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Bestseller Brief | Direct-to-Reader Pitching Is the New Book Launch Play

Plus, how authors are optimizing eBooks to win niche readers

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
July 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Welcome to Bestseller Brief, your essential newsletter for book, publishing and media professionals.

CommerceNext Recap 🔈

What CommerceNext Taught Us About Brand

CommerceNext called it out: over-investing in conversion-led tactics is starving brands of future growth.

As Dom Devlin explained:

“Last-click is easy for CFOs to understand — but it’s a strategic dead end.”

Fospha’s Glow reveals how brands like Sweaty Betty link early signals (branded search, engaged visits) to revenue down the line — giving marketers the ammo they need to defend brand budgets.

Download The Glow Report and discover how top brands are measuring their brand marketing in 2025.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

BOOK MARKETING STRATEGY

Authors should focus on pitching their books to readers by understanding their preferences and emotions, using familiar tropes with unique twists, and testing pitches for effectiveness. This approach fosters a direct connection with the target audience, ensuring they recognize and are drawn to the value and emotional depth of the book.

EBOOK MARKETING

Optimizing eBook metadata is crucial for authors in competitive markets, enhancing discoverability through well-chosen titles, keywords, and categories. Effective metadata aids in positioning the book in search results, increases reader engagement, and ensures compatibility with platforms like Amazon and Apple. Regular monitoring and refinement will continually enhance visibility and reader reach.

BOOK EDITING PROCESS

The four essential stages of book editing—developmental, line, copy, and proofreading—are crucial for producing a polished manuscript. Each stage addresses different aspects of writing, from structure and style to grammatical precision, providing authors with valuable insights and improvements. Understanding these processes is vital for authors to enhance their writing and achieve professional publication standards.

AUTHOR INNOVATION

Authors are navigating varying degrees of AI integration in writing, with uses ranging from brainstorming and research to full-scale book production. AI presents writers with tools for enhancing efficiency, organization, and creativity, without overshadowing individual artistry. Understanding AI's role in supporting rather than dominating the creative process is crucial for modern authors seeking practical value in their work.

Optimization Hub ⚙️

DTC MARKETING EVOLUTION

DTC marketing in 2025 focuses on optimizing data and automation to enhance ROI and adapt to increasing costs and tech complexities. Brands invest in sophisticated tech stacks and prioritize first-party data to refine digital and in-store strategies, driving conversions through channels like social media and email.

VIRAL MARKETING STRATEGIES

Marketers increasingly leverage TikTok's viral trends to boost sales, utilizing tools like the TikTok Creative Center and Creator Academy. The platform's participatory culture and algorithm favor creative and authentic brand engagement, enabling even small brands to achieve rapid growth by navigating trending content efficiently. Understanding these dynamics is essential for marketers seeking impactful digital presence and engagement.

ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC eCommerce division