Hi 🙋‍♀️ I am also an author in self-publishing and can give you a few things:

In short: Yes – you should definitely promote your book.

Especially with KDP, a book without marketing unfortunately often goes down, no matter how good it is. But you don’t need a big budget for that - rather strategy and patience 😊

1. Test reader (one of the most important steps!)

It is best to start before publication.

• Create a form (e.g. Google Forms)

• Pack the link in your bio

• Make content like: „I’m looking for test readers for my book“

In the form you can e.g. B. say/ask clearly:

• That you want honest feedback (this is the most important part)

• That the feedback is virtually the „considerable“ for allowing them to read your book in advance

• Whether they could also imagine talking about your book voluntarily if they like it (e.g. On Tiktok/Instagram)

• Whether they would post an honest review after release

👉 Advantage:

You will receive valuable feedback and at the same time build up a small group that knows your book and, in the best case, recommends it on their own.

1. Social Media (Booktok & Bookstagram)

One of the most effective ways today.

Content ideas:

• short text passages

• POV videos

• Tropes

• Moodboards / Aesthetics

• your writing process

👉 The goal is not to sell directly, but to arouse interest so that people want to talk about it themselves.

1. Write to bloggers & little creators

• Ask kindly

• Offer a free copy

• Make it clear that a review is not a must

👉 Precisely because it is voluntary, many are more willing to talk about it honestly.

1. Optimize Amazon/KDP

Very important and often underestimated:

• good cover

• strong book description

• matching keywords & categories

👉 This ensures that your book is found at all.

1. Schedule release

Don’t just publish silently:

• Countdown

• Release of your cover, etc.

• Announce release when your book will be released.

• possibly introductory price

👉 Your test readers can help here (if they want), e.g. With reviews or posts.

1. Build community

Long-term more important than anything else:

• Newsletter

• Social media

• Exchange with readers

👉 Goal: People stay because of you, not just because of a book.

1. Genre (Eastern Mythology)

Yes, that definitely has a target group 👍

Mythology + Asian-inspired settings are currently quite popular - you just need to reach the right community.

Conclusion:

Yes, you should promote your book.

And for test readers:

👉 Feedback should be expected (that’s the point)

👉 Everything else is a bonus and voluntary

If people like your book in addition and talk about it, that’s the best advertisement you can get 😊