Let’s talk about something that can help you turn your love for books and blogging into a steady stream of income—affiliate marketing. 

It’s one of the easiest ways to monetize your book blog while keeping your content authentic and valuable.

If you’re already recommending books you love (and I know you are), why not earn a little something from it? 

That’s exactly what affiliate programs are for.

When your readers buy books or bookish goodies through your links, you get a commission. 

It’s like getting a thank-you tip for sharing great recommendations.

Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the best affiliate programs for book bloggers. 

What Makes a Good Affiliate Program for Book Bloggers?

Not all affiliate programs are created equal, and trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. 

When I first started using affiliate links, I got so excited that I signed up for a bunch of programs without really thinking about whether they’d work for my blog. 

Some of them were a pain to use, while others just didn’t resonate with my audience.

Here are the key things I look for now (so you can skip the trial-and-error phase):

1. Commission Rate

This is the bread and butter of affiliate marketing. 

Commission rates can vary wildly, from as low as 1% to as high as 15%. 

For book bloggers, higher commissions are ideal since books themselves are often low-priced items.

For example, Amazon’s commission rates for books are on the lower side, but their massive selection and trust factor can make up for it. 

On the flip side, platforms like Bookshop.org offer higher commissions, but their audience is more niche.

2. Cookie Duration

Cookies are what track purchases made through your affiliate links. 

The longer the cookie duration, the better! 

For instance, Amazon’s 24-hour cookie can feel restrictive—you only get credit if someone buys within a day. 

Meanwhile, programs like Rakuten Kobo give you a full 30 days to earn that commission.

3. Ease of Use

Let’s be real—none of us want to wrestle with clunky dashboards or complicated payout systems. 

A good affiliate program should make it easy to create links, track your earnings, and get paid without a hassle.

4. Product Range

Does the program offer what your readers are looking for? 

As a book blogger, you’ll want programs with a strong selection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, or even bookish accessories.

5. Payment Threshold

Some programs won’t pay out until you’ve earned a certain amount, which can be frustrating if you’re just starting out. 

Look for low thresholds (or none at all) so you can cash out sooner.

6. Reputation and Trustworthiness

Always do a quick Google search for reviews or complaints before signing up. 

Delayed payments or shady practices can damage your credibility with readers.

The 10 Best Affiliate Programs for Book Bloggers

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the good stuff! 

Here are my top picks for affiliate programs that are perfect for book bloggers. I’ve used (or deeply researched) each of these, so I’ll also share some personal insights and tips.

Also See: 50+ Unique Post Ideas For Book Bloggers So You Never Run Out of New Content

1. Amazon Associates

Amazon is the go-to platform for many book bloggers, and for good reason. 

It has an enormous catalog of books, eBooks, audiobooks, and related products like Kindles and book lights. 

If your readers are international, even better—Amazon ships almost everywhere.

Commission Rate: 3%-5% for books, higher for other categories like electronics.

Cookie Duration: 24 hours (but extends to 90 days if the item is added to the cart).

My Take: Amazon was the first affiliate program I joined, and while the commission rates for books aren’t amazing, the sheer variety of products makes it worthwhile. 

Plus, people often end up buying other things while they’re there, and you’ll earn commissions on those, too.

Pro Tip: Create curated book lists (like “Best Books for Summer Reading”) and link to them on Amazon. These lists are super clickable and tend to convert well.

2. Bookshop.org Affiliate Program

If supporting independent bookstores is important to you (it is for me!), this is a fantastic option. 

Bookshop.org splits part of its profits with indie bookstores, so every purchase your readers make helps keep small businesses alive.

Commission Rate: 10%—one of the highest for books.

Cookie Duration: 14 days.

My Take: I love recommending Bookshop.org for ethical reasons. 

The higher commission rate is a nice bonus, but it’s the feel-good factor that really sells it. 

However, it’s more niche than Amazon, so it works best if your readers value supporting local stores.

