Last reviewed by James Mortimer — May 2026
Book clubs are one of the most under-used channels in indie publishing because they don't produce an overnight sales spike — they produce something better: a room of readers who finish your book, discuss it, and tell other readers. Here's how to get into them.
Why book clubs are worth the effort
A single book club buys 8-15 copies at once and generates concentrated word-of-mouth. Clubs talk to other clubs. An author who joins a meeting by video becomes the club's "discovery" — and gets recommended to the next group. It compounds.
The one asset that gets you picked: a reading-group guide
Clubs choose books that are easy to run a discussion around. Give them that:
- 10-15 discussion questions that go beyond plot ("What would you have done in X's position?").
- A short author's note on what inspired the book.
- Themes and context a facilitator can lean on.
Put it on your author website as a free PDF and link it from your book's back matter. This single document is what turns "interesting book" into "easy book-club pick."
Where to find book clubs (UK + online)
- The Reading Agency and library reading groups — the UK's biggest reading-group network; many libraries run multiple clubs.
- Goodreads groups — search your genre; many run monthly group reads. (See Goodreads for authors.)
- Bookclubs.com — the largest dedicated book-club platform; clubs list what they're reading.
- Facebook groups — genre-specific book-club groups are abundant and active.
- Your own newsletter — ask subscribers if they're in a club that takes recommendations.
How to pitch (without being spammy)
- Lead with the reading-group guide, not the sale: "I've written a discussion guide if your group would find it useful."
- Offer access: a discounted ebook, or bulk paperback at cost for clubs.
- Offer yourself: "Happy to drop into a meeting by video for 20 minutes." Authors who do this get recommended onward.
- Never mass-blast. Personal, genuine, one club at a time.
Set expectations
This is slow, compounding word-of-mouth, not a launch-week tactic. Start 2-3 months out, keep it running after launch, and treat every club as a relationship. It pairs well with podcast guesting and forum outreach as part of an organic, non-Amazon marketing mix.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find book clubs that take indie books?
Start with Bookclubs.com, Goodreads genre groups, UK library reading groups via The Reading Agency, and Facebook book-club groups. Smaller and online clubs are far more open to indie authors than prestige in-person clubs.
What makes a book club choose a book?
Discussability and ease of facilitation. A free reading-group guide with strong discussion questions is the single biggest factor you control.
Should I offer free copies?
Offer discounted or bulk-at-cost rather than free — clubs value what they invest in, and you protect your margins. A free reading-group guide is the giveaway, not the book.
Can I really join meetings?
Yes, by video, and you should. A 20-minute author visit is the thing clubs remember and recommend. It costs you time, not money.
Related guides
- Podcast guesting strategy
- Reddit and forum book promotion
- Goodreads for authors
- Author email list
- Author website essentials
External references
- The Reading Agency — UK reading-group network
- Bookclubs.com — book-club organising platform
About this guide
Written by James Mortimer for publishing.co.uk. Last reviewed May 2026.