Ever wondered how to hook readers early and keep their interest? Using book excerpts is a clever way to give them a sneak peek and get them hooked. But without the right approach, your marketing efforts can fall flat or get lost in the noise.
Stick with me, and I’ll show you simple ways to share those excerpts effectively — across different channels, with influencers, and even through audio. Keep reading, and you’ll discover how integrating these tricks can make your book stand out and reach more readers.
In just a few minutes, you’ll learn how to use excerpts to attract crowds, work with influencers, and include them in your overall marketing plan—all with easy tips to get you started right away.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Sharing free excerpts gives potential readers a taste of your writing, making them more likely to buy. Keep snippets interesting, around 300-500 words, and place them on your website, social media, or in emails.
- Spread excerpts across multiple channels like Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and forums. Visuals and short videos help catch attention and boost sharing engagement.
- Partner with influencers and media by offering excerpts for reviews, features, or interviews. This builds credibility and exposes your book to new audiences.
- Use video and audio, like author readings or soundbites, on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or podcasts to connect with wider audiences and enhance engagement.
- Integrate excerpts into your overall marketing—from email campaigns to ads—making sure they match your message and reinforce your brand voice.
- Choose impactful, intriguing parts of your book, keep snippets visual and easy to share, add relevant keywords, and include clear calls-to-action to turn interest into sales.
1. Offer Free Book Excerpts to Attract Readers
Sharing free excerpts from your book is one of the easiest ways to hook potential readers. People love a sneak peek before committing to a full purchase.
Pick a compelling, intriguing part of your book that teases the story or highlights your unique voice. Think of it as giving away a sample plate—it should leave the reader wanting more.
Make sure your excerpt is long enough to provide value but short enough to keep their interest. Usually, 300-500 words do the trick.
This strategy works because it reduces the risk for the reader—why buy sight unseen if they have already experienced a taste of your writing?
Use your website, newsletter, or social media channels to distribute these excerpts. For example, you can create a dedicated page for free samples or include them in your email campaigns to entice signups.
Remember, the goal is not just to give a snippet but to create a curiosity that drives readers to buy the full book.
2. Share Excerpts Across Multiple Channels
Once you have your excerpt, sharing it on various platforms broadens your reach. Don’t rely on just your website—spread it everywhere your audience hangs out.
Social media is key. Post snippets on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, tailored to each platform’s style. For instance, Instagram stories or reels can showcase short readings, while LinkedIn can position excerpts as thought leadership pieces.
You can also publish excerpts on book review sites, forums, and relevant online communities. Goodreads is a good example—a place where readers actively seek out new books.
Better yet, turn your excerpt into a visual such as an infographic or a quote card to catch attention faster. Using eye-catching visuals can boost engagement and shares.
Don’t forget to embed your excerpt in email newsletters or use it in paid ads to target specific groups. The more channels you utilize, the higher your chances of capturing a reader’s interest.
Pro tip: repurpose content. For example, turn a written excerpt into a short video or audio clip for a fresh take. Videos and audio are increasingly popular, especially with 83% of consumers wanting more video content in 2025.
3. Work with Influencers and Media to Expand Reach
Partnering with influencers, bloggers, and media outlets can significantly boost your book’s exposure. Influencers already have an engaged audience that trusts their recommendations.
Reach out to niche influencers who focus on your genre or subject matter. Send them a free excerpt or offer a sneak peek of your book to review or feature.
Media outlets, such as book blogs, podcasts, or online magazines, are also effective channels. Pitch your excerpt as part of a story, a feature, or a review. For example, you could send a curated excerpt along with a press release highlighting what makes your book standout.
This approach helps you tap into a broader audience that might not have found your book otherwise. It also lends credibility since an influencer or media mention acts as a stamp of approval.
Make it easy for them: include professional-looking images, a short pitch, and a link to where they can access your full excerpt or book.
By collaborating with others, you’re not just sharing your excerpt—you’re building relationships that can pay off long-term in sales and visibility.
4. Utilize Video and Audio Content to Capture Attention
Video and audio are becoming the go-to mediums for engaging audiences, especially since 83% of consumers want more video content in 2025.
Create short, shareable video clips of you reading excerpts aloud—think of them as mini author-readings—or record engaging audiobooks of your favorite snippets.
Using platforms like Instagram reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts makes your excerpts more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
For audio, consider turning compelling passages into podcasts or soundbites that can be shared via social media or embedded in your website.
This approach not only helps readers connect with your tone but also plays into the popularity of visual and audio content, boosting your chances of discovery.
Pro tip: Add subtitles or captions to your videos to increase engagement, especially since many users scroll through content with sound off.
5. Seamlessly Integrate Excerpts Into Your Marketing Strategy
Think of book excerpts as the seasoning that makes your marketing meal tasty—use them thoughtfully across all your campaigns.
Embed snippets into your email newsletters to entice subscribers and keep your book top-of-mind.
Use excerpts in paid advertising—Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads—to target specific reader groups based on their interests.
Incorporate excerpts into your social media posts, combining compelling visuals with punchy passages for maximum impact.
When pitching to bookstores or media, include well-chosen excerpts to highlight your book’s appeal.
Make sure your excerpts match your overall messaging, reinforcing your brand voice and the book’s unique angle.
6. Use Tips to Make the Most of Book Excerpts
Here’s the thing: not all snippets are created equal. Use strategic tips to turn your excerpts into marketing powerhouses.
- Choose the right part: pick a segment that teases the story without giving everything away—think of it as a movie trailer for your book.
- Keep it brief but punchy: aim for around 300-500 words; long enough to hook, short enough to retain interest.
- Add visual appeal: turn excerpt quotes into eye-catching graphics with tools like Canva to boost shares.
- Optimize for SEO: include relevant keywords naturally within your excerpt descriptions and captions to improve discoverability.
- Test different formats: experiment with text-only snippets, quote cards, videos, and audio to see what your audience responds to best.
- Include a call-to-action: encourage readers to buy, sign up, or follow through with a gentle nudge after they experience your excerpt.
Remember, your goal is to whet the appetite, not serve the whole meal. A well-chosen excerpt can persuade someone to make that purchase, so pick wisely.
FAQs
Providing free excerpts gives potential readers a taste of your book, enticing them to purchase the full version. It builds interest and trust, encouraging more people to explore your work.
Share excerpts on social media, your website, email newsletters, and relevant book forums. These channels reach different audiences and maximize your book’s visibility across platforms.
Collaborating with influencers exposes your book to a broader audience. Influencers can share excerpts, reviews, or host virtual readings, boosting visibility and credibility among their followers.
Audio and virtual readings bring excerpts to life, creating an interactive experience for listeners. They help connect the audience emotionally and expand your reach globally through digital platforms.
