Make the Most of Reader Challenges: 5 Ways Indie Authors Can Improve Their Discoverability

Reading challenges aren’t just for readers chasing a goal. They’re also an opportunity for authors to connect with people looking for their next great read. 

As readers build their lists, they swap recommendations and share their progress, giving you a natural opportunity to join the conversation. Share how your book fits a challenge’s theme, recommend other indie titles you love, and get to know the readers taking part. There's no need to make every conversation a sales pitch. Focus on getting to know people and sharing your love of books while helping interested readers find their way to yours.

Running November 1–30 on Bookfinity, the Indie Voices Readathon celebrates the creativity, diversity, and innovation of independent publishing. Join us for the celebration, and use the occasion to help more readers discover your work.

Here are five ways to make the most of this and other reading challenges:

1. Give Your Online Presence a Tune-up

Give readers a clear path from discovering you to exploring your books. Making small, but thoughtful updates to your website and author profiles can help you make a strong first impression when readathon readers come looking.

• Refresh Your Website
  Ask a few trusted friends to browse your website as readers would. Fresh eyes can catch typos, missing images, or leftover placeholder text you’ve overlooked.

  • • Helpful Resources

      • 6 Mistakes Authors Make with Their Websites
      • How to Use Your Website as a Book Marketing Tool
      •  Why You Need an Author Media Kit and What to Include

• Keep Your Author Bio Current
  Keep your author bio concise and current, highlighting awards, book releases, and relevant personal or professional milestones.

• • • Helpful Resources

      • How to Write an Author Bio 

• Update Your Author Photo
  Your author photo helps shape readers’ first impressions across platforms. If yours feels outdated or doesn’t feel like you, now’s a good time for a refresh.

  • • Helpful Resources
      • Why Your Author Photo Matters More Than You Think
      • Facing Up to the Importance of Your Author Photo

• Optimize Your Book Descriptions

  A strong book description sparks readers’ interest and helps search engines understand your book, supporting discoverability and encouraging purchases.

  • • Helpful Resources
      • How to Write a Good Book Description
      • Book Description Worksheet Download

• Give Share & Sell links a prominent spot on your site
  Create purchase links in your IngramSpark account to sell directly to readers through your website, social media, at events, and more.

  • • • Helpful Resources
        • IngramSpark Share & Sell Checklist
        • Share & Sell FAQ

• Check for Broken Links
  Links can break as websites change. Check yours, including retailer links, especially if you’ve relisted a book or released a new edition.

• • • • Recommended
        • Give your site a quick check with a tool like BrokenLinkCheck.com. Then update or remove any links that no longer work so visitors don't run into dead ends. 

• Make Sure Your Site Is Easy to Navigate on a Mobile Device

  Ensure sure your website works well on phones, with text that fits the screen, easy-to-use menus, and pages that load quickly.

  • • • • Recommended

          • Test your site on both a phone and a tablet. If anything looks off or doesn't work the way it should, consider switching to a modern, responsive theme that's designed to look good on any screen size.

2. Amplify Your Activity on Social Media

Plan a manageable mix of book updates, reading recommendations, behind-the-scenes posts, and conversation starters on the platforms you already use.

Helpful Resources

• What Social Media Should Authors Use? 
• How to Promote a Book on Social Media: 13 Tips for Indie Authors
• Develop a Social Media Marketing Strategy with Our FREE Online Course, Book Marketing for the Self-Published Author

3. Host a Bookstore Event

Work with your local bookstore to plan a reading, conversation, or themed activity that reflects your book. Give readers a chance to meet you, ask questions, and get a taste of your story while supporting the store that brings you together.

Helpful Resources

• 7 Tips for Indie Author Events
• Genre-Specific Bookstores: How Indie Authors Can Reach Ready-Made Readers
• The Importance of Author Networking

4. Team Up with Local Libraries

Offer local librarians an author talk, workshop, or Q&A tied to community interests. Focus on supporting literacy and building connections, not just selling books.

Helpful Resources

• Grow Your Reader Base by Tapping Into Reader Community Networks

• 6 Strategies for Getting Your Self-Published Book into Libraries
• Maximizing Your Book's Reach: Creative Ways to Market with Physical Copies

5. Let the Reviews Roll In

Explore IngramSpark’s professional review service partners to build credibility and gather quotes for book covers, social media, and retailer pitches. Professional reviews can also help your book get noticed by librarians and booksellers.

Helpful Resources

• The Power of Professional Book Reviews
• What Should Authors Do with a Negative Review?
• 5 Pro Review Services to Get Your Book Noticed

A reading challenge may have an end date, but the connections you make don’t have to. Start with a few steps that feel right for you, share the books you love, and enjoy getting to know other readers. Along the way, you can help more people discover your stories and get to know you, too.

 

Join the conversation online: Share what you’re reading and chat with other readers by using #IndieVoicesReadathon