2025.
NetGalley launches ebook promotion service Booktrovert
NetGalley (a company that specializes in ARC books, i.e. giving readers access to books before they are officially published) has launched a platform called
Booktrovert. For readers, there are giveaways, discounts, presales, games, merch, sweepstakes and tools for creating book lists. For authors, there are tools for marketing and advertising. Authors and publishers can launch private and public campaigns themselves - for example, for book clubs or presentations. Pre-orders and direct links to buy books are supported. Books are delivered via Kobo, Kindle and Booktrovert's own web reader. There are analytics on views, clicks, demographics and engagement.
2025.
TikTok quickly gave up on book publishing
TikTok is shutting down its book publishing service
8th Note Press that was launched just two years ago in 2023. Through its #BookTok community, TikTok has become an effective place for publishers to drive book sales and even self-published authors have found considerable success by capturing a viral moment on TikTok. So in 2023 ByteDance took the next logical step - tried to earn on book publishing. But probably this project hasn't become successful enough and brings small income compared to Tiktok's advertising business. And taking into account Tiktok's problems with US business, this publishing affair is like a fifth wheel. But nevertheless #BookTok is still a good marketing tool for authors.
2023.
Goodreads introduces new Giveaway marketing tool for authors
Goodreads has launched the U.S. Giveaways program to give aspiring authors on Kindle Direct Publishing a new marketing tool to attract their first readers and get reviews. However, you'll have to pay for a spot in the Giveaways section: $119 for the Standard package (which includes 100 giveaways) and $599 for the Premium package, which also adds a prominent "Featured" label to your book on the Giveaways page. Readers can giveaway books they're interested in and these books are added to their "Want to Read" section according to the terms and conditions. The lucky winner will receive your book for free. If not, chances are your giveaway generated enough interest in your book that some readers will buy it anyway. After all, the book is added to their shelves, ready for them to stumble upon later.
2023.
PublishDrive adds Sales Events to help authors market their books
PublishDrive has introduced several improvements to its self-publishing platform. The platform menu has been updated and the tutorial has been integrated in it for improved navigation and streamlined use of its features. For user convenience, the readability of sales analytics and reports has been significantly enhanced. Additionally, the Help Center has been enhanced to prioritize and display the most relevant articles. A new "Sales Events" feature will help authors order marketing promotions from multiple suppliers, as well as access in-house promotions offered by various retailers, which typically include big discounts.
2023.
Pressbooks partners with EBSCO to improve discoverability for books in Pressbooks Directory
In a universe not entirely unlike our own—though possibly with slightly more paperwork—
Pressbooks has teamed up with the ever-intriguing EBSCO, presumably to ensure that open-access books published through Pressbooks don’t languish unnoticed in the digital equivalent of a sock drawer. This integration, a splendidly unpronounceable collaboration, allows these noble works to frolic freely through EBSCO’s Faculty Select and EDS services. By diligently dispatching regular metadata updates to EBSCO’s sprawling Directory, Pressbooks demonstrates its relentless enthusiasm for helping both authors and institutional publishers shine their collective light into the murky corners of discoverability. The ultimate goal of this whimsical partnership is nothing less than to sprinkle the joy of free learning materials across educators, students, and other bewildered seekers of knowledge, boldly increasing the adoption of openly licensed content and—just possibly—saving the galaxy from mediocrity, one metadata update at a time.
2019.
Goodreads starts Giveaways to help authors promote their books
Goodreads has unveiled new marketing tool Goodreads Giveaways that can be useful for authors looking to launch their debut book, maintain the popularity of existing book or renew interest in old one. These giveaways are shown on the visible place of the website and visitors often pay attention and even track the free offers. So this allows authors to add gamification into their marketing strategies and allow readers to share free books with their friends. Furthermore, information about your giveaway is displayed on your book page, encouraging more submissions and further growth of your audience. Additionally your Goodreads followers and those who have already added your book to their "Wanted to Read" list receive automatic notifications about your giveaway, maximizing the reach of your promotion.
2019.
Reedsy launches Goodreads alternative for indie authors
Reedsy has introduced a new book marketing tool called
Discovery, specifically designed for indie authors. In theory, it will provide direct access to hundreds of reviewers and thousands of readers. Powered by machine learning algorithms and the Reedsy's community, Discovery will help authors find interested readers, like it happens on Goodreads. After registering, your book will be presented to a pool of relevant and experienced reviewers. On your chosen release date, your book will be presented to registered readers. They will be able to view a sample chapter, leave a comment, evaluate cover design, read and add reviews, rate it and purchase it from online retailers.
