What is “The Book Marketer”?

The Book Marketer is an independent author support service run by Nicky Blewitt. We specialise in helping writers, especially new and emerging voices, navigate the journey from manuscript to market. Working transparently and ethically, we offer tailored support in self-publishing, book launches, marketing strategies, and building strong author platforms. Nicky runs The Book Marketer as a sole trader and also collaborates with a trusted network of professional freelancers, editors, authors, designers, and marketing specialists to provide a full spectrum of author services.The Book Marketer’s mission is simple: to empower authors to share their stories with confidence and clarity while maintaining full creative and financial control of their work.

Who is this service for?

• First-time authors who aren’t sure where to start
• Self-published authors wanting to improve visibility
• Authors who prefer coaching (doing it with guidance)
• Authors who prefer “done-for-you” services (letting us do the heavy lifting)

I’m looking to hire a professional to assist with my book launch. What services do you recommend?

Authors usually choose between our Book Launch Team service if they are looking to learn the skills of Book Marketing for themselves. However, we also offer the One-Stop Publishing and Launch Service which is a ‘done for you’ service and designed to cover everything from publishing and metadata optimization through to booking promotions, outreaching to influencers. Giving your book as much visibility as we can from day one.

What are the best book marketing services I can hire to promote my self-published book?

There are many book marketing services out there and we encourage you to shop around to get the best fit for your needs. Ask the marketing service for a discovery call so you can drill down into the nuts and bolts of exactly what they are offering you. Ask them the following questions: Do they have terms of service they can show you? Do they have a good amount of reviews on reputable review sites? Have they worked with other authors in your genre before? Are there any hidden costs in what they are offering you? Here at The Book Marketer, we offer a range of proven services including book launch campaigns, influencer outreach, targeted promotion strategies, Amazon ads management, social media marketing, press release distribution, and more. Every package is designed to help self-published authors stand out in today’s crowded market. You can see our complete list of services here. Once you have had a chance to look around please get in contact with us to organise a discovery call here.

How are you different from vanity presses or shady marketing firms?

• We follow clear Ethical standards: We operate transparent practices that keep you informed and in control every step of the way. You can read our Ethical Freelancers Policy here.
• You retain all rights to your book and its content.
• You retain all rights to your publishing royalties.
• You retain all rights to your publishing accounts.
• We offer flexible services: You can choose coaching, done with or done -for-you services.
• We offer clear deliverables and reporting: You’ll know what you’re paying for, and see results (or adjustments) along the way.

Do you guarantee bestseller status or specific sales figures?

While a lot of our authors have acheived Amazon besteller whilst working with us, we can not guarantee this. No reputable marketer should promise specific outcomes (e.g. “#1 bestseller” or “X sales in Y days”). What we can guarantee is diligent, data-driven effort, transparency in our methods, and regular reporting so you see what’s working (and what’s not).

I need help with Amazon ads for my book. Which marketing services would you suggest I look into?

At The Book Marketer, we specialize in Amazon ads for self-published authors asa part of our Book Launch Service and One Stop Publishing Service. Our Amazon Ads Service includes competitor research,keyword targeting, campaign setup, and bid optimization to maximize visibility. We also give you follow up instructions on how to manage your ads after our service has ended. The three types of Amazon ads we typically use are:

• Keyword match: This uses your core keywords to target potential buyers.
• Asin Ads: These target your competitors' books so we can build up a profile of the most high converting books for your ongoing ads.
• Category Ads: Used more for non-fiction ads, these target relevant categories where your audience will be searching for books.

Can you recommend companies that offer influencer outreach for authors?

Yes, and we’re one of them. Our Influencer Marketing Service for Authors connects you with bookstagrammers, bloggers, and niche influencers who can share your book with engaged audiences.

Influencer Outreach

We target micro-influencers (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) that have an audience of over 10,000 but under 100,000 subscribers as we find they are more likely to have availability and be cheaper to advertise with. The greater the number of followers an influencer has the more they charge to work with them. 

How Much Does it Cost Authors to Hire Influencers?

