How to Plan a Christmas Book Promotion

Christmas is when families buy the most children’s books, as gifts, stocking fillers and bedtime stories for the holidays. A little planning helps your book stand out in the rush. Here is a simple plan you can follow.

1. Start early

Shoppers start looking for gifts well before December. Plan your campaign weeks ahead, so your book, images and messages are ready when people begin searching. If you need printed copies, check printing and shipping times early.

2. Give your book a festive angle

Your book doesn’t have to be about Christmas to be a great gift. Think about why it makes a lovely present: a cosy bedtime read, a story about kindness, a book for a new big brother or sister. Use that angle in every message.

3. Prepare seasonal visuals

Festive images of your cover and characters help your posts and ads catch the eye. Wintry backgrounds, a gift-wrapped book or your character in a Santa hat can all work well. Keep them consistent with the style inside the book.

4. Plan a simple content calendar

• Early season: announce the book as a gift idea and share a sneak peek inside.
• Mid season: share reader photos, reviews and short videos of the book being read.
• Last order dates: remind people of delivery deadlines for Christmas.
• Holiday week: share a festive thank-you and a reading moment with your character.

5. Offer something special

A limited festive offer, signed copies, a free colouring page or a personalised dedication can give families a reason to buy now. Keep the offer simple and easy to explain.

6. Get into local and community spaces

Christmas fairs, school events, libraries and local bookshops love seasonal reading activities. A short reading with a craft or colouring activity is memorable for children and sells books.

7. Follow up after the holidays

Thank your readers, ask for reviews and share photos of your book being enjoyed. January is a great time to keep the momentum going.