Pro Tip: Create themed storefronts (Bookshop.org lets you customize these) with your favorite reads. It’s like having your own little online bookshop!

3. Rakuten Kobo Affiliate Program

Kobo specializes in eBooks and audiobooks, which makes it a great choice for digital bookworms. 

Their focus on eReaders and digital formats sets them apart from the rest.

Commission Rate: 6%-10%.

Cookie Duration: 30 days.

My Take: Kobo isn’t as well-known as Amazon, but it has a loyal audience. 

If you review eBooks or audiobooks often, this program can perform well.

Pro Tip: Bundle your affiliate links with posts about free or discounted eBooks—these tend to drive clicks.

4. Audible Affiliate Program

If audiobooks are your thing (or your readers’), Audible is a no-brainer. 

Instead of earning per book sale, you earn when someone signs up for a free trial or membership.

Commission Rate: $5-$15 per sign-up.

Cookie Duration: 30 days.

My Take: This is one of my top earners. 

Many readers are curious about audiobooks but haven’t tried them yet, so promoting Audible’s free trial is an easy sell.

Pro Tip: Write blog posts about “The Best Audiobooks for [Genre/Theme]” and include Audible links.

5. Awin (Waterstones and Others)

Awin is an affiliate network with access to multiple programs, including Waterstones (for my fellow UK bookworms) and other bookish brands.

Commission Rate: Varies by merchant.

Cookie Duration: Varies by merchant.

My Take: Awin is great if you’re willing to put in a bit of extra effort. 

Once you’re approved, you’ll need to apply to each merchant individually.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal campaigns or exclusive discounts you can promote.

Related: 10 Tried-and-Tested Ways to Find High-Quality, Free Images for Your Blog

6. Etsy Affiliate Program

If you like featuring bookish gifts—think bookmarks, literary mugs, or custom book covers—Etsy is a treasure trove.

Commission Rate: 4%-8%.

Cookie Duration: 30 days.

My Take: Etsy isn’t a traditional book retailer, but it’s perfect for book-related content. 

My readers always seem to click on unique, handmade items.

Pro Tip: Create gift guides like “Best Gifts for Book Lovers” to highlight Etsy products.

7. IndieBound Affiliate Program

Another program supporting indie bookstores, IndieBound is a great ethical choice.

Commission Rate: 4%-6%.

Cookie Duration: 7 days.

My Take: The shorter cookie duration can be frustrating, but the mission behind IndieBound makes up for it.

Pro Tip: Use IndieBound links for posts that emphasize shopping local or sustainable.

8. CJ (Commission Junction)

CJ is a huge affiliate network with access to niche publishers and brands.

Commission Rate: Varies by merchant.

Cookie Duration: Varies by merchant.

My Take: CJ can feel overwhelming at first, but the variety of programs makes it worth exploring.

Pro Tip: Use their filtering tools to find book-related merchants quickly.

9. ShareASale

Similar to CJ, ShareASale gives you access to book-specific programs like Book Depository.

Commission Rate: Varies by program.

Cookie Duration: Varies by program.

My Take: It’s user-friendly, and I’ve had good success with Book Depository links, especially for international readers.

Pro Tip: Combine ShareASale programs with Amazon for wider product coverage.

10. Target Affiliate Program

Target might not be the first retailer you think of for books, but they offer a solid selection alongside bookish decor and gifts.

Commission Rate: 1%-8%.

Cookie Duration: 7 days.

My Take: It’s a nice bonus program if you’re already promoting Target products, but the lower rates mean it’s not a primary focus for me.

Tips to Maximize Your Affiliate Earnings

Here’s how to take your affiliate game to the next level. 

These strategies have worked for me, and I’m confident they’ll help you too:

1. Write Purposeful Content

Don’t just slap affiliate links into random posts. 

Instead, create content where those links feel natural and helpful. 

Think about your audience’s needs: Are they looking for book recommendations? Gift ideas? Tutorials on organizing their bookshelves?

