5 book marketing insights for 2025 (and what to do next)


Hello Reader,

I recently returned from Publishing University - or PubU as it's called - hosted by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). I heard from some of the smartest people in our industry, talked to other publishers and book marketing experts, and gained insights on what's happening in the book industry now, and what we can expect to come.

Let’s talk about what’s working—and what’s not—in book marketing as we head into the second half of 2025.

Not ready to join but want to learn more? Join me for a Q&A session on Thursday, 5/29! Register here!

Here’s are the most important takeaways I heard over and over again.

  • Discoverability is getting harder.
    Even great books are getting lost in the noise. You must optimize your metadata and pick marketing strategies that help you stand out.
  • Authors are expected to market for the long haul.
    Your publisher—or your past self—may have launched the book, but if it’s on your backlist, you’re the one who has to keep it visible.
  • Collaboration is your superpower.
    Author newsletters, cross-promos, themed giveaways, podcast swaps—it’s all working. Don’t go it alone.
  • Direct-to-reader channels are rising fast.
    Platforms like Substack, Patreon, and BookFunnel are helping authors build and own their audiences without relying solely on retailers.
  • AI isn’t the enemy—it’s your assistant.
    The right tools can help you brainstorm content, refine marketing copy, and save a ton of time… when used ethically and strategically.

Good news! These are exactly the types of issues we address and learn about in Book Launch in a Box, with strategies to help you overcome and succeed!!!

Join me this Thursday, 5/29 for an exclusive Q&A session about our comprehensive Book Launch in a Box program. Discover how this program can provide you with step-by-step strategies, practical tools, and expert support to ensure your book marketing success.

During the session, you'll:

  • Get answers to your most pressing book marketing questions.
  • Learn exactly what Book Launch in a Box offers.
  • Find out if this program is the right fit for you.

Date: This Thursday 5/29
Time: 2pm Eastern US/NY time
Location: Zoom - register here (replay will be sent)

I'll answer all your questions about the program AND tell you about our special bonuses for attendees!

Write on!

Alexa

Alexa Bigwarfe

Book Marketing Expert

Write|Publish|Sell

PS - We have added a FIVE PAYMENT option for Book Launch in a Box!

Join us today! Save 30% until 6/1/25

Alexa Bigwarfe

Join this email list for tips, tools, and advice on writing, publishing, and selling your book! From tips for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business with a book, to fiction authors, to other nonfiction and children's book authors, we provide the knowledge base you need to make informed decisions about your publishing journey. Alexa Bigwarfe is the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and host of the Women in Publishing Summit. Alexa provides events, training opportunities, tools, resources, and content to guide and educate authors and industry professionals through the process of publishing and marketing books. She also is a publishing consultant for those who'd like some extra guidance in the process.

Read more from Alexa Bigwarfe

ALEXA BIGWARFE AUTHOR COACH & BOOK MARKETER Hello Reader, You didn't write your book to have it disappear into the void. And I'm guessing you want a smooth launch day experience and not one full of panic when things don't go just right? There are a number of pitfalls that can really mess you up when self-publishing your book and the sureist way to make sure you don't see the sales you want is uploading without the right metadata, distributing through the wrong channels, pricing incorrectly,...

ALEXA BIGWARFE AUTHOR COACH & BOOK MARKETER Hello Reader, If tax season makes you want to hide under a blanket with a good book, I completely understand. But here's the thing: your author business comes with some genuinely great tax advantages, and most indie authors don't take full advantage of them. Editing fees, book covers, writing conferences, software tools, marketing expenses, your website—almost everything you invest in your author business can be a legitimate write-off. That means...

ALEXA BIGWARFE AUTHOR COACH & BOOK MARKETER Hello Reader, Happy Valentine's Day! The replay is ready! 🎥 If publishing has ever felt like you’re trying to build a house without instructions (or like everyone else got a checklist you didn’t), this training will help. In “Your Publishing Plan: The 6 Stages of Production & Launch,” I walk you through the full roadmap—from writing and editing to production, distribution, launch, and what actually keeps sales going after release week. Watch the...