Last week, I had the joy of talking with a homeschool group about book publishing. It was so much fun—they asked thoughtful questions, and one really stood out:
“Once I create my book, where do I sell it?”
Or, put another way: “How do I get people to buy my book?”
I’m glad they asked, because I think a lot of new authors wonder the same thing. So, here are some of the things I’ve learned and a few of my favorite options.
Step 1: Know Your Target Market
I hate to answer a question with a question, but in this case, it matters:
Who are you trying to reach?
Because here’s the truth—you sell books by showing up where your readers (or book buyers) are.
- Teens and young adults → TikTok
- Moms and women → Pinterest and Instagram
- Professionals (like doctors, lawyers, or optometrists) → Industry events and conferences
One method that helps me brainstorm is mind mapping. Grab a sheet of paper and jot down every possible person who would love your book and how you could reach them. Narrow your focus. This will help you figure out the best ways to meet your target market.
- Would your library be interested in stocking your book?
- Is there a community art or book festival you could attend?
- Do local businesses (like realtors, dentists, or schools) host events where you could participate?
- Is there a niche podcast you’d make a perfect guest on?
Once you start thinking about your audience, new opportunities will pop up everywhere.
Step 2: Choose Your Sales & Distribution Channels
If you’re looking for practical, step-by-step places to sell your book, here are some tried-and-true options:
1. Amazon KDP
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I love Amazon KDP.
- Easy for first-time authors to upload.
- Amazon reaches over 80% of book buyers.
- Offers Expanded Distribution (though you’ll want to weigh whether exclusivity is right for you).
If you’re self-publishing, Amazon KDP is the simplest way to get started.
(Pro tip: Have a checklist of everything you’ll need ready before uploading—title, description, keywords, categories, and files.)
2. IngramSpark
Another solid option for self-publishers.
- As of this month, no more upload fees (a big win!).
- Better for retailers and libraries than direct-to-consumer sales.
- A good choice if you want your book to be available beyond Amazon without locking into Amazon’s Expanded Distribution.
3. Draft2Digital
I haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s worth mentioning.
- Part of the “big three” alongside KDP and IngramSpark.
- Great for expanding into different online retailers and eBook platforms.
4. Online Printers
If you want custom copies or to keep inventory on hand, online printers can be helpful.
- I’ve used Printing Center USA, SmartPress, and Vistaprint.
- Printing Center USA = best print quality.
- Vistaprint = best deals for promotional materials.
Printed copies are great for:
- Author events
- School visits
- Local fairs and festivals
- Bulk sales to businesses or organizations
Bonus: Amazon and Ingram both let you order Author Copies at cost, which works well for events.
One of my favorite parts of working with printers is the flexibility. For example, I’ve offered bulk/white-labeled books to optometrists, pediatricians, schools, and churches. It’s a fun way to get creative with book sales while giving organizations a unique product.
5. Book Retailers
Having your book on Ingram doesn’t guarantee orders, but it does make your book available. To take it further:
- Reach out to local bookstores and libraries.
- Small shops are often more receptive than big chains.
- Larger retailers (like Barnes & Noble) will usually refer you to a generic submission process.
This is where persistence and relationship-building really pay off.
Step 3: Stay Consistent
Here’s my last bit of encouragement: book sales take time.
Pick a few strategies and stick with them. Tweak and experiment when needed, but don’t give up too quickly. The key is to remain visible and keep showing up where your readers are.
Your book is amazing. You just need to find the right audience and the right doors to knock on.
So—what about you? How do you imagine selling your book?
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Great advice, Beth! You rock!
I have a rockin’ good teacher. 😉