24 Holiday Book Promotion Ideas
Did you know that nearly 25% of all book sales for the year occur during the holiday season, spanning from Thanksgiving to New Year? As an author, this is the perfect time to ramp up book promotion to get your book in front of holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift idea. I'm excited to help out! While you can find success with most of these strategies year-round, here are 24 holiday book promotion ideas you can try today!
24 holiday book promotion ideas
Here are 24 holiday book promotion ideas to help you boost visibility for your book:
1. Ramp up your social media presence
Enhance your social media game by posting more frequently during the holiday season. The algorithms love consistency, so aim for 3-5 posts per week during this time. If that seems like a bit much to handle during this busy time, aim to share at least one more post than you typically would.
Your content should always provide value to your audience. If you're stuck for ideas, refer to my previous post, 5 Social Media Post Ideas That Every Author Can Try, for inspiration.
And since you’re promoting your book during the holiday season, you can relate some posts to Christmas or gift-giving.
For instance, you might share 5 books that should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Include your own, of course!
Which leads conveniently to my next holiday book marketing idea…
2. Recommend your book as a potential gift idea
Most people discuss gift-giving in casual conversations around the holidays. If you find yourself in one of these discussions, don't shy away from suggesting your book as a gift idea. Follow up these conversations by sharing a convenient link for easy purchase.
Also recommend your book on social media. And don’t be afraid to call out your target audience!
For example, you might create a Facebook post about how your book is the perfect gift for first-time parents.
3. Optimize Amazon ads with holiday keywords
If you’re running an Amazon ad campaign, tweak your keywords to include holiday-specific terms related to your audience, such as Christmas gifts for expecting mothers or Christmas gifts for Christian dads. While bids for these keywords may be higher during the season, the investment can pay off if it fits your budget.
If you’re stuck, think about what your target readers might search for when looking for holiday gifts. Avoid broad keywords or ones that aren’t truly relevant to your book.
4. Consult with a book marketing expert
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of marketing and promoting your book? You’re not alone–and the good news is, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Giving yourself the gift of personalized, professional advice from a book marketing expert could be the best investment you make for your book’s success as you step into the New Year.
There are great resources like Reedsy where you can find book marketing professionals, but let me save you some searching… I’m here to help!
With 9+ years of experience and having worked with over hundreds of authors, I specialize in helping writers like you craft and execute the right marketing strategies to reach their goals.
During my 60-minute consultation, we’ll dive into:
Identifying your target audience and discovering ways to connect with them effectively
Navigating social media—choosing the platforms that make the most sense for your book and how to use them
Starting and growing your email newsletter to engage your readers
Crafting the perfect Amazon description to captivate potential buyers
Understanding Amazon keywords and categories to maximize your book's discoverability
Evaluating the importance of your book cover design and ensuring it resonates with your audience
Applying additional strategies outlined in this post to boost your marketing efforts
Whether you're just starting or need help refining your current strategy, I’d love to help you reach your goals. Let’s work together to make your book stand out!
5. Connect with local bookstores
Take a stroll to your nearby bookstores and strike up a conversation with the staff or owners. Let them know you're a local author with a book out. Ask if they’re interested in selling your book or have any opportunities for holiday promotions, such as inclusion in gift guides or on display tables. If you’re confident you could bring in enough supporters, consider asking if they’d be willing to host a holiday book signing.
Remember, with independent bookstores it's crucial that you support them before asking them to support you. So go ahead and purchase some books that you plan to gift to others while you're there.
If your book isn't on their shelves yet, learn how to get it there with my complete guide on How to Get Your Book into Bookstores.
6. Boost a Facebook post
If you've shared your book on Facebook, consider boosting your post to reach more users who are searching for the perfect holiday gift. Make sure to include a link directly to your book’s Amazon page or your author website.
The photo, graphic, or video and the headline and caption copy should all speak directly to your target reader. Whether your post is helpful, informative, or tugs at the heartstrings, create it with your audience in mind.
Need tips on creating engaging content? Check out my post, 7 Effective Social Media Strategies for Authors, for some valuable insights.
7. Run a holiday book promotion through your website
If you sell your book on your own website, consider running a tempting holiday book promotion, like a 20% discount on your book or Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO).
You could also bundle your book with other merch you have in your author store or throw in a signed bookplate or a sticker with every purchase.
Once you've set up your promotion, spread the word on your social media channels to maximize its reach.
8. Enlist support from your friends and family
The easiest way to give your book a visibility boost is by asking your friends, family, or professional contacts to help spread the word. Consider asking them to go into local bookstores and ask if they’ll purchase a copy of your book.
If friends and family are willing to promote your book on social media, type out 2-3 ready-to-post social media captions and share a snapshot of your book cover.
