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30. October 2024 • Reading duration: 5 Min

Your book as a marketing tool: 7 creative ideas for author’s copies

At GRIN, you can order discounted author copies of your book at any time. From job interviews and readings to social media, we’ll show you the best ways to use your copies.

What to expect:

When you publish a text on GRIN, it generally becomes available as both an e-book and a printed book. The print version is sold in over 300 online shops, including Amazon, Thalia, and Hugendubel, as well as in physical bookstores. GRIN uses an eco-friendly print-on-demand method, meaning a book is only printed once it’s ordered. As a GRIN author, you can always order discounted copies of your book through your account. These copies make a great addition to your bookshelf, but they can do so much more! We’ve gathered some tips and ideas on how to make the most of your author copies.

Your book in job interviews

Did you write an innovative thesis during your studies and now want a job in that field? Mention your publication on your resume and bring a copy to the interview! This highlights your expertise and helps you make a memorable impression. Plus, you can hand your book over in person, saving you from sending download links.

Your book in your favorite bookstore

Let your local bookstore know about your publication by bringing a printed copy to show. This way, your bookseller can see the quality of your work firsthand and potentially add it to their inventory. GRIN supplies all major wholesalers, so any bookstore can order your book. You can also leave a display copy for customers. Get to your local bookstore and talk to potential readers!

Your book at trade fairs and conferences

Is there a trade fair or symposium on your field of expertise taking place in your area? Be sure to attend to connect with potential readers and promote your book! Look into the event’s setup and available options. Perhaps you can exhibit or present your book. Or simply engage in conversations with other attendees and introduce them to your work.

Your book at a reading

Readings are an effective way to draw attention to your book and connect with your audience. Look for events or venues focused on your topic, and inquire about reading opportunities. Bookstores also often host author readings. Once you have a reading planned, bring plenty of copies. Depending on the context, you could distribute or sell your book afterward, raising awareness of you as an author and getting feedback on your work.

Your book in the press and blogs

There are likely many magazines, blogs, and journals in your field that regularly publish reviews. A quick internet search can help you find contacts for these outlets. If you find a phone number, call to make a personal connection. Prepare a pitch about your book in advance to suggest it for review. Alternatively, you can reach out by email or post. Most journalists and bloggers prefer print copies, which you can send for review purposes.

Your book on social media

The majority of people nowadays use social media to inform themselves and exchange ideas. In Germany, there are now over 68 million cross-platform users. So it’s very likely that you’ll find your target audience on social media as well. Visual content like photos or videos works best for engagement. With a printed copy of your book, you can create appealing images to promote it. Find a suitable background or props and start sharing!

Your book as a gift

Your book under the Christmas tree or as an Easter gift? There are many occasions to gift your book. Surprise your parents, grandparents, friends, or classmates with a fresh copy of your thesis! This can be a great way to thank the people who supported you through writing, editing, and coffee breaks. As a personal gift, your book is also a nice reason to reconnect with relatives or friends.

Order author’s copies – How it works

In your GRIN account you will find the “Order own books” section with an overview of all titles that can be ordered. Select one of your publications and enter the desired number of copies. Your author discount is calculated automatically and depends on the order quantity: It’s worth it even for a single copy! The more books you add to the cart, the higher the discount. Depending on the quantity you choose, you can get between 35% and 60% off. Once you’ve made your choice, finalize the order. Within Germany, the delivery time is usually 2-4 workdays. You can find more information about ordering author copies here: Ordering author’s copies.

Frequently asked questions

Author copies are printed copies of a book that GRIN authors can order at a reduced price directly via their GRIN account.

The discount is between 35% and 60% of the gross price and varies depending on the number of copies ordered. The more books you order, the higher the discount.

There are many possible uses: You can use your book at job interviews, trade fairs, conferences, readings, in bookstores or on social media. They are also ideal as a personal gift, e.g. for Christmas.

You can easily order your author’s copies via your GRIN account.

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Layout check

We check your text for readability and printability (Are the margins sufficient for printing? Is the font size easy to read in print? Is the line spacing right? Is the resolution of the illustrations sufficient for good print quality?), embed the fonts if necessary and take care of automatic page numbers and a table of contents.

Publication as e-book and ISBN

With each publication, you will receive an ISBN number for your e-book and print book.

Worldwide distribution

With each publication, you will receive an ISBN number for your e-book and print book. We deliver your book to our worldwide distribution network: over 300 online shops.

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Appealing blurb

We will write you a blurb that arouses curiosity and emotions – and convinces readers. Perfectly tailored to your genre and target audience.

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Personal contact

Benefit from our many years of publishing experience: We support you with our know-how from upload to finished book. With us, you will get a personal contact person, we will guide you step by step through the entire process and are there for you.

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Layout Deluxe

Your book, perfectly staged: With professional typography, stylish book typesetting and design templates that fit your project, we ensure an all-round coherent reading experience. Whether classic or individual – we design your book the way your story deserves it.

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Cover Service

Do you already have your own photo or motif or at least a very concrete idea of how you imagine your book cover? Perfect! We will take care of the creation and send you two to four drafts, from which you can choose one.

You don’t have a cover idea yet or would like us to include your author photo on the back of the book? No problem. For an extra charge of €50, our graphic designer will search for motifs and design your individual book cover including an author’s photo on the book cover – creatively, professionally and matching your story.

Need some inspiration? Check out some of our favorite covers!

Fee overview

Each sale of your title will be remunerated according to the following table.

You will receive your royalties on top of the publisher's selling price.
The table has been valid since 17.04.2025, 12.30 p.m.

Fee on e-book sales

www.grin.com 50%

Amazon Kindle, iBook Store, Google Play, Ciando,

Pubbles, Libri, Genios, Other Distributors 30%

Fee on book sales

www.grin.com 50%
Book trade (BoD and Amazon Marketplace) 30%

The publisher's selling price is the sales price excluding the statutory value added tax as well as less trade discounts, production and shipping costs.

Free Word Templates

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Format: 12 x 19 cm

ideal for: fiction novels

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Format: 14.8 x 21 cm

ideal for: guide books and non-fiction books

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Format: 15.5 x 22 cm

ideal for: children’s and youth books