3 Book Marketing Mistakes Young Authors Make in 2026
Why your BookTok is not selling books
You made a post. You used a song. You even took a picture of your bookshelf.
So why are your book sales still not going up?
If you are an author in 2026 you are probably making one of these three mistakes:
1. Marketing the book, not the feeling it gives
People do not buy a book just because it is a fantasy novel.
They buy a book because it made them feel something.
They buy a book that made them cry at 3 am and want to talk to their friend.
You should sell the feeling, not the number of pages.
It is better to say “This book will ruin you” than “It is a fantasy book.”
2. Only posting when the book comes out
You should start marketing your book three months before it is released.
People need to see you times before they trust you enough to buy your book.
You can make videos about your characters. Record yourself talking about your book.
You can also ask people who got your book early to make some content.
Do not just be quiet for six months. Then suddenly say “Buy my book.”
3. Not using Bookstagram and small influencers
It can be expensive to work with an influencer on BookTok.
If you work with ten smaller influencers who have a few thousand followers it can be cheaper and more effective.
You can send them a package with some information about your book.
If you include a note that is even better.
The truth for authors
Your book is not just competing with other books.
It is competing with all the things people can watch or read, like Netflix or social media.
If you do not catch someones attention in a few seconds you will lose them.
Papercraft Publishers helps authors sell books.
We can make videos and other content to help make your book stand out.
You can read our guide here: http://www.papercraftpublishers.com
Do you need me to make an Instagram post with pictures and a caption, for this blog?