Bookbub for Authors
The Holy Grail of Author Promos & Targeted Ads
Bookbub is the holy grail of book promotions.
It has over 15 million voracious book readers. Beyond readership they have segmented the list beautifully based on wha the reader desires to get deals on. They track who clicks what allowing authors to log if they've clicked on an authors book or profile.
This tracking is what sets Bookbub truly apart.
They empower authors to target readers based on authors they've clicked and/or bought from. All this provides other authors a unique advantage. The ability to place ads for our own books in emails to the readers of the categories of books and authors that the recipient has already expressed through action they'd be interested in.
Want to reach someone who loves non-fiction books that are fans of Donald Miller?
Yes, you can do that.
Bookbub Featured Deal
Securing a BookBub Featured Deal is like winning the lottery for book promotion.
The process starts with submitting your book through BookBub’s application form. They’ll ask for details like your book’s genre, pricing, and promotion schedule. Stand out by ensuring your book meets their criteria: a professional cover, strong reviews (typically 50+), and a competitive discount or free price. Remember, BookBub prioritizes books that appeal to their voracious reader base, so submit confidently and thoughtfully.
A strategic application increases your chances of landing this powerful promotional tool.
A great pitch can make or break your Featured Deal application.
When crafting your description, focus on your book’s unique selling points. Highlight an emotional hook, a compelling storyline, or a standout benefit for nonfiction. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to BookBub’s audience, who love well-written and professional books. Use phrases like “Perfect for fans of…” to align your book with similar bestsellers. Proofread, one typo can ruin your pitch.
An irresistible pitch isn’t just an application but your book’s first impression.
If you’re selected, a Featured Deal can skyrocket your book’s visibility.
Maximize this exposure by making sure your A+ content looks good, your bok description is on point, and your lead magnet and any calls to action in your book are correct and functioning. Announce the deal to your email list and social media followers, encouraging them to share it widely. Update your book’s metadata, including keywords and categories, to capture the influx of attention. After the promotion, follow up with readers by building your email list or encouraging reviews.
When used effectively, a Featured Deal isn’t just a moment, it’s a launchpad for long-term success and for reaching the next tier of legitamacy as an author.
Setting Up BookBub Ads
The same email that sends out the featured deals has ads at the bottom.
This is valuable real estate and you should try your hardest to catch their attention. Start with a bold, eye-catching book cover, normally the centerpiece of your ad and should communicate genre and tone instantly. Pair it with a concise tagline that highlights your book’s key promise. Think “Transform Your Mornings in Just 10 Minutes” or “Uncover the Secrets to Passive Income.” Keep the design clean and uncluttered so the message remains clear.
A compelling, well-designed ad ensures readers take notice and gives your book the attention it deserves.
BookBub’s audience targeting is like a heat-seeking missile for your ideal readers.
You can target readers by genre, favorite authors, or both, making it easy to connect with an audience primed for your book. For example, if your book shares themes with James Clear or Ryan Holiday, add them to your target list. Broad categories like “Business” or “Self-Improvement” can also work well, but author-specific targeting often delivers better results. Experiment with combinations to find the audience that engages most.
With precise targeting, you’re not just advertising—you’re matching your book to readers ready to say “yes.”
A well-optimized ad doesn’t just get seen, it gets results.
BookBub offers two main bidding models:
CPM (Cost Per Mille)
CPC (Cost Per Click)
Of your goal is visibility, you can do wonders with a broad targetted CPC ad.
For example choosing a large category and no one clicking it means Bookbub will just keep showing it! I once showed 22,777 my ad for $2.00. I call this a billboard ad.
It did get some clicks and buys but mainly a broad category CPC is a Billboard ad strategy.
Other than that you use CPM to maximize impressions at a low cost. For driving clicks and sales, CPC is more effective. Use CPM ads strategically to build awareness, then transition to CPC for higher engagement. Track your ad’s performance, tweaking targeting and bids to improve results. Small adjustments can have a big impact over time.
Optimize strategically, and your ads will do more than just drive clicks, they’ll drive results.
Additional BookBub Tools
BookBub offers more than just Featured Deals and ads—it’s packed with tools to help you reach and engage your ideal readers.
One of the most effective tools is targeting similar authors. BookBub allows you to advertise directly to readers who follow authors like you, ensuring your book gets in front of an audience already interested in your genre. For example, if you’ve written a motivational book for entrepreneurs, you can target fans of authors like Tim Ferriss or Ryan Holiday. This precision targeting helps you connect with readers who are most likely to click, download, and engage with your book.
Using similar author targeting ensures every dollar of your budget works harder for you.
Bookbub Wishlist
The Wish List feature is another hidden gem for authors on BookBub.
When readers add your book to their Wish List, they’ll be notified when it goes on sale. This creates an opportunity to build anticipation and excitement around your book. You can take advantage of this by running a targeted promotion when you discount your book, ensuring that those who already showed interest get a nudge to purchase. Combine this strategy with a strong call-to-action in your ads, and you’ll see more conversions from readers ready to buy.
The Wish List tool turns casual interest into actionable momentum.
Bookbub Author Profiles
Your Author Profile on BookBub is more than just a bio, it can be a hub for connecting with and acquiring readers
When readers follow you on BookBub, they’re automatically notified whenever you have a new release or run a promotion. Keeping your profile updated with your latest books, professional photos, even offering book recommendations of other authors and a compelling author bio helps readers feel connected to you and your work. This is especially powerful when paired with Featured Deals or ad campaigns, as it creates a lasting connection beyond the promotion itself.
An optimized Author Profile ensures you’re building relationships that extend beyond a single campaign.