If you’re a new author diving into self-publishing, chances are you’ve come across Facebook groups filled with other writers sharing their experiences. And while these groups can be helpful, they can also be overwhelming—especially when you see posts like this:

“I ran a $0.99 promo and made $2,000!”

Sounds amazing, right? But before you start wondering why your book isn’t pulling in those kinds of numbers, let’s break this down. This is exactly why I don’t advise new authors to spend too much time in these groups at the beginning of their journey. You’re taking in tons of information without context or proper instruction, and you may end up comparing someone’s day 1,000 to your day 1. There’s no comparison—you’re simply not there yet. But you can get there, with the right knowledge and strategy.

What Really Happened in That $2,000 Promo?

The author in that post didn’t just price their book at $0.99 and watch the money roll in. They likely did something called stacking promotions—a technique that, when done right, can bring in significant sales and visibility. Here’s how it works:

1. They Enrolled in Kindle Unlimited (KU)
   Many authors take advantage of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KU) program, which allows them to make their eBook free for up to 7 days or run a $0.99 promotion for up to 7 days. KU also pays authors per page read, which can add to earnings.

2. They Stacked Paid Promotions
   Simply lowering your book’s price won’t generate sales unless people know about it. That’s where promotional sites like Fussy Librarian, Bargain Booksy, Ereader News Today, and BookBub come in. These platforms send your discounted book to thousands of potential readers who are looking for deals.

   Instead of using just one promo site, experienced authors stack promotions by using different platforms each day during their sale. This keeps the momentum going and ensures their book reaches as many readers as possible.

3. They Utilized Newsletter Swaps
   In addition to paid promotions, some authors also do newsletter swaps with other writers in their genre. This means they promote another author’s book to their email list, and in return, that author promotes theirs. It’s a great way to get in front of an engaged audience without spending money.

4. They Invested Before They Earned
   The reality is, these promo sites charge a fee—sometimes anywhere from $15 to $500, depending on the site and genre. So, while an author might make $2,000 from a sale, they likely invested several hundred dollars in advertising to get those results.

What This Means for You as a New Author

If you’re just starting out, this isn’t a strategy you should jump into without a plan. Running a successful promotion requires:
✔ A well-written book with an engaging cover and strong blurb
✔ An understanding of how promo sites work and which ones are best for your genre
✔ A budget for advertising (never spend more than you can afford to lose!)
✔ A long-term marketing strategy, not just a one-time push

Instead of getting discouraged by posts like these, use them as motivation to learn how book marketing really works. Success in self-publishing isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, patience, and persistence. Keep writing, keep learning, and when the time is right, you will get there.

Have questions about self-publishing and marketing? Drop them in the contact link below—I’d love to help!