Here are two templates you can use:
Template 1:
📚 Exciting news! My [friend/family member] [Your Name] just released their amazing book, [Book Title]! 🎉 If you're looking for a [genre/brief description: e.g., heartwarming holiday romance or thrilling mystery], this is a must-read. Perfect for cozy nights and holiday gift-giving. Grab your copy here: [Insert Link]! 📖✨
Template 2:
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? 🎁 [Book Title] by [Your Name] is a brilliant choice for the [genre audience, e.g., mystery lovers/romance fans] in your life. 🎄📚 Order a copy here: [Insert Link].
Books make the best gifts—share the love of reading! ❤️
Remember, the simpler you make it for others to share, the more likely they'll jump in to assist with holiday book promotion!
Curious about book launch teams? Check out our FAQs on What Is a Book Launch Team?
9. See if relevant organizations are interested in bulk buying
During the holiday season, many companies like to show appreciation to their employees by giving them gifts. If your book aligns with their industry, reach out and discuss the possibility of bulk purchases for employee gifts.
For instance, if your book delves into sales strategies, connect with companies with sales professionals. It's an excellent chance to showcase your expertise and provide a relevant and considerate gift for their team.
Also consider whether you have a connection at an organization that could purchase and donate copies to another nonprofit, as the holiday season is the perfect time of year to position your book as a thoughtful gift for a larger group!
10. Discount your eBook on Amazon
If you publish your eBook through KDP and enroll it in Kindle Select, you can set an eBook holiday promotion. This strategy adds visibility and could help boost print sales as well.
To set the holiday eBook promotion, click on the Marketing tab at the top of your screen when logged into KDO.
Then, set a Kindle Countdown Deal, where you can set your eBook price.
For example, you could set it to $1.99, $0.99, or even free.
Once the deal is on, promote it on social media.
Read more: What Is an Ebook Promotion? (With FAQs)
11. Promote your eBook through specialized platforms
I also recommend checking out specialized platforms like Written Word Media, Crave Books, or The Fussy Librarian. These companies send curated eBook deals to their subscribers, and their genre-specific lists help you connect directly with readers who are most likely to enjoy your book.
If you’re running a holiday sale or discount, these platforms can amplify your reach and boost downloads.
Take a moment to review each service’s guidelines and deadlines—holiday spots can go fast!
It’s also a good idea to craft a compelling description of your book and highlight the deal you’re offering to make it stand out in crowded inboxes.
12. Take advantage of holiday sales opportunities
If major online retailers like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, or Target carry your book, leverage holiday sales to your advantage.
Monitor the deals these platforms run, and if, for instance, Barnes & Noble offers a 40% discount, share the news with your audience.
Spread the news on social media with a post like this one:
Exciting news! Barnes & Noble has a fantastic holiday sale until DATE! Grab my book, 'BOOK TITLE,' at a whopping 40% off! (Include the direct link for easy purchase)
13. Send out a pre-order alert on BookBub or apply for a featured deal
BookBub members with 1k+ followers can send out a pre-order alert to generate excitement and potentially secure more sales. If your book is coming out around the holidays or early in the new year, share a pre-order alert to capture the interest of eager consumers in the holiday spirit.
With BookBub, you can also submit an application for a featured deal. This type of promotion targets a large, genre-specific audience and can boost visibility and sales.
Here are BookBub’s requirements:
14. Run a BookBub holiday ad campaign
BookBub ads are a great way to get your book in front of eager readers during the holidays. These banner ads appear in BookBub’s daily emails, which they send to targeted readers based on their favorite genres.
Whether you’re running a special holiday book promotion or simply want to boost visibility for your listing at full price, these ads can help put your book in front of the right buyers.
When planning your campaign, consider festive imagery or copy that positions your book as a thoughtful gift.
Phrases like The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Mystery Lovers! or A Heartwarming Holiday Read for Romance Fans can grab attention and spark interest. And be sure to choose genres that align closely with your target audience to maximize results.
15. Host a holiday-themed giveaway on social media
If you’re in the gift-giving spirit, curate a group of items relevant to your book theme, topic, or genre and host a social media giveaway for this bundle. This is a great book promotion strategy to get people to interact with your content, follow you, and join your email list.
If you’re unsure what items to include aside from your book, think about what makes it unique.
For instance, if your main character is a soap-maker, you might include some handmade local soaps. If they live in New York, throw in a Yankees hat.
You could also think about items that might enhance the reading experience.
For example, if you’ve written a romance novel, you might put together a bundle with your favorite candle, blanket, and hot cocoa. Or, maybe you might partner with another author for a double book giveaway!
Whatever you include, get creative, have fun, and don’t forget to tag me ( @thebookmarketer ) in your Instagram post about your giveaway–I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
16. Optimize your Amazon page for maximum visibility during the holidays
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to give your Amazon book page a little extra attention to prepare for the increased holiday traffic on the platform. A well-optimized page can help readers find your book and makes buying it even easier.
Update the following on your Amazon book page:
Book Description: Make sure your description is clear, engaging, and keyword-rich. Highlight what makes your book unique and why it’s a must-read, but keep it concise enough to hold attention.