Influencer marketing pricing can vary widely depending on several factors including the platform, the influencer's reach, engagement rate, and the specific nature of the collaboration. Here’s a rough breakdown across different platforms and influencer sizes:

1. Instagram:

• Nano influencers (1,000 - 10,000 followers): $10 - $100 per post
• Micro influencers (10,000 - 100,000 followers): $100 - $500 per post
• Mid-tier influencers (100,000 - 500,000 followers): $500 - $5,000 per post
• Macro influencers (500,000 - 1,000,000 followers): $5,000 - $10,000 per post
• Mega influencers (1,000,000+ followers): $10,000+ per post

1. YouTube:

• Nano influencers: $20 - $200 per video
• Micro influencers: $200 - $2,000 per video
• Mid-tier influencers: $2,000 - $20,000 per video
• Macro influencers: $20,000 - $50,000 per video
• Mega influencers: $50,000+ per video

1. TikTok:

• Nano influencers: $5 - $25 per post
• Micro influencers: $25 - $200 per post
• Mid-tier influencers: $200 - $5,000 per post
• Macro influencers: $5,000 - $20,000 per post
• Mega influencers: $20,000+ per post

1. Twitter/X

• Nano influencers: $2 - $20 per tweet
• Micro influencers: $20 - $100 per tweet
• Mid-tier influencers: $100 - $500 per tweet
• Macro influencers: $500 - $2,000 per tweet
• Mega influencers: $2,000+ per tweet

The specific campaign requirements, like long-term partnerships, multiple posts, story features, or additional content like videos and links, can also affect pricing. If you have no budget to work with influencers you can request that we target nano-influencers which have between 1000–10,000 followers who in some cases are happy to accept a copy of your book to carry out a review on it. Depending on what tier you book with us, we set up a unique email in your book's name and write off to 50 targeted influencers that cover your niche or subject. We then give control of the email service over to you and it is your responsibility to follow up and engage with any replies you receive. Building your own relationship with influencers is important in trying to establish a longer term ability to work with them. We will supply you with our guide to finding more influencers and how to engage with them which includes the outreach email templates we use. Our Guarantee is that we continue working with you until you get at least 10 influencers willing to work with you. If you book our Gold Concierge Outreach Service we take can of all the communication for you.

Our Influencer Engagement Disclaimer

We identify relevant influencers and provide you with their terms and conditions. We then pass communications back to you so that you may handle payments and organize any other requirements related to the engagement. As part of this service, we do not act as an agent or representative, and we cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any influencer collaboration or your interactions with them.

What are the benefits in carrying out competitor analysis for authors?

The benefits are immense. We do not want to try and reinvent the wheel with our first book launch. There are too many rabbit holes to dissapear down. Amazon sales data is your friend as it is clear evidence of what trends are selling well at any given time. We perform a detailed competitor analysis by researching top-earning books in your genre. We assess cover trends, blurbs, pricing strategies, social media tactics, review patterns, and book earnings. We then deep dive the top three authors in your genre to see if we can reverse engineer their popularity. This provides you with valuable insights that help position your book more effectively in the market.

How can a press release distribution service help authors promote their books and reach media outlets?

Not all press releases are born equal. Some cheap services spread you across low domain news outlets that neither serve to get your book exposure or provide your website with the power of high-domain backlinks. The first question you want to be asking your press release service is what media and news outlets do you distribute to and are your placements gauranteed?

What are the main benefits of a press release for an author?

1) Search Engine Optimisation (SEO):

Press release distribution remains one of the most reliable ways to secure high-quality backlinks. Both the Premium and Gold distribution tiers provide exceptional SEO value and link authority.

2) AI Indexing:

From March 2025, Gold-tier releases use the proprietary AIWire™ system, which indexes content into AI chatbots and search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, Microsoft Copilot, and Gemini. This ensures lasting visibility as AI systems continue to evolve.

3) Media Attention:

Each release is distributed to more than 400 major outlets, including Business Insider, MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, AP News, and others. Content is also submitted to professional newsroom terminals such as Bloomberg, Dow Jones, and Thomson Reuters, where journalists monitor live feeds for potential stories.

Which Press Release Package Should Authors Choose?

The Book Marketer offers two distribution packages:

• Premium
• Gold

Both Packages Include Placement On:

• Business Insider
• MarketWatch
• Street Insider
• Yahoo! Finance
• Associated Press
• Morning Star
• Apple News
• Globe Newswire
• Fox and NBC affiliates
• Benzinga

Differences Between Premium and Gold:

AI Indexing: Gold-tier releases are indexed into AI chatbots through AIWire™, embedding your content into future model training and discovery.

Podcast Distribution: Gold-tier press releases are automatically converted into audio and syndicated across Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

While both tiers deliver wide-reaching results, Gold releases receive extended coverage through AI and podcast syndication, offering unmatched reach and innovation.

Podcast Placements (Gold Package)

Introduced in late 2024, podcast syndication transforms each Gold-tier press release into an audio format and publishes it across high-authority platforms, including:

• Spotify (DA95 – dofollow)
• YouTube (DA99 – nofollow)
• Apple Podcasts (DA97 – native)
• Amazon Music (DA96 – nofollow)
• Podchaser (DA85 – dofollow)
• Player FM (DA86 – dofollow)
• iHeart (DA91 – dofollow)
• Podbean (DA90 – dofollow)
• Boomplay (DA77 – nofollow)

These placements enhance both SEO and brand exposure through multimedia distribution.

