The Learn Self Publishing Ads for Authors course for Self-Published authors has been around for a good five or six years now and has a reputation for high-quality and excellent content. Ads for Authors typically opens its doors only twice a year. You can also check out our Self Publishing Launchpad Course Review.
What is the Ads for Authors course?
Ads for Authors is a selection of video course bundles supported by PDF downloads to help authors navigate the sometimes complex Ad platforms used to drive book sales.
What can the course teach you?
Other experts teach some of the course bundles.
- Facebook Ads for Authors
- Advanced FB Ads for Authors
- Facebook Messenger Bots for Authors
- Ad Design for Authors by Stuart Bache
- Amazon Ads for Authors by Ricardo Fayet
- Bookbub Ads by Caryn Robertson
- YouTube for Authors by Garett Robinson
- TikTok for Authors
- AI Marketing for Authors
- How to write better simpler ads by Bryan Cohen
You also get bonus SPF university mini-course bundles that include webinar workshops to help authors use key industry players, such as BookFunnel, PublishDrive, ProlificWorks, and more.
There are also additional mini-courses that you can purchase separately. Some examples include:
- How to write a Bestseller by Suzy K Quinn
- Cover Design for Authors by Stuart Bache
- Copy Editing by Hayley Milliman
..and more!
Is Ads for Authors right for you?
It’s no magic bullet or click-button route to instant success. This course will only work for authors prepared to invest their time and money into going through the system and taking action.
So, going into the course, some writers underestimated the time needed to go through each subject. I focused on Amazon Ads and Bookbub ads rather than Facebook or YouTube, as those platforms were the ones I wanted to focus on at the time.
You don’t have to do it all. Not at once, anyway. Perhaps try one platform at a time and see what works for you.
After following the course materials, you’ll also need a budget for advertising your books on Facebook, Amazon, and Bookbub. It doesn’t have to be a fortune. Mark suggests toe-dipping with $5-10 days regarding Facebook campaigns. Ads for Authors is for writers who want to treat their book publishing as a business rather than a hobby.
I like that it’s a one-time, admittedly sizeable investment, so there are no recurring membership costs. The SPF guys add new material and keep it updated, which you’ll also get access to going forward. I’ve seen the course material updated numerous times since being a member from 2015 or so. This keeps the course future-proofed with industry updates and changes.
Conclusion
If you’re an author starting on your first book and need to know the basics of self-publishing, I would first look at our free Ecourse: Indie Publishing Roadmap and the Ad for Authors team’s other course, Self Publishing Launchpad. Moving beyond publishing and platform-building basics, Ads for Authors is the next natural step in your Indie Author Journey. It is perfect for those who want to become full-time authors and publishers, as you’ll learn the essential skills to sell books online.
FAQ
What is Ads for Authors?
Ads for Authors is an advertising course from the Learn Self Publishing / Self Publishing Formula team, teaching indie authors how to run paid ad campaigns across Facebook, Amazon, BookBub, and TikTok to sell more books.
Who created Ads for Authors?
Ads for Authors was originally created by bestselling thriller author Mark Dawson, built on the advertising strategy that grew his own book sales into the millions. It’s now part of the Learn Self Publishing / Self Publishing Formula course lineup, with James Blatch as the current face of the team and individual platform modules taught by specialists including Ricardo Fayet of Reedsy on Amazon Ads and the BookBub team on their own ad platform.
How much does Ads for Authors cost?
Ads for Authors costs $749 as a one-time payment, or $62 a month across a 12-month payment plan.
Does Ads for Authors offer a refund guarantee?
Yes — Ads for Authors comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What’s included in the Ads for Authors course?
The course covers Facebook Ads (including an advanced module), Amazon Ads, BookBub Ads, and TikTok for Authors, plus bonus modules on ad copywriting, ad design, and Facebook Messenger bots.
Do I need a published book before taking this course?
Yes — Ads for Authors is built for authors who already have at least one book published and want to drive targeted traffic to it, rather than authors still working on getting a first book live.
Is Ads for Authors suitable for beginners?
It’s better suited to authors with some publishing experience already. Those new to self-publishing are usually better served starting with a foundational course like Self-Publishing Launchpad first.
How is Ads for Authors different from Self-Publishing Launchpad?
Self-Publishing Launchpad covers the fundamentals of getting a book published. Ads for Authors is a dedicated, more advanced course focused entirely on paid advertising once a book is already live.
How often does Ads for Authors open for enrolment?
Enrolment has historically opened a few times a year, though it’s worth checking the course page directly, as availability can vary.