Example: A post titled “10 Must-Read Mysteries for Cozy Winter Nights” can seamlessly incorporate Amazon, Bookshop.org, or even Audible links for each title.

2. Create Gift Guides

Gift guides are affiliate goldmines! 

Readers love curated lists like “Best Gifts for Book Lovers” or “Top Bookish Accessories for 2024.” 

These posts perform well year-round, but they’re especially effective during the holidays.

Pro Tip: Include a mix of products from different affiliate programs, like Etsy for handmade bookmarks and Amazon for book-themed mugs.

3. Use Banners and Widgets

Most affiliate programs offer banners or widgets you can embed in your blog. 

They’re great for eye-catching promotions or seasonal campaigns. 

For instance, Audible often has banners for their free trial, which converts well for audiobook enthusiasts.

Also See: 13 Brutally Honest Truths You Should Know Before Starting a Blog

4. Track Your Links

Many programs let you generate unique tracking IDs for each link. 

Use these to see what’s working and what’s not. 

For example, I discovered that links in my book reviews drive more sales than those in general list posts. 

Knowing this helps me focus my efforts where they matter most.

5. Leverage Social Media

Don’t limit your affiliate links to your blog! 

Share them on Instagram (use Stories and Link Stickers), Pinterest, Twitter, or wherever your audience hangs out. 

Pinterest, in particular, is fantastic for driving traffic to blog posts packed with affiliate links.

Pro Tip: Create pins like “Top 5 Fantasy Books You Can’t Miss” with links leading back to your blog or directly to affiliate sites.

6. Focus on SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a game-changer. 

Write posts targeting specific book-related keywords, like “Best New Sci-Fi Books” or “Where to Buy Books Online.” 

When people Google these phrases, your blog could be the one they find.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords your audience is searching for.

7. Always Be Transparent

Trust is everything. 

Make sure you disclose your use of affiliate links clearly. 

A simple sentence like “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you” does the job. 

Readers appreciate honesty, and it keeps you compliant with FTC guidelines.

8. Diversify Your Programs

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 

While Amazon is a great starting point, programs like Bookshop.org or Rakuten Kobo can bring in additional income.

Plus, your readers will appreciate having options that suit their preferences.

9. Promote Seasonal Content

Books are often tied to seasons or holidays. 

Use this to your advantage by creating posts like “Best Summer Beach Reads” or “Spooky Books for Halloween.” 

These posts are easy to share and tend to get more clicks during their respective seasons.

Here’s something I’ve learned over time: affiliate marketing is a bit of trial and error. 

What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. 

Keep experimenting with different types of posts, affiliate programs, and promotional strategies until you find your groove.

When I first started, I focused solely on Amazon Associates, but I realized my audience loved supporting independent bookstores. 

Adding Bookshop.org links made a world of difference—not just in my earnings, but in how much my readers engaged with my content.

Affiliate marketing is hands down one of the best ways to monetize your book blog without sacrificing the authenticity your readers love. 

You May Also Like: 17 Important Legal Pages Every Book Blog Must Have

Whether you’re recommending your latest five-star read, curating a list of bookish gifts, or introducing your audience to the joys of audiobooks, affiliate links can seamlessly fit into your content.

If you’re just starting out, I recommend signing up for Amazon Associates first—it’s beginner-friendly and has a vast product range. 

Then, as you get more comfortable, branch out into programs like Bookshop.org, Rakuten Kobo, or Audible to diversify your income.

Remember, this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. 

Like building your blog, affiliate marketing takes time, experimentation, and a deep understanding of your audience. 

But once you find your rhythm, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Now it’s your turn: What affiliate programs have you tried? Do you have any tips for maximizing earnings? 

Let’s share ideas in the comments and learn from each other. 

And hey, if you found this guide helpful, stick around—I’ve got more blogging tips and bookish content coming your way!

Happy blogging (and earning)!

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