Language Availability

Currently, our press release distribution is offered in English only. Releases promoting global businesses are accepted but must be written in English.

Longevity of Links

Most links remain online indefinitely. However, a few publishers (such as MarketWatch and TradingView) retain releases for up to three months — a limitation based on publisher policy.

Dofollow vs Nofollow Links

Link types vary by publisher and cannot be guaranteed. It’s safe to assume most will be nofollow, though SEO research confirms these links still provide valuable authority and referral traffic.

Industry experts agree:

“Building nofollow links can drive traffic, improve SEO, and enhance social visibility.” — Neil Patel

“Experiments show that nofollow links can still boost Google rankings.” — Brian Dean

“Both dofollow and nofollow links contribute to a balanced SEO strategy.” — SEMRush

Editing Policy

Once published, a press release cannot be edited. Review all details thoroughly before submitting — all orders are final.

Placements vs Newsroom Submissions

A placement means your press release appears publicly online and counts toward SEO.

A newsroom submission, however, is sent directly to journalist terminals such as Bloomberg Terminals, Dow Jones Factiva, and Moody’s Analytics NewsEdge.

These are not public backlinks but serve as invaluable journalist-facing placements that can generate organic media pickup.

What are the SEO Value of Press Releases For Authors?

Press releases remain a proven SEO tactic when used strategically.

“Press releases, when optimised, can rank for niche keywords and provide instant visibility.” — Prowly

“Executed correctly, a press release can significantly strengthen SEO.” — Safari Digital

“Press releases still work for SEO — the key is quality and relevance.” — Search Engine Journal

Not all links are indexed by Google, but the combination of volume and authority ensures measurable impact.

How Can Authors Maximise their Press Release Post-Distribution Results?

Monitor Coverage

Set up Google Alerts for your company name and key terms.

Track social mentions and backlinks using SEO tools like Ahrefs or Semrush.

Review website analytics to measure referral impact.

Share Coverage

Post links to your social media channels and website’s news section.

Highlight coverage in newsletters or internal updates.

Use “As Seen In” logos from premium outlets on your site.

Leverage Reports

Download your branded report (available within 3–5 business days of Press Release Submission).

List of placements with URLs, publisher name, etc.

List of terminal submissions (Bloomberg Terminals, Dow Jones Terminals, etc)  

List of AI Chatbot indexes if Gold release (AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini and more.)

List of Search Crawler indexes if Gold release

List of Podcast distributions if Gold release (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)

From these lists add featured placements to pitch decks or marketing materials.

What are the benefits of a personalised marketing plan for a new Author? 

Following generic marketing advice is something of a lottery. Some parts may work, some definately won't. When you are investing significant sums of money into publishing a quality book however, you want to try and get the most success as possible. Particularly if this is your first book and you keen on building an author platform. have a book marketing plan that drills down into your niche can make the world of difference. From knowing who your direct competitors are to where your audience can be found online, every piece of information will go into building a marketing arsenal that you can return to again and again. Here at The Book Marketer we do the genre researchfor you. Following on from our initial planning session we supply you with a marketing plan outlining our actions and your follow-ups to ensure we are aligned throughout your book launch. We create a suggested timeline for you based on your goals, budget, and genre. It will outline your key marketing activities for each phase of both pre-launch and post-launch stages. It will contain your researched metadata and depending on your genre, lists of research on your competitors, targeted bloggers, influencers, journalists, podcasts, best book promotion companies, digital ad strategies. It will recommend software and tactics to make your author journey more streamlined and effective based on years of experience that we have developed. It will also be a document you can refer back to on future book releases and promotions.

If you booked onto our Book Launch or One-Stop Self-Publishing and Marketing Service, alongside your marketing plan you will have your own google drive folder that we populate with all the resources and work we are doing for you. Lists of bloggers, influencers, podcast opportunities, press release reports, social media images, competitor analysis, and metadata research.

Why is optmised metadata so important to authors?

A crucial aspect of self-publishing is metadata in today's digital book market. Many authors underestimate its importance and in so doing fail to get the book store visibility their book deserves. What we offer: 

1. Comprehensive approach: The service covers all aspects of metadata, from keywords to categories, ensuring a holistic strategy.
2. Balance between visibility and competition: We aim to find the sweet spot where the book is discoverable but not overshadowed by bestsellers.
3. Data-driven decisions: The use of advanced tools and competitor analysis ensures decisions are based on solid data.
4. Long-term benefits: Well-optimised metadata continues to work for the book long after initial promotion efforts.
5. Expertise in Amazon's systems: Our understanding of Amazon's algorithms and category structures gives books a competitive edge.

