How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month: Practical Steps for Christian Authors Who Want to Reach More Readers By Susan Neal, RN, MBA, MHS

When I first began writing, I had no idea how much effort it would take to actually sell my books. Like many new authors, I thought writing the book was the hard part. It turns out that writing the book is only the beginning of your author journey. Marketing is where the real work—and the real ministry—begins.

Over time, I’ve learned how to consistently sell books each month. My award-winning book 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates is my best seller and typically ranks in several Amazon Best Seller Lists. In my newest release, How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month, I share the proven strategies I’ve used to achieve strong, sustainable sales. In this blog, I want to give you a preview of some of the tactics I cover in the my new book—practical tips you can start using right away to sell more books and grow your audience.

1. Start with a Clear Ministry Message

Christian authors aren’t just writing for fun or fame—we’re called to share messages that can transform lives. Before you market your book, get crystal clear on your “why.” Why did God give you this message? Who is your book for? When you know your audience and your purpose, it’s much easier to focus your marketing efforts and create content that resonates.

Action Step: Write your ministry mission statement and use it to guide all your marketing messaging.

2. Build an Email List from Day One

If you don’t have an email list, you’re missing your biggest opportunity to build a relationship with your readers. Social media algorithms change, but your email list is something you own and control. Give readers a compelling reason to subscribe by offering a free gift (lead magnet);, such as, a checklist, devotional, quiz, or guide related to your book’s topic.

Tip: Use a pop-up form and place your lead magnet at the top of your homepage. Then create an email welcome series that introduces you, nurtures the relationship with your reader, and gently promotes your book.

3. Master Amazon Categories and Keywords

One of the most overlooked marketing strategies is choosing the right keywords and categories when you publish your book. Amazon allows you to select up to 3 categories and 14 keywords (7 for print, 7 for Kindle). The trick is to find categories that are specific and have less competition. Just one strategic change helped my book jump from #98 to #1 in the healthy diet subcategory!

Tool: Use PublisherRocket.com to help find low-competition, high-search-volume keywords and your book’s best categories. (Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA) offers a 30% discounts  for their software.)

4. Become Award Winning

Research award contests that are a good fit for your genre, topic, and publishing method. Some of my favorites contests include the Christian Indie Awards, Selah Awards, and Golden Scrolls Awards. Be sure your book is well-edited, as judges will expect a polished submission. Follow all guidelines carefully and meet deadlines.

Pro Tip: If your book wins or is a finalist, make it known. Add the award seal to your book cover, post the news on social media, and include the recognition in your email signature, press kit, and author bio.

5. Join a Paid Blog Tour and Guest Post Regularly

Your book needs exposure beyond your immediate network. Paid blog tours place your book in front of new audiences and build credibility. I recommend CelebrateLit.com. (CIPA offers a discounts on their tours.) At the same time, seek out opportunities to guest blog for Christian websites and publications. Include a short bio with a link to your book or lead magnet.

Goal: Aim for at least one paid tours and five guest posts within the first six months after launch.

6. Create a Book Launch Plan

A successful book launch can make or break your book’s long-term performance. I recommend beginning your launch preparations six months in advance. This includes gathering endorsements, building your launch team, creating social media content, and planning events or interviews.

Checklist for Your Launch Plan:

• Collect endorsements
• Build a launch team
• Design marketing graphics
• Write your press release
• Schedule podcast and media interviews

7. Expand Beyond Book Sales

To financially support your ministry, look for ways to expand beyond your book. Create a course, offer coaching, or sell digital products on your website. I created a course that complements my bestselling book, and it earns far more per sale than the book alone.

Consider: What topic could you teach in more depth? How could you repurpose your content into other formats?

8. Attend Christian Conferences and Trade Shows

Events like the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB), Christian Product Expo, and Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference offer incredible opportunities to network, get media interviews, and meet bookstore buyers. I’ve secured TV interviews and bookstore placements from attending these events.

Pro Tip: Attend NRB with CIPA and obtain a year’s worth of interviews in 3 days. 

9. Get Book Reviews Early and Often

Book reviews build social proof. Focus on getting your first 50 Amazon reviews as soon as possible. Ask your launch team, email subscribers, beta readers, and influencers for honest reviews.

Bonus: Include a note at the end of your book asking readers to leave a review if the book helped them.

10. Don’t Give Up

The most important advice I can give you is to keep going. Some marketing strategies take time to bear fruit. Sometimes a single podcast appearance or blog post can turn into a dozen new opportunities. Be faithful, be strategic, and trust that God will multiply your efforts.

Pray: Ask God to guide you and help you endure this challenging divine-inspired career.

 

How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month is more than a marketing manual—it’s a guide to help you carry out your God-given purpose as a Christian author. If you feel called to share your message with the world, this book will give you the tools, confidence, and strategy to do just that.

Author Bio

Susan Neal is an award-winning, bestselling author and certified writer coach with an MBA and MHS. She empowers Christian authors to publish and market their God-given messages. She has authored nine healthy living books. As the CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA), Christian Authors Network (CAN), Christian Indie Awards, and director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference, Susan’s leadership extends across multiple platforms. Discover more at SusanUNeal.com.