SEO for self-published authors isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between your book getting buried in a crowded marketplace and your work showing up when readers search for their next book. Relying only on word of mouth or social posts just isn't enough. By weaving in the right keywords, building a simple author SEO (search engine optimization) plan, and focusing on helping readers find you, you’ll boost your book’s visibility, connect with the right audience, and very likely see more sales.

S. W. Kent is an author pseudonym for Alexander Amonett López, who lives with his husband and his familiar in the Pacific Northwest. The Storyteller from Balincia is his debut novel and the first installment in the Driftstone series.

Readers often rely on reviews when deciding which book to pick up next, and professional book buyers are no different. But while casual readers might browse Goodreads or TikTok, industry pros are looking for insights from trusted sources. That’s where professional book reviews come in.

Kendall Ryan is a bestselling romance author recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and  USA Today more than 100 times.  After a three-year hiatus, she's returning this September with a new hockey romance series Must Love Hockey.

2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. Gothic romantasy novel The Lightslayer is the first installment in his new Everdusk series. 

Stacia Stark is a bestselling author of romantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance filled with found families, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes. Her newest book This Vicious Dream released this spring and is the first installment of her Kingdom of Death duology.

Updated August 14, 2025

Are you looking to breathe new life into one of your older books? It can be a challenge for a previously published book to compete in today’s fast-paced market, filled with fresh releases and contemporary bestsellers. But with the right strategies, you can make your older work shine again, capturing the attention of a whole new generation of readers.

You finally finished your book — a huge milestone. But now comes the hard part: getting it into readers’ hands. If your self-published book isn’t selling as well as you expected, you’re not alone. Many indie authors run into the same challenge — often due to a few common book marketing mistakes.

Inspired by the works of Emily St. John Mandel, Stephen King, and Audrey Niffenegger, M. Kevin Hayden’s debut novel, An Old Soul is a slow-burn mystery of love, memory, and unraveling reality, set against the backdrop of 1996 Chicago.

If you're excited to introduce your self-published book to book clubs or reading groups, consider taking a friendly, thoughtful approach. Reach out directly, build connections, and make your book easy for readers to find and enjoy. Having a book club kit at the ready will make this process much easier for you when you find groups that you feel would be a good fit for your book. 

Below, you'll find a list of 8 items to include in your kit to make sure you're book club-ready.