Seamless Manuscript Upload 

We can take care of the publishing for you. If you would like to learn the process, we can upload your manuscript and compile your metadata in a joint screen share, teaching you the publishing process for future reference in your author career. We'll cover all important aspects and troubleshoot any potential issues.

Why is it important for an author to have an engaging Blurb and Biography?

An engaging blurb and author bio are essential because they are often the first impression a potential reader gets. The blurb sells the story or message, sparking curiosity and giving readers a clear reason to buy. A weak blurb loses attention instantly. The author bio builds trust and credibility—readers want to know who is guiding them, especially in nonfiction. A strong bio helps form a personal connection and reinforces authority in the subject. Together, they create a compelling snapshot of both the book and the author, significantly increasing the chances of converting casual browsers into enthusiastic buyers. Based on competitor analysis, we'll craft an engaging blurb and biography using relevant keywords to appeal to your target readers.We’ll capture reader attention with professionally crafted book descriptions and author biographies that drive sales and establish your author platform.

Our blurb writing includes:

• Market-researched competitor trends
• Professional author biography
• Amazon A+ content writing
• Platform-specific variations
• Keyword integration
• Hook development
• USP highlighting
• Call-to-action optimisation

Why should authors use newsletter promotions?

Newsletter promotions are one of the most effective ways for authors to reach new readers and boost visibility. Newsletters from reputable book-promotion sites put your book directly in front of thousands of engaged, genre-specific subscribers who actively look for new reads. This creates immediate spikes in downloads or sales, which can improve your book’s ranking on retailers like Amazon. Newsletter promos are also cost-effective compared to ads, providing reliable reach without complex setup. For indie authors especially, they’re a powerful tool for expanding readership, increasing reviews, and sustaining long-term discoverability—turning one promotion into ongoing momentum for your book. As part of our launch and publishing service (premium tier upwards) We’ll register your book with 10 newsletter promotions targeted to your niche to get this early exposure.

How can authors benefit from competitor analysis? 

Competitor analysis helps authors understand what’s working in their genre so they can position their books more effectively. By studying successful authors—examining their covers, blurbs, pricing, keywords, marketing tactics, and reader reviews—writers can identify trends and audience expectations in their genre. This insight allows them to refine their own branding, avoid common pitfalls, and highlight what makes their book stand out. Competitor analysis also reveals valuable promotional opportunities, such as which newsletters, keywords, and categories perform best. Ultimately, it helps authors make informed, strategic decisions that increase discoverability, improve sales performance, and align their book with what readers are already excited to buy. We research the top-earning books in your genre. From this, we extrapolate valuable information on cover trends, blurbs, social media strategies, and newsletter conventions, providing you with a head start in your author career.

Analysis Components:

• Competitors Sales rank tracking
• Pricing strategy review
• Marketing technique analysis
• Category performance assessment
• Social media strategy
• Keyword strategy evaluation
• Content strategy review

How can authors benefit from reaching out to journalists, bloggers, and podcasters?

Outreaching to journalists, bloggers, and podcasters helps authors expand their visibility far beyond their existing audience. These creators already have engaged communities, so a single feature, interview, or review can introduce your book to hundreds or thousands of potential readers. Media outreach builds credibility too—third-party coverage feels more trusted than self-promotion. It also strengthens your author brand by positioning you as a relevant voice within your genre or topic. Over time, these connections can lead to repeat opportunities, partnerships, and long-term audience growth. Consistent outreach turns awareness into discoverability, helping books stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. When you order our Book Launch Team Campaign we set up an online press release for you and then outreach to trageted organisations to get your book as much exposure as we can. Via our press database you will gain access to an unrivalled global media outreach database featuring over 500,000 verified journalists from top-tier publications, 160,000 publishers and media outlets, and 200,000 podcasts and podcast hosts worldwide. This comprehensive resource enables authors to identify and connect with the most relevant contacts for reviews, interviews, and feature opportunities, streamlining your outreach efforts and maximising your chances of meaningful media coverage.

How can social media help build a platform for an author?

