Television has always carried a sense of authority and immersion—and now, through platforms like Roku and YouTube, that power is more accessible than ever to authors. Advertising your book on TV streaming places your message directly into a relaxed, “lean-back” environment where viewers are more engaged and less distracted than on traditional social feeds. With Out of the Stack, your book is transformed into a compelling visual story and delivered to targeted audiences who are already consuming content on their screens. This means your message doesn’t just get seen—it gets experienced, building trust, sparking curiosity, and positioning your book as something worth stopping for in a crowded digital world.
As I said before, it’s best to start slow. We all get excited when it comes to launch day. I know I do. However, spending thousands of dollars and expecting to make the New York Times bestseller list is overdoing it, to say the least (and yes, people do this!). You will end up disappointed, and it will leave a big hole in your pocket as well. You might be thinking, "Man, Russ. You are a major downer!" No, I'm merely wiser than I was a few years ago. You must prepare for a marathon. Here is my advice: If you are able, invest $200 a month. Video is the way to go.
Pumping new life into a book you released 3-5 years ago is not only doable, but wise. Remember you are in this for the long haul! A big book launch sounds enticing, but ask yourself... if I put everything on the line for one big push, will I have enough resources to continue my campaign for months to come? The last thing you want is to watch your book fall into the stack never to be heard from again.
Most books today are promoted through simple one-day email blasts, typically costing $60 to $250 per feature. While those promotions can create a temporary spike, they often disappear just as quickly as they arrive. Many of these email promotion sites also require authors to discount their books to $0.99 in order to be featured, training readers to expect your hard work at the lowest possible price.
At Out Of The Stack, we believe your book should sell for the price you set. Your message has value. Your work has worth. Instead of pushing deep discounts for a single day, we combine strategic social media video ads with streaming television exposure across platforms like YouTube and Roku to give your book broader, sustained visibility. Rather than a brief inbox appearance, we position your book in front of engaged audiences multiple times, across multiple environments — building credibility, momentum, and long-term impact.
There are several answers to that question. Some authors give their books away. I don’t. You worked hard writing and rewriting, paying for editing and cover design. Why give it away? I understand the premise. You want your book in the hands of as many readers as possible. A limited free promotion is fine to get the ball rolling, but free means different things to different people. Your work has worth.
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Many free books do not get read. Readers sometimes download a dozen free offers at a time. There is a good chance you will get buried in the pile. You have heard stories like, "I got 5,000 downloads in one week!" I have received 3,500 downloads several times, from a free promotion but little came from it.
Price your book to sell, and promote, promote, promote!
Writing a series is a great way to sell books. I have a 9-book series out right now. In my case, pricing book one at $0.99 makes sense. I am confident that once a reader begins the series, they will continue the journey through all nine books. Selling 500 books at 99 cents won't pay the bills, but selling 8 books at the regular price will.
The Plain Truth About Advertising
WHO IS OUT OF THE STACK?
Out Of The Stack Book Publisher and faith-friendly book marketing service is an arm of Lighthouse Productions a 501-c3 organization built by Christian authors, for Christian authors. We understand the calling behind the message because we share it. Your book is more than ink on paper — it is testimony, truth, and purpose.
With over 20 years of experience discovering creative ways to promote Christian books that make a difference, we help authors rise above the noise. In a crowded marketplace, powerful stories can get buried. Our mission is to move your message out of the stack and into the light — placing it in front of readers seeking encouragement, truth, and hope.
We combine modern video marketing, social media strategy, with streaming YouTube ads to ensure your book is seen, remembered, and valued.
Television has always carried a sense of authority and immersion—and now, through platforms like Roku and YouTube, that power is more accessible than ever to authors. Advertising your book on TV streaming places your message directly into a relaxed, “lean-back” environment where viewers are more engaged and less distracted than on traditional social feeds. With Out of the Stack, your book is transformed into a compelling visual story and delivered to targeted audiences who are already consuming content on their screens. This means your message doesn’t just get seen—it gets experienced, building trust, sparking curiosity, and positioning your book as something worth stopping for in a crowded digital world.
Roku ADVERTISING
Over 21% of all U.S. TV viewing happens on Roku devices. The Roku platform reaches tens of millions of households, with around 85+ million streaming households globally 96% of Roku households are exposed to video ads. The Roku Channel alone now holds 3% of total U.S. TV viewership, making it a major player in streaming TV. What this means: Your ads aren’t niche—they’re reaching a massive, mainstream TV audience.
YOUTUBE ADVERTISING
Viewing Platforms: While mobile devices account for a majority of viewing, Connected TV (CTV) screen watch-time is the fastest-growing screen. “TV is YouTube's fastest-growing screen.”, per Roastbrief.
YouTube has 2.5 billion monthly users globally and 253 million in the U.S. It commands Over 12% of all U.S. TV viewing time—the largest share of any platform. A growing portion of YouTube viewing now happens on TV screens, not phones.
At Out Of The Stack, we understand something many promoters miss: people don’t consume media the same way everywhere.
