How Sharing What You Know Can Help You Sell More Books

Let’s discuss something that doesn’t get said enough in marketing your book. I’m referring to your story, your expertise, and your book. 

Did you know you don’t have to shout louder than everyone else? You don’t have to sell yourself in a way that feels fake or forced. What you do need is to show up, be real, and share what you know in a way that helps others.

Here’s how sharing the lessons from your book can help you connect with readers and create a meaningful impact.

Why Educational Marketing?

When I was in the middle of writing my first book, I felt this creeping fear: “What if nobody reads it?” After all, I wasn’t some big-shot influencer. I didn’t have a massive email list. I was someone with a message to share and a strong desire to help people.

That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of educational marketing. At its core, it’s about giving. Sharing your knowledge, insights, and experience in a way that lifts others. And in the process, people start to see you as someone they trust, someone they want to hear more from.

It’s not a quick-fix strategy. But it’s authentic. And if you’re anything like me, authenticity feels way better than slick sales pitches.

Start by Knowing Your People

 Before you start teaching, get to know the people you’re guiding and the challenges they face. 

Ask yourself:

• Who are you trying to help with your book?
• What are they struggling with right now?
• How can your book make their life easier, better, or more meaningful?

When I was working on my book, I realized my audience was looking for more than advice, they were looking for connection. They wanted to feel understood. Perhaps your audience is the same. Maybe they’re tired, overwhelmed, or just need a roadmap. Whatever it is, the better you know them, the more your message will resonate.

Share What You Know

The great thing about nonfiction is that you don’t have to invent new content to market your book. Just use what you’ve written. Share small, easy-to-digest pieces of your wisdom to attract and engage your audience.

If your book is about overcoming burnout, write a blog post on “3 Small Shifts to Start Healing from Burnout Today.” Or create an Instagram reel where you talk about the exact moment you realized you were burned out and what you did next.

The goal isn’t to give everything away. It’s to spark curiosity and show people that you get what they’re going through. When they see themselves in your story, they’ll want to know more. That’s where your book comes in.

Teach in Real-Time

I remember the first time I ran a workshop based on my book. I was terrified. I mean, who was I to stand in front of a group of people and act like I had all the answers?

Teaching doesn't mean you have to know all the answers. It’s about creating a space where people can learn and grow. When you host a workshop or webinar, you’re inviting people into a conversation. You’re saying, “Let’s figure this out together.”

If your book is about budgeting for families, you could host a free webinar called “How to Create a Family Budget That Actually Works.” Walk them through a few steps from your book, share a personal story about how you struggled with money, and take questions at the end.

This builds trust, as well as giving people a taste of your book. They’ll leave feeling like, “If I got this much value in one hour, imagine what I’d get from the whole book!”

Partner with Others

When you’re in your own head all the time, it’s easy to feel alone. But you’re not. There are so many people out there who share your passion, your values, and your desire to make a difference.

One of the best ways to market your book is by teaming up with those people. Maybe it’s a fellow author, a podcast host, or a business owner in your niche. Find ways to collaborate where you both can shine.

If you’ve written a book about parenting, reach out to a parenting coach and ask if you can guest post on their blog. Or pitch yourself as a guest on a podcast for moms. These partnerships expand your reach and lend credibility to your message.

I once partnered with a speaker who worked in a related field. She loved my book, so she shared it with her audience during one of her workshops. As a result of their trust in her, they implicitly trusted me.

Create Tools That Help

Think about the last time you Googled something because you needed help. Maybe you were looking for a checklist, a template, or a step-by-step guide. When you provide those kinds of resources, you’re showing people that you care about their success.

If your book is about productivity, create a free daily planner template and share it on your website. If it’s about self-care, offer a downloadable self-care checklist. These tools are simple to create, yet they can make a significant impact.

When I was promoting my book, I created a free workbook that guided readers through key exercises. It provided value while encouraging them to return to my website and engage with my content.

Show Up on Social Media

Social media can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as another way to teach and connect.

Share quick tips from your book, go live to answer questions, or post a story about how writing the book changed you. Be honest about the highs and lows. People want more than just facts. They want to connect with the person behind the book.

If your book is about mindfulness, share a short video telling the story of hitting rock bottom and how mindfulness helped you recover. Genuine stories and vulnerability create strong connections.

Ask for Feedback

The best thing I ever did while marketing my book was asking for feedback. I invited early readers to share their thoughts, testimonials, and even constructive criticism.

This improved my book, provided powerful testimonials for my marketing, and showed my audience that their input mattered.

If you’re feeling brave, ask people on social media: “What’s one question you’d love answered about [your book’s topic]?” Then, use their responses to create content that speaks directly to their needs.

It’s About More Than Selling

At the end of the day, marketing your nonfiction book is about making an impact. It’s about sharing what you’ve learned through your struggles, mistakes, and victories to help someone who needs it.

When you market your book through education, you’re saying, “Here’s what helped me. Maybe it can help you too.” And that’s a powerful approach.

Share what you know. Be genuine. Show up for the people who need your message, because your book could be the lifeline someone is looking for. You never know whose life you might touch.