What's The Best Time Of Year To Sell Books? Let's Discuss...

Is summertime fast or slow for your book sales? Let's break it down:

Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash

I’m frequently asked when is THE best time to sell books: holidays? summer? when there’s a full moon? (I’m curious about that last one.)

There’s no one answer that will satisfy every author because so many factors go into a successful book launch:

• Pre-release reviews

• genre

• cover

• the writing itself

• editing

• social media

• newsletters

• website/blog, videos

• traditional PR

• giveaways

• sales

…it goes on and on.

We can narrow it down a little, though. The best time of year for authors to sell books typically aligns with specific seasons and events. Here's a general overview:

1. Holiday Season (November - December): This is usually the peak period for book sales, as many people buy books as gifts. Bestsellers, gift books, and children's books often see a significant boost. It's a prime time to market your book as a great gift option.
   
   Bookings start early, so if you're planning a release or some kind of book event for the holidays, research when to book. I’m booking clients now for several holiday promotions.

2. Back-to-School Season (August - September): This time of year brings increased sales for educational books, textbooks, and self-help guides as students and parents prepare for the school year.
   
   If your book fits into these categories, this is a strategic time for promotion.

3. New Year (January - February): Many people set new goals and resolutions, leading to a rise in sales of self-help, diet, fitness, and other personal development books.
   
   Launching a book or marketing campaign during this time can leverage this trend.
   
   Plus, many people have gift cards, money burning in their pockets, or new tablets after the holidays, which makes this time of year surprisingly good for sales. When I was with a hybrid publisher (now sadly folded), February was traditionally their biggest sales month. 😲

4. Spring (March - April): Spring is a popular time for new releases, as publishers and authors aim to build momentum leading into summer.
   
   It’s a good period for launching books that can be marketed for spring reading.

5. Summer Season (June - August): Summer can be a mixed period for book sales.
   
   Many factors, such as those mentioned above, plus busy families on vacation, can either hurt or help your book sales, depending on the genre.

This is an excellent time to consider promo bundling/stacking. More here:

Many genres, especially academic books, may see a dip in sales as schools are out and people focus more on vacations and outdoor activities. However, genres like beach reads, thrillers, and travel-related books can see increased sales, as people look for light, engaging reads for their vacations.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

Strategic Tips for Authors:

• Promote Summer Reading: If the genre fits, position your book as a perfect beach read or vacation companion to encourage summer reading habits. For example, romance, thrillers, and suspense all do well.
  
  Summer is also a perfect time to run a giveaway. More here:

If you’re promoting a memoir, summer might not be the best time (again, your mileage may vary).

• Plan for Peak Seasons: Align your book launches or marketing efforts with these key selling seasons to maximize visibility and sales.

For more insights on book marketing and timing, you might find these resources helpful:

• Book Marketing for Authors: Essential Tips and Strategies - This guide from the Alliance of Independent Authors offers essential marketing tips and strategies for authors. I’ve been a guest on their podcast. Click the link!

• The Creative Penn: Marketing Tips - Joanna Penn's blog provides extensive advice on book marketing, from launch strategies to ongoing promotion.

• Jane Friedman: Book Marketing and Promotion - Jane Friedman's website offers a wealth of resources on the business of publishing, including book marketing and promotion techniques.

• Reedsy: How to Market a Book - Reedsy’s guide covers various aspects of book marketing, including building an author platform and engaging with readers.

• BookBub: BookBub provides insights into effective book promo, ad strategies, and understanding reader preferences.

• Booklinker - Booklinker (forever FREE) helps authors create universal book links that lead potential readers to their book at the bookstore of their choice, making it easier to manage and promote books across different platforms.

• Smith Publicity - 110 tactics to help you market your book.

• Subscribe here and receive tips every week to help you sell more books!

This is a short post because, hey, it’s summer! I hope you’re enjoying the dog days. Shoot me a reply if you’re up for it, and I’d love to know when you’ve enjoyed the biggest sales! ☀️

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Click here to set a reminder now for Thursday, August 1, at 1 p.m. PDT Space. The topic is writing for social change!

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See you next week, and happy writing!