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January offers authors several creative opportunities to promote their books, and one of the most accessible is Shelfie Day. Celebrated during January, Shelfie Day encourages readers and authors alike to share photos of books displayed on shelves—whether at home, in bookstores, or in libraries. 
 
For self-published authors, Shelfie Day provides a low-cost, engaging way to highlight books visually and connect with readers early in the year. 

What Is Shelfie Day? 

Shelfie Day is a social-media-friendly celebration focused on sharing photos of bookshelves, often called “shelfies.” These images showcase reading tastes, collections, and favorite titles while encouraging discovery and conversation. 
 
For authors, Shelfie Day is an opportunity to place their book directly into these visual storytelling moments. 

Why Shelfie Day Works for Book Marketing 

Book marketing is increasingly visual, and Shelfie Day aligns perfectly with that trend. A book displayed on a shelf signals legitimacy, ownership, and reader interest. 
 
Shelfie images can spark curiosity, prompt recommendations, and reinforce the idea that a book belongs alongside other titles readers already enjoy. 

How Authors Can Use Shelfie Day to Promote Their Book 

Authors can participate by sharing photos of their book styled on a shelf, mixed with complementary titles, décor, or genre-related items. Inviting readers to share their own shelfie photos adds another layer of engagement. 
 
Using relevant hashtags and encouraging sharing helps extend reach beyond an author’s immediate audience. 

Encouraging Reader Participation 

Shelfie Day works best when readers are involved. Authors can invite followers to post photos of their shelves, tag the author, or comment with their favorite titles. 
 
This type of interactive promotion builds community while generating organic visibility for the book. 

Why January 28 Is a Strategic Time for Shelfie Promotion 

January 28 falls during a time when readers are setting reading goals and reorganizing routines. Many are actively discovering new books to add to their shelves. 
 
Participating in Shelfie Day at this point in the year helps authors stay visible while readers are still open to exploration and recommendation. 

A Creative and Shareable Marketing Opportunity 

Shelfie Day demonstrates that book marketing doesn’t always require large campaigns or complex planning. Simple, shareable moments can have meaningful impact when timed well. 
 
For self-published authors looking to engage readers and highlight their books in a visual, approachable way, Shelfie Day on January 28 offers a fun and effective promotional opportunity. 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

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^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}

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Publishing a book is an important milestone, but marketing is what keeps a book visible long after release. Many authors find that while they understand the importance of promotion, knowing what to do—and when to do it—can be challenging. 
 
Working with a Book Marketing Specialist provides authors with ongoing guidance, structure, and expertise to help navigate marketing throughout the year, not just at launch. 

What a Book Marketing Specialist Does 

A Book Marketing Specialist helps authors develop and implement marketing strategies tailored to their book, genre, and goals. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice, a specialist provides informed direction based on experience with publishing platforms, reader behavior, and industry trends. 
 
This role often includes evaluating current efforts, identifying opportunities, and recommending practical next steps. 

Why Book Marketing Requires a Year-Long Approach 

Successful book marketing rarely happens in a single moment. Ongoing promotion allows books to reach new readers over time, respond to seasonal opportunities, and adapt to changing market conditions. 
 
A year-long approach helps authors maintain visibility, build momentum, and avoid the common cycle of short bursts followed by long periods of inactivity. 

How a Specialist Helps Authors Stay Focused and Consistent 

Consistency is one of the biggest challenges authors face when marketing their books. A Book Marketing Specialist helps authors prioritize efforts, create realistic plans, and stay accountable. 
 
With professional guidance, authors can focus their time and resources on activities that align with their goals rather than reacting to trends without a clear strategy. 

When Authors Benefit Most From Marketing Support 

Authors can benefit from working with a marketing specialist at many stages of the publishing journey. This includes pre-launch planning, post-launch visibility, relaunching an existing title, or refining ongoing marketing efforts. 
 
January is an especially good time to seek support, as authors set goals and plan marketing activities for the year ahead. 

How Outskirts Press Supports Authors With Marketing Expertise 

Outskirts Press offers Book Marketing Specialist services that provide authors with dedicated time to discuss strategy, ask questions, and develop actionable plans. This service is designed to complement other marketing efforts and help authors make informed decisions throughout the year. 
 
By offering structured guidance, Outskirts Press helps authors approach marketing with confidence and clarity. 

Building Sustainable Visibility Over Time 

Book marketing is most effective when it is intentional, consistent, and adaptable. Partnering with a Book Marketing Specialist helps authors move beyond guesswork and toward a more sustainable promotional approach. 
 
For authors looking to strengthen visibility and make the most of marketing opportunities throughout the year, professional guidance can be a valuable investment. 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

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^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}

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Every year, World Read Aloud Day brings people together across the globe to celebrate the joy and impact of reading aloud. From classrooms and libraries to homes and community centers, this event reminds us how powerful it can be to simply share a story—out loud.

This year, Outskirts Press is proud to partner with LitWorld as an official sponsor for World Read Aloud Day 2026, taking place on February 4.

As part of this celebration, we’re highlighting a selection of amazing books from Outskirts Press authors who are helping inspire readers of all ages.

Featured Books & Participants

Explore this year’s featured Outskirts Press titles below:

Dogs On The Loose!: A Rhyming Counting Adventure  — Marianne Blair
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977283665

Eggie’s Excellent Excursions: 44 episode collection — Wolfgang Schultz
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977285393

Finding Family: A Biscuit & Rye Tail — John Cummings
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977285348

Frankie Meets Santa Claus — Sandra Grese
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977274397

Kellie Koala — Lizabeth Flood
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977283733

Lisa’s Pizza — Jacqueline Rote
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977271808

Malik has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) — Brandy Barnes M.D.
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977281432

Mistymoto and the Howling Wind — Todd Reese
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977283863

Murphy and the Magical Hat — Kate David
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781432785826

Ombré’s Spring Day in the Rockies — Tanja Nayak
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977281074

Peter Pan & ME — Carol Pettus
https://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/details/9781977284068

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Mark Your Calendar: World Read Aloud Day (Feb 4)

World Read Aloud Day is a wonderful reminder that reading is more than a skill—it’s connection, confidence, creativity, and community.

Whether you’re a parent choosing a bedtime story, a teacher creating classroom traditions, or an author looking to share your message with new readers, we invite you to join us and celebrate.

🔗 Learn more about Outskirts Press and LitWorld’s World Read Aloud Day sponsorship here:
https://outskirtspress.com/litworld.html

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Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

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^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}