Keywords and Categories: Choose categories and keywords that align with your book and audience. This helps your book appear in relevant searches and boosts its visibility.
Amazon A+ Content: Add visually appealing content like comparison charts, author notes, or detailed images. These extras make your page stand out and help potential readers connect with your book.
Unsure where to start?
The Amazon Optimization Package takes the guesswork out of the process with tailored keyword and category research, a book description rewrite, A+ content creation, and more—giving you everything you need for a standout Amazon book page this holiday season!
17. Partner with another author for cross-promotion
Find another author whose audience is similar to yours and suggest swapping promotional emails or social media posts.
You can share a post about their book with your followers, and they’ll do the same for yours. It’s a simple way to help each other out while reaching a new group of potential readers.
If you want to take it a step further, gather a few authors in your genre and host a multi-author giveaway.
For example, you could team up with four other authors to give away a bundle of books. It’s a fun way to get people excited, boost engagement, and make new connections with other writers!
18. Sell your book at a local holiday market
Check out the holiday markets happening in your area. Many cities host festive events where local vendors can set up shop to sell their goods.
Booking a spot at one of these markets is the perfect way to connect with your community and give holiday shoppers the chance to support a local author.
Bring along some copies of your book, festive decorations for your table, and maybe even offer gift-wrapping or a signed copy to make it extra special. It’s a fun way to spread the word about your book and meet readers face-to-face!
Don’t forget to promote your appearance on social media to let people know where they can find you.
19. Team up with a local shop or cafe
Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cafe, or boutique in your area?
The holiday season is the perfect time to ask if they’d be interested in collaborating on a special promotion with you as a local author.
For example, they might sell your book at the register or feature it as part of a holiday display.
With the extra foot traffic that shops see during the holidays, this can be a great way to get your book in front of new readers while supporting a local business.
Be sure to promote the partnership on your social media channels and tag the shop so they get some added visibility too!
20. Send holiday emails to your subscribers
The holiday season is the perfect time to check in with your email list and send a few festive updates. Use these emails to share any special promotions or discounts you’re running—whether it’s a sale through your own website or a deal at retailers like Barnes & Noble.
Angle your book as the perfect gift for a specific audience.
For instance, you might mention that your book is a thoughtful read for history buffs, a page-turner for thriller lovers, or the perfect gift for small business owners.
Add a touch of holiday cheer with seasonal visuals and include direct links to purchase your book to make it easy for subscribers to buy it!
21. Put together a holiday gift guide
Why not create your own holiday gift guide and share it with your readers? It’s a fun way to connect with your audience while also promoting your book.
Curate a list of thoughtful gifts that tie into your book’s themes or genre.
Think Holiday Gift Guide for Thriller Fans or Perfect Presents for Romance Readers.
Include your book, of course, but think about other items that might appeal to your audience too.
For example, you could suggest cozy blankets, scented candles, or a sleek notebook for self-help readers.
Share the guide as a social media post or email it to your subscribers.
While a simple document will do, check out Canva’s festive holiday gift guide templates for some added cheer!
22. Pitch your book to local magazines and newspapers
Have you thought about pitching your book to local magazines or newspapers for their holiday gift guides?
A lot of these outlets love featuring local authors, especially this time of year when everyone’s looking for unique gift ideas.
Take a look at whether they’ve shared gift guides before, and if they have, shoot them an email or give them a quick call.
Let them know about your book, why it makes a great gift, and offer to send them a copy to check out.
Keep it casual and friendly:
Hey, I’m a local author, and I think my book would be a great fit for your gift guide!
You’ve really got nothing to lose!
23. Write a holiday-themed short story or novella
If you’ve got characters from a recent book, why not bring them back for a holiday-themed short story or novella? It’s a great way to give your readers something extra to enjoy while tying your work to the festive season.
Even if your genre isn’t traditionally holiday-friendly—like thrillers or mysteries—you can still find ways to make it work. Maybe there’s a tense holiday gathering that reveals more about a character’s backstory. Or perhaps a pivotal scene takes place during a snowy Christmas Eve.
You could use the story to build out your world, deepen your characters, or even tease your next book.
Once it’s ready, offer the story as a limited-time freebie or lead magnet to grow your email list, or share it with your existing subscribers as a holiday treat. It’s a thoughtful way to connect with your readers and keep them excited about your work!
24. Treat yourself to a book marketing expert
And what if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by all the holiday book promotion strategies?
Gift yourself the ultimate resource: a professional book marketer to guide you through the process.
The Book Rockstar VIP Experience gives you personalized one-on-one support to create a custom marketing plan that fits your book and audience perfectly.
Over 8 weeks, you’ll tackle everything from social media and email marketing to ads and metadata—basically, all the tools you need to make your book launch a hit in the New Year.
Whether you’re launching your book for the first time or hoping to give it a second wind, this program will give you the support and expertise you need to confidently navigate the book marketing world and get your book in front of more readers.
Book a discovery call today to learn more!
Happy Holidays!
-Aryn
Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.