The Secret to Marketing Your Book When You Hate Marketing
Does the word “marketing” make you want to retreat to your writing cave and slam the door?
Many authors find the idea of self-promotion draining, awkward, or downright terrifying, so to market your book successfully, you need to build readerships your way.
Spreading yourself thin across every possible social network is a recipe for burnout. As an introvert, your energy is precious, so focus it where you can thrive.
Niche Blogs - Targeted Platforms
Consistency matters more than volume and two engaged platforms will beat six neglected ones every time. As a writer, you may prefer to focus on writing-based platforms to connect with readers, whether this be through your own blog posts or by contributing through external writing platforms to connect with new readers.
The most important thing is to identify where your target audience actually spends time and focus on these platforms.
Historical fiction authors often find an engaged audience on genre-specific blogs like Historical Novel Society, Reading the Past, or Passages to the Past. These platforms attract passionate readers who are actively seeking new authors in their niche, which means you’re not fighting to capture attention from people who aren’t interested in your genre.
Romance and YA authors might collaborate with community-driven blogs such as Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Epic Reads, or Fiction Fare, where readers love author Q&As, character interviews, and trope-specific recommendation lists.
Fantasy and sci-fi writers could tap into platforms like Tor.com, Fantasy Faction, or The Fantasy Hive, which mix critical reviews with fandom culture—perfect for sharing world-building insights, exclusive short fiction, or behind-the-scenes peeks at your magic systems.
While most of these sites don’t allow you to publish directly as a regular blogger, you can contribute through guest blogging, interviews, or feature submissions. Some community-driven platforms (like Epic Reads forums or Fantasy Faction discussions) allow ongoing participation, but that’s more community engagement than blogging.
For more blog recommendations check out the table at the bottom of this post!
These niche platforms not only introduce you to the right readers, but also allow for deeper interaction than mainstream social media often does. You can engage through the comment section, offer guest article contributions can all serve as low-pressure, high-connection marketing tools, especially for authors who feel more comfortable in long-form writing than in short, high-energy video or image-based content.
Align your marketing with your natural communication style so it’s not a chore.
Below are some blogs where you can start building those reader connections today:
Genre Blog / Platform
Historical Fiction Historical Novel Society (HNS)
Historical Fiction Reading the Past
Historical Fiction Passages to the Past
Romance / Contemporary Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Romance / YA Epic Reads
Romance / YA Fiction Fare
Fantasy / Sci-Fi Tor.com
Fantasy / Sci-Fi Fantasy Faction
Fantasy / Sci-Fi The Fantasy Hive
Thriller / Mystery CrimeReads
Thriller / Mystery Murder & Mayhem
Thriller / Mystery The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers)
Thriller / Mystery Shots Magazine
Mystery / Cozy Crime SleuthSayers
Horror / Thriller Dread Central
Horror / Thriller Fangoria
