Ah, marketing—every author’s favourite part of the writing process, right? Right? Just kidding. For most writers, the thought of marketing their book sparks mild to severe anxiety. And if you’re an introvert, the idea of putting yourself out there can feel as appealing as, well, public speaking at a wedding where you know no one.

But the sad truth is, unless you’re one of the chosen few with a massive marketing team behind you (if you are, I’m not jealous at all), the reality of self-publishing means you have to market your book. It doesn’t matter how great your story is if no one knows it exists.

So how do you navigate the extroverted world of book marketing when you’d rather be reading in a quiet corner or binge-watching a series with zero human interaction?

Fear not, fellow introverts and reluctant marketers! Here are some tips for how to market your book without completely losing your sanity—or your soul. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just a few thoughts I’ve cobbled together: some things I’ve tried; some that I’m planning, and some which seem like a good idea but, as my next blog will cover…procrastination!

1. Embrace the Internet (Where You Can Interact at a Distance)

The beauty of the internet is that you can reach thousands of people without ever leaving the safety of your home—or, let’s be real, your couch. For introverts, online marketing is a gift from the social gods. You can share your work, connect with readers, and build your brand without the terror of face-to-face interaction.

Start by choosing the platforms that feel most comfortable for you. Maybe Instagram feels less overwhelming than Twitter, or perhaps you prefer TikTok (short videos = minimal talking). You don’t have to be everywhere at once. Focus on the platforms where you feel the least drained and where you’re likely to find your readers.

Pro tip: Schedule posts in advance so you don’t have to constantly be online. Buffer or Later can help you avoid the endless scroll.

2. Let Your Writing Do the Talking (Because That’s the Point, Right?)

Why do people love your book? Because of your writing. So let that shine in your marketing. You don’t have to be a charismatic sales guru or charm readers with witty one-liners. You just need to show people why your book is worth reading.

You could write thoughtful blog posts (like this one!) about the themes in your book, the writing process, or your characters. Or, you could share snippets of your writing on social media—whether it’s a killer quote or a funny scene, let your words do the marketing for you.

Pro tip: You can use tools like Canva to make aesthetically pleasing graphics for quotes or excerpts. That way, you’re still putting your writing out there but in a visually appealing (and less stressful) way. It also makes me feel like I can add ‘graphic design’ to my repertoire of things I’m sort of OK at.)

3. Build a Marketing Routine That Works for You (And Then Stick to It)

One of the reasons marketing can feel so overwhelming is because it’s constant. There’s always something you should be doing: posting, engaging with followers, reaching out to reviewers, writing newsletters, etc. It’s enough to send any introvert spiralling into a “Nope, I’m just going to avoid this forever” mindset.

The trick? Structure. Build a marketing routine that fits your energy levels. Maybe Mondays are for Instagram posts, Wednesdays are for updating your blog, and Fridays are for responding to comments and emails. When marketing becomes part of your routine, it feels less like a looming obligation and more like a manageable task.

Pro tip: Set a timer for 30 minutes a day to work on marketing, and then stop when the time’s up. You don’t have to do it all at once.

4. Use Your Website as a Marketing Hub (Where People Come to You)

If talking to people isn’t your thing, let them come to you. Your website is your safe haven on the internet. It’s where readers can find out about your book, sign up for your newsletter, and (hopefully) make a purchase—all without you having to do any direct selling.

Make sure your website is simple, clear, and contains all the essential info: a bio, links to where people can buy your book, and maybe a blog or section where you talk about your writing journey. You can also include a contact form for media or event inquiries, so you never have to actually answer the phone. Win-win!

6. Collaborate with Other Writers (Because Introverts Need Friends, Too)

Book marketing doesn’t have to be a solo mission. If the idea of self-promotion makes you want to crawl under a blanket and hide, team up with other authors who are going through the same thing. You can share each other’s work, co-host virtual events, or even do newsletter swaps where you recommend each other’s books.

Collaborating takes the pressure off of you doing all the talking and allows you to reach a wider audience without leaving your comfort zone.

Pro tip: Look for online writing communities where you can connect with authors in similar genres. Twitter, Facebook groups, and Goodreads are good places to start.

7. Outsource What You Can (No Shame in It)

Let’s face it—there are some marketing tasks that you just won’t want to do. Maybe it’s writing press releases. Maybe it’s reaching out to book bloggers. Or maybe you just don’t have the energy to keep up with the ever-changing social media landscape.

Guess what? You don’t have to do it all. If your budget allows, consider hiring a freelance marketer or virtual assistant to help with the tasks you dread the most. That way, you can focus on the parts of marketing that don’t drain your energy—like writing blogs or interacting with readers in a more comfortable setting.

Pro tip: Look for marketers who specialize in working with authors. You can find some great freelancers on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, or even through recommendations in writing groups.

Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be an Introvert’s Nightmare

Marketing your book when you’re an introvert—or when you just don’t feel like dealing with people—doesn’t have to be soul-crushing. The key is to find strategies that align with your personality and energy levels.

And remember, marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to do everything all at once. Take it one step at a time and focus on what works best for you. Your readers will find you—and they’ll appreciate the genuine, thoughtful way you’re sharing your story.