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.
1. A Welcome Note from the Author
Book clubs receive plenty of submissions from authors hoping to be chosen for the group’s next read. To help your book stand out, include a warm welcome note in your kit. Let the group know how grateful you are for their consideration and share a little bit about yourself to make a personal connection.
For example, you might phrase your welcome note as follows:
Dear [Book Club Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm the author of [Your Book Title], and I'm reaching out to ask that your group consider selecting my book as a future read. I've put together this Book Club Kit featuring discussion questions, author insights, and a few bonus materials to introduce you to the story.
If you're interested, I'm happy to send you a complimentary digital copy and answer any questions. I'm also available for virtual or in-person author Q&A sessions, depending on your schedule and location.
Thank you for considering [Your Book Title] for your club. I'd be honored to be part of your reading journey.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact information & social media links]
2. A Brief Book Summary
Give them a compelling hook to let them know what your book is about, without giving away any actual spoilers. Is it a nail-biting thriller? A humorous memoir? Pique their interest and leave them wanting to know more. Here are a couple of examples:
- On his 50th birthday, Jack Merritt sets out to find his birth mother, uncovering long-buried secrets and confronting the meaning of identity, family, and forgiveness on a cross-country journey that reshapes everything he thought he knew.
- Private investigator Meg Dillon thought it was a routine missing-persons case—until she found herself caught in a vicious family feud deep in the Arkansas backwoods. With secrets buried as thick as the pines and danger closing in, Meg must untangle lies and loyalties before the next body turns up… and it’s hers.
3: Information About the Author
Though your book summary may have sparked their interest, you also want to hold their attention with an interesting author bio. Keep it brief and personal, but give them a sense of exactly who you are.
Be sure to offer:
- A brief author biography: In 100 words or less, list your most recent, and/or most popular books, what you like to do when you're not writing, and any awards you may have won or been nominated for.
- Daniel Kavanaugh is the author of two previous novels, Catching the Sun and Burglar, She Wrote. When he's not writing, Kavanaugh enjoys gardening, backpacking, Texas Rangers games, and classic country music. He was recently named one of Dallas' Up & Coming Novelists by Texas Monthly.
- A current headshot: Though this is optional, a professional, friendly photo can personalize the experience. It makes you more relatable—adding a human touch, building trust, and helping book club members feel more engaged with your story.
- Avoid grainy, low-quality images
- Aim for a timeless look, rather than a trendy style
- Keep any retouching or filters to a minimum—let them see you for who you truly are
- Website Address and/or Social Links:
- Your author website should be a true reflection of you, allowing potential readers and fans to learn more about you
- Your social content adds depth to your bio, showing your personality and your reach
It also encourages people to follow you, boosting visibility, future marketing efforts, and community growth.
4: Discussion Questions
Book clubs consider many factors when choosing their next read, and one big factor is whether the book will inspire great conversation. Help groups see how engaging your story can be by including a list of thought-provoking discussion questions in your Book Club Kit.
Keep the questions fairly brief, include no more than 10 questions, and create the questions to cover varying degrees of depth for discussion.
Sample questions might include:
- What were your first impressions of the protagonist?
- How does the setting of the book act as a character in the story, if at all?
- Would you have done anything differently if you were the protagonist?
- What themes stood out the most, and how can you apply them to your own life?
- Do you think this book is a good contender for a sequel? Or would you like to see any of the characters in a completely different setting?
5: Behind-the-Scenes Info
Give readers a sneak peek into your writing process, research, character inspirations, or deleted scenes.
- Did you take a road trip or watch any movies/television shows to familiarize yourself with the story's setting? Share some pics or funny stories.
- Are any of the settings or characters based on something or someone from your past?
- Did you cut any scenes or chapters from the book, and if so, why?
6: Fun Extras
Give them something fun to ponder and enjoy. Include a few of these types of extras:
- Character Casting: Who would you cast if your book were to be made into a movie? Is your main character more of a Brad Pitt or a Billy Bob Thornton role?
- Song Playlist(s): Are there songs you listened to when writing the book? Or what songs would be on your main characters' personal playlists? Include a Spotify or Apple Music link.
- Timelines or Maps: It can be fun to follow the characters' movements on an illustrated map or see how the major plotlines of your book match up against what was going on in the world at those same times. You can create a simple timeline or a map without too much extra effort.
7: Contact Information
Make yourself available for questions if the book group organizers have any, or in case they want to set up a live chat with you after they have read and discussed your book.
- Email address
- Phone number
- A link to set up Zoom calls for Q&As
- Contacts or links for your social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
8: Reviews
Do you have several standout reviews for your book from readers and professional sources? Independent bookstores and libraries often look at reviews before deciding whether to carry a self-published title. A strong review from a respected source increases your chances of broader distribution.
Reader Reviews: Do you have several standout reviews from readers that enjoyed your book(s)?
Professional Reviews: Reviews from trusted sources like Kirkus, Foreword Reviews, or popular book blogs add credibility to your work. They help your book stand shoulder-to-shoulder with traditionally published titles and can show readers and clubs that your story is well worth their time.
TIP: Pull quotes from glowing reviews—especially professional ones—can be used on your book cover, website, press kit, ads, and social media. A strong one-liner can elevate your credibility instantly.
Creating an inviting book club kit is a great way to get book clubs and reading groups interested in your story. Including discussion questions and bonus content gives readers even more reasons to choose you. The right materials could make your book a favorite pick among club organizers looking for fresh and interesting new voices. Book clubs have incredible influence—they can spark word-of-mouth excitement for your book that no paid campaign can match.