Social media helps authors build a platform by creating direct, ongoing connections with readers. It allows writers to share their journey, promote books authentically, and showcase their personality, building trust and relatability over time. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook also enable discoverability through algorithms and sharing, helping authors reach new audiences beyond their existing circles. Engaging content such as behind-the-scenes updates, short readings, and reader interactions strengthens community and loyalty. Social media also supports collaborations with other creators and influencers, amplifying visibility and credibility. Research by Nielsen found that digital ads with strong creative content were linked to an 86% increase in sales. Google says 70% either way it is clearly important. We supply you with 20 professional images based around your book cover or short video reels of you talking about your book. We can then send them out over your (and our) social media platforms in the build up to your book launch.

Why is Cover Design so important for indie authors? 

Cover design is one of the most powerful marketing tools an indie author has because it creates the first impression of a book. Readers make split-second decisions based on covers, especially when browsing online thumbnails. A professionally designed cover communicates genre, tone, and quality instantly, signalling that the book meets reader expectations. Poor or mismatched design can lead to lost sales, no matter how strong the writing is inside. Great covers also support branding across a series, helping authors become recognisable. For indie authors competing in a crowded marketplace, strong cover design directly influences visibility, credibility, and sales success. Our cover design service analyses the latest popular market and genre trends, crucial for converting customers into readers on the busy Amazon bookstore. We collaborate with designers to create an attractive book cover, involving you in every stage of the process.

Formatting 

Our book formatting service ensures your manuscript is professionally prepared for both print and digital publication. We create clean, reader-friendly layouts that meet the technical requirements of major platforms such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books. From consistent spacing and fonts to properly styled chapter headings, page numbers, and front- and back-matter, every detail is handled with care. We format paperback, hardback, and ebook editions to ensure your book looks polished across all devices and formats. Professional formatting improves readability, enhances credibility, and delivers the high-quality presentation readers expect from professionally published books.

Is it important to have an ISBN number for your book? 

Yes, having an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is important because it allows your book to be officially listed, tracked, and sold through bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. An ISBN identifies you as the publisher and makes distribution easier. While not always required for platform sales, it boosts professionalism, discoverability, and credibility. For wider distribution it is especially important to have a unique ISBN and barcode for publishing and selling your book. However, the process of acquiring one can be expensive and time-consuming. In the USA, ISBNs are purchased through Bowker, where a single ISBN and barcode currently costs $150. In the UK, authors obtain their ISBNs via Nielsen, with a current price of £108. We offer a more affordable solution, providing an ISBN and barcode for only $60. It’s important to note that each format of your book—whether print, e-book, or audiobook—requires a separate ISBN. However, if you’re exclusively selling on Amazon it is not essential to buy your own ISBN as they will provide you with a free one, although it can only be used on their platform.

With our service, you can be confident that your book will have a professional and standardised ISBN and barcode, making it easier to sell and distribute in the global market.

The ISBN we provide will be assigned solely to you and can be used across major platforms, including Amazon, IngramSpark, and be used by bookstores and libraries that wish to order your book.

Here’s what’s included in our service:

• Assigning a unique ISBN and barcode to your book
• Registering the ISBN and barcode under your name or a USA publishing company
• Delivering the ISBN and barcode in a high-quality format (JPG, PNG, or PDF)

What do I need to know before choosing an author coaching service for my book?

Before choosing an author coaching service for your book, start by getting clear on the type of support you need. Some coaches focus on writing and structure, while others specialise in publishing, marketing, or accountability. Check the coach’s background to see if they have published books themselves or have guided authors in your genre. Look for testimonials, sample sessions, or case studies to understand how they work and what results they have achieved.

Consider your budget and how the service is packaged, whether it is hourly support, a step by step program, or a full coaching partnership. Make sure the coach explains their process, communication style, and timeline so you know exactly what to expect. Personality and compatibility also matter because you will be working closely together. Finally, ask what specific outcomes you will walk away with. The right author coach should help you feel confident, supported, and motivated.

How can I hire a professional to assist with my author platform building?

You can hire a professional for author platform building by searching for specialists in author branding, book marketing, or publishing services. Look for proven experience, testimonials, and clear package options. Many authors find support through freelancers, marketing agencies, or author coaches who offer social media setup, website creation, and strategic guidance. Our One-Stop Publishing and Launch Service is a personalised, done-for-you solution designed to take your book from final manuscript to a successful, high-visibility launch. We handle every stage of publishing and marketing, including metadata optimisation, competitor research, blurb writing, author branding, and seamless upload to your chosen platforms. Over four weeks, our team builds a targeted launch strategy that boosts discoverability, increases reader engagement, and positions your book to climb its Amazon categories. With expert outreach, professional visuals, optional ads management, and regular update calls, you stay informed while we manage the work. You keep full control of your publishing and Ad accounts and 100 percent of your royalties.