stop to search here and there in the internet.
If you’re expert, I strongly believe that you will find insights and information that will make you explode your revenue 10X!!
Highly suggested to all level in publishing
If you’re new to this game, this book will make you grow very fast and with the right tips. You can stop to search here and there in the internet.
If you’re expert, I strongly believe that you will find insights and information that will make you explode your revenue 10X!!
Highly suggested to all level in publishing
June 15, 2020
I wish I’d had this book when I was starting out as an indie author. But even as a fledgling indie author, this book is still super helpful. A very no-nonsense and evergreen approach by courtesy of the underlying 80/20 principle, it helps you focus on what actually matters.
Absolutely recommend this.
Absolutely recommend this.
August 15, 2020
Best book on marketing I have ever read
I have read several books on book marketing over the years and many have been helpful, but this book is exactly what I needed to bring everything together. The author has a nice writing style and is straight forward, positive and helpful. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
I have read several books on book marketing over the years and many have been helpful, but this book is exactly what I needed to bring everything together. The author has a nice writing style and is straight forward, positive and helpful. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2023
This book was worth every cent spent. I reviewed this book for my subscribers on my substack newsletter, What Do Romance Writers Think About? However, you can't make a better purchase if you are looking for guidance on how to market your book if you are self-publishing. My favorite things, he keeps things simple and doesn't baffle you with bullshit, nor does this have to take you hours a day.
October 30, 2025
Nicholas Erik is very good at what he does. His whole ethos is the (well known) 80/20 rule and he's right. Put your efforts into the bits that achieve the best results. Well written and one that you don't just read once but come back to refer to again.
March 31, 2020
A lot of helpful information here. Only complaint was, and this is just me, but sections of this book are verbatim from another of his books I have read :(
April 27, 2020
Very clear and comprehensive. I’m glad I read this at the start of my author journey, as it provides a strong foundation to help me get it right.
May 22, 2021
Highly recommend.
If you have questions regarding delving into book marketing, chances are this book will answer them. Awesome resource for the author's bookshelf.
If you have questions regarding delving into book marketing, chances are this book will answer them. Awesome resource for the author's bookshelf.
June 25, 2021
The book market changes daily. The writer is an independent author himself who has studied what works and doesn’t. He writes directly with many actionable tips.
September 13, 2021
This is a very thorough guide to marketing your independently published books.
Nicholas Erik uses real talk and no-nonsense language when it comes to goals and how to achieve those on a daily basis.
Nicholas Erik uses real talk and no-nonsense language when it comes to goals and how to achieve those on a daily basis.
July 15, 2023
Am overall, excellent description of what you need to know about indie book marketing. From attitude to specific practices, this book is a great place to start.
October 17, 2023
An indispensable guide to marketing for indie authors.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews