If you’re a book blogger, you’ve probably daydreamed about making a little extra income from your passion for books.

I mean, we’re already gushing about our latest reads, organizing bookstagram-worthy shelves, and chatting about bookish accessories with anyone who will listen, right?

Why not take it a step further and earn some money while doing what you love?

That’s where affiliate marketing comes in.

It’s such a natural fit for book bloggers because, let’s face it, we’re already trusted recommenders.

Your audience visits your blog because they value your opinion, and when you recommend something with genuine enthusiasm, it often inspires action—whether that’s buying a book, trying out a subscription box, or snagging that adorable book sleeve you can’t stop talking about.

But (and this is a big but), affiliate marketing can feel tricky at first.

How do you promote without losing your authentic voice? How do you include affiliate links in a way that feels natural and not “salesy”?

Believe me, I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can seem.

That’s why I want to share all the best types of bookish content for affiliate marketing—straight from experience—and show you how to do it in a way that’s engaging, fun, and true to your unique style.

Types of Bookish Content That Work Best for Affiliate Marketing

When it comes to affiliate marketing, not all blog posts are created equal.

Some types of content naturally lend themselves to including affiliate links in a way that feels helpful and organic.

These are my go-to types of bookish content that not only resonate with readers but also convert into clicks and purchases.

1. Book Recommendation Lists

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you probably already create lists like this, and if not, let me tell you why they’re so magical for affiliate marketing.

People LOVE curated lists because they help solve the “What should I read next?” problem.

Why They Work

Readers come to you for suggestions, and these lists deliver exactly that.

By linking each book to its purchase page, you’re making it super easy for them to find and buy the books they’re interested in.

Examples

15 Must-Read African Fantasy Books You Need on Your Bookshelf
50 Dark and Romantic Hades and Persephone Retellings to Obsess Over
25 Historical Mysteries That Will Keep You Turning Pages

How to Make Them Shine

I. Be Specific

Instead of broad categories, niche it down.

For example, “Books for Fans of Enemies-to-Lovers Romance” or “Sci-Fi Novels That Feature Artificial Intelligence.”

II. Personalize Your Picks:

Don’t just list the books—explain why you’re recommending them.

Did it keep you up all night? Is it a comfort read you always go back to?

Sharing your personal connection makes the list so much more relatable.

III. Optimize for Clicks

Use direct but friendly language for your links, like “You can grab this one [on Amazon]!”

2. In-Depth Book Reviews

I know reviews are a cornerstone for many book bloggers, and they’re also fantastic for affiliate marketing.

But—and this is key—you have to approach them thoughtfully.

Your readers trust your honesty, so make sure your reviews feel genuine and balanced.

Why They Work

When readers are considering buying a specific book, they often look for reviews first.

Your detailed, well-written review can be the deciding factor that pushes them to buy.

How to Structure a Review

Start with Why You Read the Book: Was it a recommendation from a friend? Did the cover catch your eye? Sharing a little background immediately draws your reader in.
Give Your Thoughts: Talk about what worked for you (or didn’t). Be honest but kind—nobody wants to read a review that’s all negativity or feels forced.
Include Affiliate Links Naturally: Instead of something pushy, try, “If you’re curious about this one, you can find it [here]!”

3. Gift Guides for Book Lovers

Okay, let’s talk gift guides. These are not just for the holidays!

While they’re especially popular around Christmas, they’re also great for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or even themed guides like “Back-to-School Bookish Gifts.”

Why They Work

Gift guides allow you to include a variety of affiliate links, from books to accessories to gadgets.

Plus, readers love having pre-made lists of ideas to choose from—it makes their shopping so much easier.

Examples

15 Gifts Every Bookworm Will Adore
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Audiobook Lovers
Perfect Budget-Friendly Gifts for Bookish Friends

How to Make Them Awesome

Include a Variety of Products: Think outside the box—bookends, tote bags, candles, bookmarks, or even e-readers.
Share Why You Recommend Each Item: If you’ve used it yourself, share your experience. “This book sleeve has been a lifesaver for me—it protects my books, and the designs are SO cute!”
Make It Visual: Use high-quality images or graphics to showcase the items.

Related: How to Promote Affiliate Links on Pinterest for Book Bloggers

4. Comparison Posts

If you’ve ever debated between two products—say, Kindle vs. paperback—you know how valuable comparison posts can be.

They’re like a cheat sheet for decision-making.

Why They Work

These posts naturally include affiliate links because you’re discussing multiple products.

Plus, readers appreciate the in-depth analysis when they’re trying to make a decision.

Examples

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Oasis: Which One Is Right for You?
Top 3 Book Subscription Boxes Compared
Audiobooks vs. Physical Books: Pros, Cons, and What’s Best for You

How to Write a Great Comparison Post

Highlight the Key Differences: What sets each product apart?
Share Your Own Preference: Readers love knowing what you personally use or prefer—it adds authenticity.
Link to All Products Mentioned: Make it easy for readers to check out their options.

What to Include

Clear pros and cons for each option
Personal anecdotes about your experience with the products
A final recommendation to help readers decide

5. How-To Guides and Tutorials

I love creating how-to guides because they’re so helpful for readers.

Whether you’re teaching them how to annotate books or build a cozy reading nook, these posts naturally lend themselves to affiliate links.

Why They Work

How-to guides solve problems or answer questions, which makes them super engaging.

Readers are already looking for advice, so if you recommend a product along the way, they’re more likely to trust your suggestion.

Examples

How to Create the Ultimate Home Library
How to Start a Book Club (and Keep It Going)
How to Choose the Perfect Reading Chair

How to Include Affiliate Links

If your guide mentions tools, gadgets, or books, link to them!

For example, if you’re recommending a specific bookshelf for your home library post, include a link to purchase it.

6. Reading Challenges and Book Club Picks

One of the most engaging ways to connect with readers is by hosting a reading challenge or sharing book club picks.

These are perfect opportunities to include affiliate links to the books you’re featuring.

Why They Work

People love being part of a community, and challenges or book clubs give them that sense of belonging.

Plus, you’re introducing them to new books they’ll want to buy.

Examples

Books to Read for Seasonal 2024 Reading Challenge
20+ Perfect Historical Fiction Picks for Your Next Book Club Meeting

Tips for Success

Make it interactive: Encourage readers to share their progress or thoughts in the comments or on social media.
Link to every book you feature so readers can easily grab their copies.

Also See: How Book Bloggers Can Start Earning with Affiliate Marketing

7. Book Subscription Box Reviews

If you’ve ever tried a book subscription box, you know how exciting it is to open one.

These reviews are fantastic for affiliate marketing because they cater to readers who are curious but unsure about committing to a subscription.

Why They Work

Subscription boxes often have affiliate programs, and your review can be the nudge someone needs to subscribe.

How to Structure These Reviews

Start with Your First Impressions: Share how you felt when the box arrived—was it beautifully packaged?
Highlight What’s Inside: List the books, goodies, or exclusive items included.
Share Your Experience: Did you love the curation? Was the value worth the price?
Include a Call-to-Action: “If you want to try it yourself, you can subscribe [here]!”

8. Themed Book Lists

Themed lists are like recommendation lists but with a fun twist.

These posts are SO much fun to create because you can really let your personality shine.

Examples

Books That Feel Like a Warm Hug
15 Dark and Twisty Reads for Spooky Season
Best Books for Fans of Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ Era

Why They Work

Themed lists are unique and stand out from generic recommendation posts.

Plus, they’re highly shareable, which means more clicks on your affiliate links.

9. Behind-the-Scenes Content

People love seeing the behind-the-scenes process of your bookish life.

Whether it’s a peek at your TBR stack or a tour of your reading nook, these posts are personal and engaging.

How to Incorporate Affiliate Links

Link to the books you’re currently reading.
Share the items you use to organize your shelves or decorate your space.
Include links to bookish subscriptions or services you use, like Goodreads or Everand

Related Post: 10 Must-Join Affiliate Programs for Book Bloggers Who Want to Earn More

10. Author Spotlights

Spotlighting a favorite author is a great way to introduce readers to their work while promoting multiple books at once.

What to Include

A brief biography of the author.
A list of their must-read works (with links, of course!).
Fun facts about their writing process or inspirations.

This kind of post can feel like a love letter to the author, and readers appreciate the effort and passion you put into it.

How to Make Affiliate Marketing Feel Natural

Now that you have all these ideas, you might be wondering how to make your affiliate links blend seamlessly into your content.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Be Transparent: Always let your readers know you’re using affiliate links. A simple disclaimer at the top of your post builds trust.
Think Like a Reader: Ask yourself, “Would this post still be valuable if the affiliate links weren’t there?” If the answer is no, it’s time to refocus.
Focus on Value: Share why you’re recommending a product and how it’s helped you. Authenticity goes a long way.
Optimize Your Posts: Use SEO best practices to make your content easy to find. Keywords, meta descriptions, and proper formatting make a big difference.

Affiliate marketing can be a wonderful way to turn your passion for books into income, but the secret lies in creating content that feels authentic and valuable.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success doesn’t come from trying to sell—it comes from sharing your enthusiasm and helping your readers discover their next favorite book or product.

So, take these ideas, put your personal spin on them, and most importantly, have fun with it.

Remember, affiliate marketing isn’t about quick wins. It’s a slow and steady process that builds over time as you cultivate trust with your audience.

The more genuine and valuable your content is, the more likely readers will click through and make purchases.

Above all, don’t stress about perfection. When I first started, I overthought every post, wondering if it was “good enough” to make sales.

But the truth is, your readers care most about you—your voice, your recommendations, your unique perspective.

As long as you’re true to yourself, the rest will follow.

So, grab a cup of tea (or coffee, no judgment here!), open up your blog, and start brainstorming your next post. You’ve got this—and I can’t wait to see what you create!

What types of bookish content do you enjoy creating or reading the most? Let’s share ideas and learn from each other—drop your thoughts in the comments below!