Holiday Book Marketing Ideas for Authors
How to Boost Sales When Readers Are Ready to Buy
The holiday season has a way of turning even the busiest people into shoppers.
Gift lists grow, inboxes overflow with deals, and readers suddenly have the time — and desire — to curl up with a good book. For authors, this is the moment when visibility matters most.
Here are powerful, practical ways authors can market their existing books during the holiday season without feeling salesy or burnt out.
1. Create Holiday-Themed Bundles
Bundling books gives readers more value and encourages bigger purchases.
Examples that work well:
A trilogy or series bundle at a limited-time price
A “giftable pairing” such as a book + printable reading journal
A signed paperback bundle wrapped with festive tissue paper
You’re not just selling a book — you’re offering an experience someone can wrap and give.
2. Run a Limited-Time Holiday Discount
Holiday shoppers love a sense of urgency.
Instead of dropping prices for an entire month, try:
48-hour flash sales
Weekend “stocking stuffer” deals
Countdown discounts (ex: 7 days of price drops)
Make it feel festive. Think “Cozy Winter Weekend Sale” or “Author’s Holiday Gift to Readers.”
3. Offer Personalized Signed Copies
Readers treasure anything with a personal touch — especially during the holidays.
Consider:
Personalized signed copies through your website
A holiday-themed bookmark is included with every order
Offering gift wrapping or a handwritten note
Showcase photos or videos of you signing books beside a lit tree, a mug of cocoa nearby — visuals make readers want to join that moment.
4. Create Holiday-Themed Social Media Content
People love seasonal vibes, and your book can fit right into them.
Try:
Posting your book beside ornaments, lights, or snowy windows
Sharing reels of “Books to Gift for [your genre] lovers”
Posting reading-themed gift ideas featuring your novels
Let readers see your book as a holiday gift, not just hear that it is.
5. Pitch Holiday Gift Guides and Bloggers
This is one of the most overlooked — and effective — strategies.
Look for:
Book bloggers running “Best Gifts for Readers” lists
Local newspapers with holiday shopping guides
Niche influencers who spotlight small businesses
A single feature can put your book in front of thousands of new readers.
6. Host a Festive Giveaway
Giveaways are a simple way to spark engagement and attract new readers.
Try offering:
A signed copy + a cozy winter gift (mug, candle, ornament)
A “book lover’s holiday box”
A chance to win the entire series
Make it visually appealing with a holiday backdrop or themed graphic.
7. Share Year-in-Review Posts
The holidays are reflective. Readers love seeing the journey behind your work.
You can share:
Highlights from your writing year
Milestones reached
Photos from signings, events, or your writing space
This type of storytelling draws readers closer to you — and when they feel connected, they’re more likely to buy.
8. Collaborate With Other Authors
Cross-promotion is powerful, especially around the holidays.
Ideas:
A shared holiday giveaway with multiple authors
A group sale or bundle
A “12 Books of Christmas” promo where you each spotlight one another’s work
Your audience multiplies instantly.
9. Send a Holiday Newsletter That Feels Like a Gift
Instead of a sales-heavy email, send something readers want to open.
Include:
A heartfelt message
A freebie (short story, printable, recipe from your fictional world)
A special holiday discount code
When your email feels like value, readers naturally gravitate toward your books.
10. Lean Into the Cozy Reading Season
Paint the picture for your audience.
Show your book beside:
A flickering candle
A warm drink
A fireplace or snowy window
The more you help readers imagine themselves curled up with your book, the more likely they are to add it to their cart — or someone else’s stocking.
The holidays are more than a chance to sell — they’re a chance to connect.
Readers are already in the mindset of giving, celebrating, and basking in comfort. When you show your books in that same warm light, they become part of someone’s story.
Whether you’re offering signed copies, running festive sales, or simply sharing the joy of reading, these small actions can make a big impact on your end-of-year sales.