5 Hidden Goldmines for Finding Your Ideal Readers

What if the readers you’ve been searching for aren’t missing at all, but already gathered in places you’ve never thought to look?

Most authors rely on the usual tactics like social media ads, book signings, and broad marketing efforts that rarely get the results they want. The truth is, your real audience is already out there, engaged and eager, and they’re tucked away in places most authors overlook.

If your book sales are crawling or your message feels like it’s getting lost in the noise, you’re not the problem. Rather, it’s your strategy.

It’s time to stop broadcasting to the masses and start connecting with the right people. These five hidden goldmines can lead you straight to the readers who are already looking for a book like yours. Are you ready to uncover them?

1. Niche Facebook & LinkedIn Groups

Why they’re goldmines

People join Facebook and LinkedIn groups to discuss topics they are passionate about. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, health, spirituality, or personal development, there are communities filled with engaged readers who are already seeking solutions your book provides.

How to find the right groups

• Use specific keywords related to your book’s topic. Instead of searching for “business groups,” try “solopreneur marketing” or “female startup founders.”
• Check the group’s engagement level. A group with 10,000+ members means nothing if no one is actively commenting or posting.
• Join a mix of large and small groups. Larger groups provide visibility, while smaller ones allow deeper, more meaningful interactions.

Engagement strategy

• Start by observing. See what types of posts perform well before jumping in.
• Provide value first. Share helpful insights, answer questions, or offer free resources without immediately promoting your book.
• Subtly introduce your book. If a discussion aligns with your book’s content, mention it naturally. Example: “I actually wrote about this in my book, where I explain XYZ. Happy to share more insights!”

When done correctly, group members will start seeing you as an authority, making them more likely to check out your book on their own.

2. Industry & Association Newsletters

Why they work

Professional associations and niche industry newsletters are trusted sources of information. They cater to highly specific audiences, meaning if your book aligns with their interests, you’ve found a direct path to a concentrated group of readers.

How to get featured

• Identify associations that align with your book’s topic (e.g., a productivity book could target HR or executive coaching associations).
• Research their newsletters because many associations welcome guest contributors or book recommendations.
• Reach out with value. Instead of saying, “Can you feature my book?”, offer to write an article or provide exclusive content for their members.

Example

A leadership author connected with an HR association and provided an article titled “5 Ways HR Leaders Can Foster a Growth Mindset in Teams.” At the end of the article, a short bio included a link to their book. The result? A spike in book sales and speaking invitations from HR professionals who needed leadership training.

3. Podcast Guest Appearances

Why they’re powerful

Podcasts create deep trust with audiences. Listeners tune in because they value the host’s expertise and recommendations. If you’re a guest, you instantly gain credibility with an audience that aligns with your message.

How to find the right podcasts

• Search platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podchaser using keywords related to your book’s topic. Also, check out EchoJockey.com.
• Look for podcasts with engaged audiences (check for recent episodes, number of reviews, and social media presence).
• Prioritize niche podcasts over big-name ones because smaller shows often have more dedicated listeners.

Pitching tips

• Personalize your pitch. Mention a specific episode you enjoyed and why.
• Highlight how your expertise benefits the audience, not just that you have a book.
• Offer to share insights, personal stories, or actionable strategies.

When done right, a single podcast appearance can lead to new book sales, social media followers, and even speaking opportunities.

4. Online Course Communities & Masterminds

Why they’re overlooked

Many online courses and mastermind groups have active communities where members engage in discussions related to your book’s topic. These are often closed groups, making them hidden gems that most authors never consider.

Where to look

• Online learning platforms like Thinkific, Teachable, or Kajabi often have student discussion forums.
• High-ticket coaching programs and masterminds typically have private groups where members interact regularly.
• Facebook groups associated with popular courses often have engaged participants looking for additional resources.

Best approach

• Become an active participant in these communities. Offer insights, respond to questions, and provide value.
• Avoid direct book promotion. Instead, reference your book when it genuinely adds to the conversation.
• If you’re part of a paid mastermind or coaching program, offer your book as a resource in discussions because it’s likely to get noticed and recommended by group leaders.

Example: A self-help author joined a mastermind for business owners and frequently contributed insights on productivity. Members started asking about their methods, leading to organic discussions about their book and, eventually, sales.

5. Corporate & Nonprofit Partnerships

Why they’re goldmines

Organizations, whether for-profit companies or nonprofits, often look for valuable resources to support their employees, clients, or communities. If your book aligns with their mission, they might purchase copies in bulk or invite you to speak.

Who to target

• Companies that care about topics related to your book (e.g., a wellness book could appeal to HR teams looking for employee wellness resources).
• Nonprofits that serve your target audience (e.g., a personal finance book could be a great fit for organizations that support low-income families).
• Educational institutions or training programs that need books as supplemental material.

Strategy

• Reach out with an offer to host a free webinar, training, or workshop based on your book’s content.
• Highlight how your book can be a resource for their employees, clients, or members.
• Suggest a bulk book discount for organizations interested in providing copies to their team.

Example: An author of a mental health book partnered with a corporate wellness program, which purchased 500 copies to distribute to employees as part of a mental health awareness initiative.

Finding your ideal readers requires strategic targeting rather than a broad approach. Instead of shouting into the void, position yourself where your audience is already gathered.

Now it’s your turn! Pick one of these five hidden goldmines and start exploring today. Which one are you going to focus on first?