Romance Author Marketing Calendar: 12 Steps to Sell More Books This Year
Getting noticed as a romance author isn’t the hard part anymore.
Staying relevant? Selling books consistently? That’s where most authors slip.
You’re already pulling late nights writing spicy scenes and cliffhangers that leave your readers breathless.
But without a strategy to promote those stories? You’re wasting your best work.
You need a romance author marketing calendar that actually sells books.
Let’s build one.
Why You Need a Romance Author Marketing Calendar
Most romance authors are stuck in survival mode:
- Scrambling a week before launch
- Forgetting promo dates
- Random posting with no plan
- Missing seasonal marketing windows
And it shows.
Authors using a structured romance author marketing calendar sell up to 37% more than those flying blind.
How to Build Your 12-Month Romance Author Marketing Calendar
Your calendar is your business plan. It gives structure, creates momentum, and makes book sales predictable—not accidental.
1. Know the Romance Reader Seasons
Plan your content around how readers buy:
- Winter (Oct–Dec): Holiday romance dominates
- Spring (Jan–Feb): Valentine’s & new year reading resolutions
- Summer (May–July): Beach reads + Kindle bingers
- Fall (Aug–Sept): Cozy, back-to-routine vibes
2. Work Backward From Launch
Each release needs a runway. Use this 90-day framework:
- 3 months out: Cover reveal, ARC signups, teaser graphics
- 1 month out: Preorder push, newsletter swap
- Launch week: Ads, reels, email blast, giveaways
- Post-launch: Review collection, backlist promotion
Download your full timeline here:
👉 Romance Release Runway: 90-Day Launch Calendar
Strategic Dates for Your Romance Author Marketing Calendar
Here’s what to plug into your calendar immediately:
| Month | Promo Opportunity |
|---|---|
| January | New Year goals, slow burn promos |
| February | Valentine’s Day, steamy reads |
| May–July | Summer reading lists, beach bundles |
| October | Spooky season for paranormal romance |
| December | Holiday novellas + Christmas box sets |
Marketing Calendar Tips for Multi-Series Authors
Juggling multiple books? Don’t half-ass any of them.
- Color-code by series
- Add repurpose days: repost old content with fresh captions
- Schedule buffer weeks (you’ll need them)
Low-Cost Marketing That Still Sells Books
You don’t need a billionaire hero’s wallet. Just a calendar and these tactics:
Free Promo Options:
- Newsletter swaps
- Facebook group takeovers
- Hashtag games on IG or TikTok
- Reader awards entries (use Indie Romance Convention Awards for starters)
Paid (but cheap) Wins:
- $5–10 ad boosts on high-performing posts
- Loyalty rewards for ARC readers
- Quarterly raffles for backlist giveaways
Customizing Your Marketing Calendar by Subgenre
Every romance subgenre deserves its own plan. Here’s how to tweak:
Contemporary
- Use pop culture tie-ins
- Lean on real-world holidays
Historical
- Align promos with anniversaries or historical events
- Share behind-the-scenes research in blog or email
Paranormal
- Schedule around full moons, Halloween, or fantasy book events
- Collaborate with authors in crossover genres
Spicy
- Push “heat level” content leading into Valentine’s Day or Summer
- Create teaser series for your hottest scenes
How to Extend the Life of Your Book Promotions
Marketing doesn’t end at launch. Keep your romance author marketing calendar full with:
- Book anniversaries
- Bundle deals
- “Finish the series” sales
- Seasonal re-promos (Ex: “Perfect Holiday Rom-Coms”)
Stop Guessing. Start Planning.
Your books are good enough.
Your writing deserves readers.
What’s missing is consistency.
A smart, intentional romance author marketing calendar turns chaos into control.
Ready to stop winging it?
👉 Download your free Romance Release Runway now
More Resources to Make You Swoon
- Author Website Design for Romance Authors – Swoonworthy Services
- How to Plan a Book Launch – Reedsy Guide
Want a calendar built for you?
Schedule your Meet Cute Call and let’s map it together.