Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/9gYQSyuwhKo

Hey everyone—welcome to BTA Fridays – Breaking the Algorithm™, where we stop chasing trends and build strategies that actually work. Today we’re talking bookish holidays—and why they’re way more than cute hashtags.

Why these dates matter

Bookish holidays create awareness, and awareness creates access. When you tie your work to a theme or an awareness month, you step into a conversation that already has attention and momentum. You’re not shouting into the void—you’re showing up where readers, libraries, book clubs, podcasts, and even local media are already paying attention.

Go beyond the post

Use bookish dates as reasons to connect in the real world—not just to post a graphic.

Ideas to try:

• Library Lovers’ Month: Offer a free author talk, reading, or mini-workshop at your local library.
• National Indie Author Day: Pitch a podcast or co-host an indie author panel.
• NaNoWriMo (November): Share your writing journey publicly or host sprint sessions.
• World Read Aloud Day / Children’s Book Week: Offer classroom read-alouds if you write for kids.
• Black History Month / Pride Month / Women’s History Month: Host a themed book club discussion or partner with local orgs.

When your timing aligns with something people already celebrate, outreach feels natural, timely, and welcome.

Cross-collaboration = credibility

Holidays give both sides built-in context. Partner with:

• Another author for a shared giveaway
• A bookstore or literary group for a mini-event or pop-up
• A poet/author for a live reading on National Poetry Day

It’s not just visibility—it’s connection.

Free PR (the honest way)

Local outlets, libraries, and community pages constantly look for “What’s happening this month?” items. A timely, 3-line pitch tied to a relevant date can earn you coverage without a PR budget. Example:

“Hi, I’m a local author celebrating National Poetry Month with a free reading/workshop. Would this be a fit for your community listings?”

Plan your year (and stop scrambling)

Pick 6–8 dates that align with your genre and message. Use them as anchors for your content, outreach, and partnership calendar. Strategy beats scrambling every time.

Free resource

Grab my Bookish Holidays & Literary Dates Calendar (free, public): https://bit.ly/475r2NY
Plan your year, pick your dates, and build with intention.

Quick action list

• Choose 1–2 dates per quarter that match your brand.
• Draft one email pitch, one collaboration idea, and one post per date.
• Reach out to a library, school, bookstore, podcast, or community page two weeks before the date.
• After the event/date, post recap content and thank collaborators—then book the next one.

Work with me / stay connected

• Indie author tools & downloads: https://brightheadedpublishing.com
• Be a guest on The Author’s Mic™: https://brightheadedpublishing.com/be-a-guest
• Free 44-page guide – So You Wanna Write a Book: https://brightheadedpublishing.com
• Join our book club – Indie Reader Society: https://bookclubs.com/the-indie-reader-society/join/

Target keywords: bookish holidays for authors, author marketing calendar, library partnerships, book club pitch, indie author PR, BTA Fridays, Breaking the Algorithm.