If you’ve ever Googled “Whats the difference between book marketing and book publicity?” you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common questions authors ask once their manuscript is ready and they’re staring down the long road of promoting it. And here’s the thing: marketing and publicity aren’t the same thing, but they work better when they team up.
So let’s clear the fog. What really separates the two? When do you need them? And if you’re going the self-publishing route (or even working with a small press), what should your plan of attack be?
Book Marketing: Strategy, Ads, and the Long Game
Book marketing is everything you proactively do to promote your book and get it into readers’ hands. Think ads, emails, social media campaigns, influencer outreach, and yes—even building an author website. Marketing is planned. It has goals. It usually has a budget. And when done well, it builds long-term visibility.
If you’ve ever asked, “Should I hire someone to market my book?” this is where that question lives. The short answer? If you have zero time, limited marketing knowledge, and a bit of a budget, then yes, outsourcing to book marketing services can be a smart move. Just make sure whoever you hire understands your genre, your audience, and your brand.
Authors who go the DIY route often spend their energy on Amazon ads, email list building, and social media. These channels allow for control and immediate feedback. You see what’s working. You adjust. You learn.
Book Publicity: Relationships, Media, and the Art of the Pitch
Publicity, on the other hand, is about visibility you earn. It involves pitching your book to journalists, podcasters, radio shows, bloggers, and reviewers—anyone with a platform that can talk about your book. It’s not as much about running ads as it is about telling a compelling story around your book and convincing others to share it.
So when you ask, “Do publishers help market your book?” the truth is, most traditional publishers focus more on publicity than grassroots marketing—unless you’re already a big-name author. For self-published writers or indie authors, publicity often means either hiring a publicist or reaching out to media outlets yourself.
And if you’re wondering, “How do I get my book reviewed?” publicity is your answer. Whether it’s Kirkus, local newspapers, or niche book bloggers, it’s about getting people who influence others to talk about your book.
Why You Might Need Both
Here’s where things get interesting. Marketing builds discoverability over time. Publicity creates buzz. One is slow and steady; the other can deliver sharp, high-impact moments (think: a feature in The Guardian or a shoutout on a top podcast).
So, which should you prioritize?
If you’re publishing your first book, marketing gives you more control. You can start small, build your audience, and track your ROI. Publicity, while powerful, often depends on connections, timing, and luck.
But the real power comes when you combine them. A good campaign might include Amazon ads, a targeted email sequence, an author interview, and a few strategic podcast pitches. That’s when momentum builds. That’s when word-of-mouth kicks in.
And if you’re asking, “Are book promotion services worth it?” the answer depends on how much you want to manage alone. A well-designed service can save you time and stress, but it should never be cookie-cutter. Your book is unique. Your strategy should be too.
The Best Ways to Promote Your Book (Without Losing Your Mind)
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. But here are a few strategies that blend both marketing and publicity:
- Start building an email list early. Even if it’s small, it’s yours.
- Create a media kit that includes your author bio, book summary, press release, and cover images.
- Pitch podcasts in your genre or niche. Interviews offer long-form exposure.
- Consider running Amazon or Facebook ads if you have a budget.
- Partner with book marketing services that offer flexible, customized plans.
At Swift Book Publishing, we understand that every author’s path is different. Some need help fine-tuning their Amazon ads. Others need help shaping their launch story for press. That’s why we don’t just push templates—we help you build a plan that fits your voice, your goals, and your readers.
Final Note
So, whats the difference between book marketing and book publicity?
Marketing is what you say about your book. Publicity is what others say about your book.
You can get readers through ads, emails, and social posts. You can also get readers because someone they trust told them to check you out. Both are valid. Both matter.
The key is knowing when to lean into one, when to pursue both, and how to use them to keep your book alive long after launch day.
If you’re ready to turn your finished manuscript into something readers not only buy, but talk about, you’re already asking the right questions. Let’s build from there.
