Think about the last few books that truly captivated you.

Why did you choose them?

Chances are, it wasn’t because of a recommendation from the author or an eye-catching advertisement.

Most likely, someone you know and trust recommended them to you.

As a leading Marketing Agency for Authors, I’m frequently asked about effective book marketing strategies. My answer is always clear: “I create books that readers can't help but share.”

The majority of successful book marketing—90%—is about the book’s content and positioning. Only 10% is the actual promotional effort most people focus on.

Think of a paper airplane. The throw (marketing) is crucial, but the design (the book) is what makes it soar.

What makes a book so compelling that readers feel inspired to share it with others? What elements ensure a book’s lasting success?

Easy to Engage With

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of book writing is engagement. It might seem simple, but many authors overlook it. Here’s the key: if readers don’t engage with your book, they won’t recommend it.

Nobody wants to suggest a book only to have their friends say, “I couldn’t finish it.” There’s a part of us all that fears recommending something that turns out to be a chore. It might sound trivial, but it’s significant.

To make your book a must-read, ensure it’s engaging.

Edit meticulously. Make your narrative captivating and accessible. Clarify complex ideas. Maintain a dynamic pace.

Make your readers wish there were more pages. Leave them eagerly awaiting your next book.

An engaging book often stands out as unique or exceptional.

Distinctive and Exceptional

Your book needs to capture attention. The best ways to achieve this are by being extraordinarily good or distinctly different.

Consider The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern—it offers a magical and unique experience unlike any other fantasy novel.

Or look at Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Its unique approach to history and its profound insights set it apart.

Both books have sold millions, driven largely by word-of-mouth.

To have your book be the topic of conversation, make it noteworthy. Create something that is truly remarkable.

Humans are wired to remember and share what’s new and unexpected. If your book is distinctive or exceptional, it will naturally be memorable.

Unforgettable

Readers don’t usually think about recommending books daily.

But when certain subjects come up, specific books naturally spring to mind. You want your book to be one of those go-to recommendations.

For a book to be recommended, it needs to be memorable.

It’s no coincidence that people remember The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. But a catchy title isn’t the only way to achieve this.

Your book should be specific and practical.

When someone says, “I need advice on ___” or “How do I solve ___,” your book should be the one they think of.

Think of how often Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is recommended. It addresses the universal challenge of understanding human thought processes. It’s a timeless topic with a timeless solution.

Write a book that is useful and addresses a specific need. Aim for uniqueness and excellence. Polish it until it’s easy to read and hard to forget.

It’s a challenging task, but achieving this will set the foundation for a bestseller driven by word-of-mouth.

At our Marketing Agency for Authors, we specialize in helping you craft strategies that readers love and recommend. Because the most effective marketing comes from genuine enthusiasm.