As a proofreader, I work with many writers who are working hard to build their audience and sell more books. One thing I hear often is confusion around the words marketing and promotion. Writers use them like they mean the same thing—but they don’t. Understanding the difference can take a lot of stress off your shoulders and help you focus on the right activities at the right time.
In this post, I break down what each term really means, why it matters, and how you can use both to grow your author career with confidence.
Difference Between Marketing and Promotion
Let’s start with simple definitions.
Marketing is the long-term work you do to build trust and awareness around who you are as an author. It shapes how readers see you. Marketing continues even when you don’t have a new book coming out. It includes your brand, your website, your email list, your content, and how you show up for your audience.
Promotion is short-term and focused on a specific goal. It is designed to create urgency and encourage readers to take action—such as buying your latest book, signing up for an event, or grabbing a limited-time offer.
Here is an easy way to remember the difference:
- Marketing = steady visibility
- Promotion = timely attention
Authors need both, but they work best when you understand how they support each other.
Marketing vs Promotion Examples
Here are practical examples to make the difference between marketing and promotion even clearer.
Examples of Marketing:
- Keeping your author website updated
- Sending a regular email newsletter
- Posting helpful or inspiring content on social media
- Strengthening your author brand and message
- Writing SEO-friendly blog posts
- Engaging with readers in a genuine, ongoing way
These things build connection, trust, and recognition.
Examples of Promotion:
- Announcing a new book launch
- Running a giveaway or contest
- Offering a discount or coupon
- Sharing preorder bonuses
- Posting launch countdowns or sneak peeks
- Running paid ads for a short time
These things drive attention and action right now.
When you combine long-term marketing with well-timed promotion, your efforts become more effective and less overwhelming.
Book Marketing Tips for Authors
If you want to grow your platform and reach more readers over time, strong marketing is essential. Here are simple steps you can take:
- Refresh your author bio and website so they match your current brand and books.
- Create a consistent email schedule—even once a month builds trust.
- Share valuable content on social media, not just announcements.
- Engage with readers and other authors through comments, groups, and conversations.
- Use SEO basics on your website or blog to help readers find you naturally.
Good marketing is consistent and relational. It keeps your audience warm so your promotions work better.
Book Promotion Tips for Authors
Promotion is what helps your book get noticed at the right moment. Here are practical ideas to use when you want to push visibility:
- Announce book updates such as cover reveals, release dates, and preorder links.
- Run a short sale or limited-time discount on one title to boost momentum.
- Host giveaways or offer bonus content for readers who buy early.
- Collaborate with bloggers or influencers who can feature your book.
- Use paid ads wisely around release week or during a sale.
Think of promotion as turning up the volume, but only at the right times.
How Authors Can Use Marketing and Promotion Together Effectively
Marketing and promotion work best when they support each other. Here is a simple way to combine them:
- Do ongoing marketing all year long. This builds trust and prepares your audience.
- Add focused promotion around major moments, such as launches, sales, or special events.
For example, your monthly plan might look like this:
- Weekly social posts that share writing, storytelling, faith, or book-related content (marketing)
- One newsletter per month that builds connection and encourages engagement (marketing)
- A two-week promotional push when you release a new book or run a sale (promotion)
This balanced approach keeps readers engaged without overwhelming them or you.
Final Thoughts
The difference between marketing and promotion is simple: Marketing is your foundation, and promotion is your spotlight. When you treat them as two separate but connected tools, your book sales and reader engagement begin to grow in more predictable and sustainable ways.
You do not need to do everything at once. Start small and simple, then build from there.
Your Turn
When you think about the difference between marketing and promotion, which area do you feel more confident in—and why?
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