When someone is scrolling on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, they’re leaning forward — actively searching, swiping, filtering. Your book has only seconds to capture attention. That’s why we create bold, eye-catching 15-second video ads designed to stop the scroll and spark immediate curiosity.
But when viewers are watching YouTube or streaming on Roku, they’re leaning back — relaxed, focused, and ready to receive. This is where the story breathes. This is where emotion connects. This is where your message can settle into the heart.
We strategically use both environments because your book deserves more than a quick glance — it deserves engagement. Social media captures attention. Streaming TV builds presence and credibility. Together, they move your book out of the stack and into the light — placing your message before readers who are ready not just to scroll, but to listen.
Should I give my book away for FREE?
Most books today are promoted through simple one-day email blasts, typically costing $60 to $250 per feature. While those promotions can create a temporary spike, they often disappear just as quickly as they arrive. Many of these email promotion sites also require authors to discount their books to $0.99 in order to be featured, training readers to expect your hard work at the lowest possible price.
At Out Of The Stack, we believe your book should sell for the price you set. Your message has value. Your work has worth. Instead of pushing deep discounts for a single day, we combine strategic social media video ads with streaming television exposure across platforms like YouTube and Roku to give your book broader, sustained visibility. Rather than a brief inbox appearance, we position your book in front of engaged audiences multiple times, across multiple environments — building credibility, momentum, and long-term impact.
There are several answers to that question. Some authors give their books away. I don’t. You worked hard writing and rewriting, paying for editing and cover design. Why give it away? I understand the premise. You want your book in the hands of as many readers as possible. A limited free promotion is fine to get the ball rolling, but free means different things to different people. Your work has worth.
​
Many free books do not get read. Readers sometimes download a dozen free offers at a time. There is a good chance you will get buried in the pile. You have heard stories like, "I got 5,000 downloads in one week!" I have received 3,500 downloads several times, from a free promotion but little came from it.
Price your book to sell, and promote, promote, promote!
Writing a series is a great way to sell books. I have a 9-book series out right now. In my case, pricing book one at $0.99 makes sense. I am confident that once a reader begins the series, they will continue the journey through all nine books. Selling 500 books at 99 cents won't pay the bills, but selling 8 books at the regular price will.
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Advertising costs money - there is no doubt about that. Unless you have money to burn, it is better to have a plan that you can sustain.
Coca-Cola spent over 5 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 on advertising its flagship beverage.
Why in the world would they do that? Everybody already knows what Coke is. The answer is simple: by continually advertising, they keep their brand on top of the stack and in everyone’s mind, so when they introduce a new product, their customers will buy it. Slow and steady wins the race. Building momentum will not only give you a constant royalty flow, but will allow you to build up needed reviews. So what to do?
Should you give your book a facelift?
A NEW COVER IS A GREAT PLACE TO START.
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Your book may contain a great message, but an outdated cover can keep readers from ever opening it. A professionally redesigned cover gives your book a fresh, modern look that grabs attention, builds credibility, and encourages more clicks and sales. Sometimes, a new cover is all it takes to give your book a second chance to succeed.
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ATTRACT READERS WITH A GREAT BOOK SALES DESCRIPTION
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Most novels have a hook in the headline; something that makes the reader intrigued and want to know more. It is called a hook for good reason. It needs to be genre-specific, targeting the reader in your particular niche. For example, the first line of book 9 of Hidden Thrones, “On the Edge of Time involves the human heart’s earnest search for heaven in the midst of Hell come to Earth.”
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CATEGORIES & KEYWORDS FOR YOUR BOOK
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The category/genre gives readers specific expectations. If you don't meet those expectations, they will be disappointed, which could lead to damaging reviews. It's extremely important to match reader expectations and the promise of what your book delivers with what your book is actually about.
A keyword is a word or phrase that is associated with your book. It's based on the words that people use to search online, and this is a crucial aspect of getting found. Often, the language you use is not the language that your readers might use. Select keywords that your target audience would use.
PRICING YOUR BOOK TO SELL & SCHEDULING SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
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We all like to receive large royalty checks, but from a reader's perspective, it is risky to try a new author when it's so much easier to pick up the next John Grisham or James Patterson novel. Everyone loves a sale, and that gets you new followers and much-needed reviews. Once your book has been optimized for best performance, it is time to get out of the stack.​​​​​​​​
CanI make a living at writing?
It is extremely difficult to make a living as a writer. Wow! What an opening, right? Stay with me now- there’s more. Yes, people are doing it, so what’s the secret?
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First things first: there are no secrets. I know we see ads all the time on how we can be a New York Times bestseller. All we have to do is purchase this or that service, and you will be on your way.
How about these quotes?
“There is no substitute for hard work.” -Thomas Edison
“To succeed, work hard, never give up and above all, cherish a magnificent obsession.” -Walt Disney
"But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.” II Corinthians 9:6
Honestly, the best way to increase your chances of attaining every author's dream is to write, write, and write some more. The more books you have the better.
