You’ve written your book—or maybe you’re still polishing the last chapters—and now comes the question every author faces: How do I get it into readers’ hands?

Here’s a secret that most authors overlook because, unlike me, they never worked on a national magazine. One of the smartest ways to market your book is to write magazine and online articles related to it.

It’s not about pushing your book; it’s about positioning yourself as an expert or storyteller in your topic area, so readers, editors, and influencers discover you naturally.

Here’s how to do it.

Find the overlap between your book and a broader topic. Editors don’t want a sales pitch. They want an article that stands on its own—informative, inspiring, or entertaining. So think beyond your book’s plot or theme. If you’ve written a memoir about caregiving, pitch essays on resilience, navigating the healthcare system, or finding identity after loss. If your novel explores small-town life, pitch articles on sense of place, nostalgia, or rural storytelling. If your nonfiction book offers leadership lessons, pitch op-eds or how-to pieces about decision-making, ethics, or creative problem-solving. You’re not selling your book—you’re sharing your expertise or experience.

Even the best idea, however, will get lost in a slush pile if you haven’t pitched it to the right publication. So, do your research. Start with outlets that fit your subject matter and tone:

• Personal essays: The Sun, HuffPost Personal, Narratively, Modern Love (New York Times).
• Topic-driven nonfiction: Psychology Today, The Atlantic, Harvard Business Review, Wired, Poets & Writers.
• Trade or niche magazines: industry or hobby publications tied to your field.

Always read several issues first. Know their style, length, and audience before you pitch. Then craft a strong pitch or query that’s two or three paragraphs and includes:

• The hook: a single compelling idea or anecdote that frames the piece.
• The substance: what the article will explore and why it’s timely or useful.
• The close: your credentials—why you should be the one to write this piece, including, yes, your upcoming or published book. Example: “As a former ICU nurse and author of [Book Title], I’ve seen how burnout reshapes compassion—and how we can rebuild it. I’d love to write a 900-word essay for your Health section on reclaiming empathy after crisis.” Short, clear, professional.

After an article runs, share it on your website and social channels with a note connecting it back to your book. You can adapt different angles for multiple outlets—as long as each piece is distinct.

Once you find your magazine mojo, keep at it. While a single article won’t skyrocket sales, a steady stream builds visibility, credibility, and relationships with editors who may feature your next release. And it’s not like you’ll have to research each piece. You already took care of that while writing your book.