Table of Contents
If you're trying to get your book noticed, you probably feel overwhelmed by where to start. Maybe you've heard about posting in online groups but aren't sure which ones are worth your time. Keep reading because I’ll share some simple ideas on where to find the best places to chat with readers and fellow writers.
If you stick with me, I’ll show you how to connect with the right audiences without spamming or wasting time. You’ll learn how to join communities like r/books and r/selfpublish and when it’s best to share your work. Sound good? Let’s get started on the easiest way to boost your book’s visibility on Reddit.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Reddit offers good places to connect with readers and writers, especially in active communities like r/books, r/selfpublish, and genre-specific subreddits. Focus on communities that fit your niche and have clear, friendly rules.
- Participate in discussions on r/books and r/suggestmeabook by sharing helpful insights and only recommending your book when it’s relevant. Being helpful builds trust and makes your promotion more effective.
- Join writing and self-publishing groups like r/selfpublish and r/writing to network, get feedback, and mention your book naturally as part of your growth story.
- Engage with genre-specific subreddits such as r/fantasy or r/romancebooks by commenting and sharing relevant content before promoting your work to find your ideal audience.
- Build relationships first by commenting and helping others. Only mention your book once you've established trust to avoid sounding spammy.
- Post at times when your community is most active, usually evenings or weekends, to increase your post's visibility and engagement.
- Share helpful content and stories instead of direct sales pitches. Link to your site or free samples rather than pushing hard for sales right away.
- Find niche communities that match your genre for better targeting and more engaged audiences, making your promotion feel more natural and relevant.
1. Identify the Best Subreddits for Book Marketing
Reddit is a goldmine for connecting with readers and fellow writers alike, making it an ideal platform for book marketing. To get started, focus on discovering subreddits where your target audience and niche communities gather. Some of the top subreddits include r/books, r/selfpublish, and r/writing.
Look for subreddits that are active and welcoming, with rules that allow for meaningful engagement rather than just blatant promotion. Pay attention to community size and engagement levels—more active communities can mean wider reach for your book.
Additionally, niche subreddits dedicated to specific genres or interests can be highly effective. For example, r/fantasy is perfect for fantasy authors, while r/romancebooks caters to romance readers. These communities allow you to target a highly relevant audience eager for new stories within their preferred genres.
2. Use Subreddits Like r/books and r/suggestmeabook to Reach Readers
Subreddits such as r/books and r/suggestmeabook are excellent places to interact with avid readers who love discovering new titles. These communities often welcome authors who genuinely participate in discussions about books, genres, and writing tips.
When engaging, avoid spamming links. Instead, share insights, discuss popular themes, and participate in conversations. You can occasionally recommend your book, especially if it relates to the topic or genre being discussed. This way, readers see you as a helpful community member rather than just a promoter.
For example, if someone asks for fantasy book recommendations in r/fantasy, suggest your work if it fits the bill—just be transparent and polite about promoting your book. This builds trust and positions you as an authority within the community.
3. Connect with Writers and Self-Publishers on r/selfpublish and r/writing
Communities like r/selfpublish and r/writing are filled with writers, editors, and self-publishers who understand the challenges of getting a book out there. These groups are ideal for sharing your journey, learning from others, and seeking feedback.
Engaging authentically—such as sharing your writing process or asking for critique—can make your profile more trustworthy. As you develop relationships, you can mention your book in context, like sharing a snippet or asking for advice related to your genre. Building a supportive network can lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion.
4. Target Specific Genres with Subreddits Such as r/fantasy, r/romancebooks, and r/mystery
Many subreddits cater exclusively to genre fans, providing ideal spots to connect with and market to your target readership. For example, r/mystery for mystery lovers, r/romancebooks for romance readers, and r/fantasy for fantasy fans.
Participate in discussions, comment on other posts, and subtly introduce your work by sharing relevant content, such as writing tips or excerpts. Make sure to familiarize yourself with community rules, especially regarding promotion, to avoid being flagged as spam.
For example, if your book is a cozy mystery, engaging with r/mystery by sharing behind-the-scenes stories or writing prompts can naturally lead into mentioning your novel when appropriate, increasing your credibility and visibility.
5. Build Trust Through Genuine Engagement Before Promoting Your Books
Before dropping links to your latest project, focus on establishing real relationships by commenting on posts, offering helpful advice, and participating in discussions.
This approach helps you become a trusted community member rather than just another spam account hawking their book.
Share your journey, ask for feedback, and celebrate others’ successes—people respond well when they see you're genuine rather than just promotional.
When you do mention your book, do it naturally within conversations, like recommending it as a resource or sharing a relevant excerpt to add value.
Remember, Reddit users quickly spot blatant self-promotion, so patience and authenticity are your best tools.
6. Choose the Right Times and Places to Post for Better Visibility
Timing is everything—post when your target community is most active to maximize engagement.
Most subreddits have peak times during the evenings and weekends, so use tools like (https://redditmetrics.com/) to identify the best posting times.
Also, avoid posting during major Reddit events or busy periods where your post can get buried quickly.
Capitalize on high-traffic days, like weekends or specific themed days, to get your content in front of more eyes.
Experiment with posting times and track engagement to see what works best for your niche.
7. Share Content Carefully and Avoid Direct Links to Commercial Sites
While sharing your book, focus on providing value rather than straight-up sales pitches.
Post helpful content like writing tips, industry insights, or behind-the-scenes looks that naturally tie into your work.
If you mention your book, do it subtly—perhaps as part of a story or recommendation that enriches the discussion.
Reddit’s rules on promotion vary by subreddit—some allow direct links in certain threads, while others penalize blatant advertising.
To be safe, link to your author website or a landing page that offers free content or samples, rather than immediately pushing sales.
8. Engage with Niche Communities to Find the Right Audience for Your Book
Beyond broad subreddits, look for niche communities that specifically match your genre or theme.
For example, if you write sci-fi, communities like r/scifi are perfect for connecting with the right readers.
Participate actively by commenting, sharing relevant content, and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable member.
This way, when you mention your book, it’s more likely to resonate with an audience that’s already interested in that genre or topic.
Research and identify smaller, highly engaged sub-communities—sometimes they have less noise but more devoted followers.
Check out niche subreddit ideas for inspiration.
FAQs
Subreddits like r/books, r/suggestmeabook, r/selfpublish, r/writing, and genre-specific communities such as r/fantasy or r/romancebooks are great places to reach readers and connect with authors.
Build trust by sharing helpful insights, commenting genuinely, and participating in discussions. Focus on adding value before mentioning or promoting your books to foster authentic relationships.
Identify when your target communities are most active, often during mornings or evenings. Posting during peak times ensures more users see and engage with your content.
Yes, avoid posting direct links to sales sites, spammy content, or overly promotional messages. Follow each subreddit’s rules and contribute meaningfully to stay in good standing with the community.
