What if everything indie authors have been taught about “marketing” their books is the reason their books aren’t selling? In this episode of Write! Grow! Launch! I break down why traditional book marketing tactics such as constant pitching, spammy posts, cold DMs, and even paid ads have never worked for indie authors and never will. It’s now 2026, and in today’s reader-savvy, relationship-driven market, desperate selling doesn’t just fall flat…it actively pushes readers away. That’s why, in this Season 4 premier episode, I’m going to pull back the curtain and tell you what actually sells books in this new world we live in. And spoiler alert! It’s all centered around organic connection, reader-first engagement, and building genuine relationships long before launch week ever arrives. If you’re tired of shouting into the void and wasting money on strategies that don’t convert to book sales, this episode is going to absolutely shift your entire mindset when it comes to selling your books AND teach you how to start doing it the right way…starting today! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why “marketing” as most authors do it actually hurts (even hinders) book sales Why paid ads never have and never will work for indie authors (especially debuts) What modern readers detect and reject automatically as “spammy” selling The mindset shift you need right now to sell books starting launch day one How cultivating authentic relationships with your Ideal Reader Avatar is crucial THE CORE FRAMEWORK Step 1: Be Ruthlessly Clear on Your Genre Before anything else, authors must clearly define their genre and understand exactly who is already searching for books like theirs. This process must begin no less than 90 days before launch and requires identifying where those readers already spend time online. Step 2: Study Readers, Not Demographics Demographics do not sell books…authentic connections do. Indie Authors must observe their target audience of readers and their behavior, conversations, debates, reviews, and reactions to understand what excites them, what turns them off, and what motivates them to buy. Step 3: Connect as a Reader, Not an Author Selling books today requires showing up as a genuine reader and fan (aka “Booktoker”) of your genre…and NOT as an “authortoker.” Intentional daily engagement builds that all-important KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST factor without ever pitching or asking for a single sale. KEY TAKEAWAY: Books don’t sell because of clever marketing tactics. They sell because of relationships. When authors focus on genuine connection, reader-first engagement, and long-term trust, book sales become a natural outcome rather than a forced effort. RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS Dial in on your chosen genre, subgenre, and niche (i.e., dark romantasy not just fantasy) Start spending time online each day where your Ideal Reader Avatar is hanging out Pay attention to everything: what they love and don’t, what they want and don’t… Spend 10-15 min EVERY day following, engaging with, and talking directly to your IRA When connecting with your readers, think like a Booktoker, NOT an Authortoker Stop pitching and start building relationships with your IRA 90 days before you launch RESOURCES & LINKS Learn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Free Resource: https://shorturl.at/l2LEU My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4AB My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.
