"My Book is publishing! What do I do?" Author Marketing Tips and How to Prepare for Book Publication
Tips for both self-publishing and traditionally published authors
Author Marketing Tips and How to Prepare for Book Publication
Howdy writers! I’m knee-deep in marketing plans for my TWO books dropping in 2025 (with a possible third still hush-hush). The above image is part of a marketing effort spearheaded by my publisher Podium Entertainment.
Publishing is a wild ride—thrilling, especially for a debut, but downright terrifying. One minute you’re fretting, “What if nobody reads my book?” and the next, “What if EVERYONE reads it—and hates it?!”
Sound familiar? Here’s how I’m tackling marketing and prepping for launch day to turn those fears into triumphs. Us introverts may WISH that hiding in dark rooms and pecking out our tales was enough, but let’s face it: killer marketing is the secret ingredient to a thriving writing career.
As an author, getting your book into readers' hands is as much about strategy as it is about storytelling. Whether you're a debut novelist or a seasoned writer, effective marketing and preparation for publication are key to building your audience and ensuring your book's success. Here are some of my best tips to help you navigate the journey from manuscript to market.
Marketing Tips for Authors
1. Build Your Author Platform Early
Your platform is your online presence and connection with your audience. Start building it before your book launches:
Create a Website: A simple site with your bio, book details, and a blog can establish credibility. Include a newsletter sign-up form to capture reader emails.
Leverage Social Media: Focus on platforms where your target audience hangs out. For romance or thriller readers, Instagram, TikTok, and X are great for sharing snippets, behind-the-scenes content, or book aesthetics. Focus on the one or two platforms that you best vibe with for the top engagement.
Engage Authentically: Share your writing journey, inspirations, or even challenges. Readers love connecting with the person behind the pages.
2. Connect with Your Readers
Building a loyal readership takes effort but pays off:
Start a Newsletter: Email lists are powerful for direct communication. Offer a free short story or sample chapter to entice sign-ups.
Join Book Communities: Participate in Goodreads groups, Reddit’s r/books, or BookTok to discuss your genre and subtly promote your work.
Host Giveaways: Use platforms like Amazon or Goodreads to run giveaways, boosting visibility and excitement. For example, we’re working toward Amazon sales and Goodreads giveaways for my forthcoming titles.
3. Get Strategic with Pre-Orders
Pre-orders can drive early sales and improve your book’s ranking on retailers like Amazon:
Announce Early: Share pre-order links across your platforms as soon as they’re live. And don’t be afraid to keep plugging (even if you feel annoying). Remind readers that preorders can make or break a title, especially a debut. It can also determine if you get that second or third book in a series.
Offer Incentives: Exclusive content, like a bonus chapter or signed bookplates, can motivate early purchases. These are known as “reader magnets.”
Collaborate: Partner with bloggers or influencers in your genre to spread the word.
4. Utilize Reviews and Endorsements
Reviews lend credibility and influence purchasing decisions:
NetGalley or ARC Programs: Distribute advance reader copies (ARCs) to bloggers, reviewers, and bookstagrammers.
Ask for Blurbs: Reach out to authors in your genre for endorsements to feature on your cover or product page. This is scary, but still important in today’s publishing landscape. Trust me, I know! I’ve been sending out emails this week! Despite my nerves, every author I contacted has requested the galley.
Encourage Reader Reviews: Politely ask readers to leave (honest) reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble post-launch.
5. Plan a Launch Event
A launch event creates buzz and celebrates your achievement:
Virtual or In-Person: Host a livestreamed Q&A, a local bookstore signing, or a hybrid event.
Engage Your Audience: Share excerpts, discuss your inspiration, or run a raffle for signed copies.
Promote Widely: Use your newsletter, social media, and local media to spread the word.
Preparing for Book Publication (if you’re going the indie route)
1. Polish Your Manuscript
A professional manuscript is non-negotiable:
Hire an Editor: Developmental and copyediting ensure your story is cohesive and error-free.
Beta Readers: Get feedback from trusted readers in your genre to catch plot holes or pacing issues.
Proofread: A final proofread catches lingering typos that could distract readers.
2. Design a Standout Cover
Your cover is your book’s first impression:
Hire a Professional: Invest in a designer familiar with your genre’s trends (e.g., dark, moody covers for thrillers or vibrant ones for romance).
Test It: Share mockups with your audience to gauge reactions.
Optimize for Thumbnails: Ensure the title and imagery are clear at small sizes for online retailers.
3. Understand Your Publishing Path
Whether traditional or self-publishing, know your responsibilities:
Traditional Publishing: Work closely with your publisher on timelines, marketing plans, and distribution. Be proactive in supplementing their efforts.
Self-Publishing: You’re in charge of formatting, uploading to platforms like Amazon KDP, and setting pricing. Research competitive pricing in your genre.
Hybrid Publishing: Clarify what your hybrid publisher handles and what falls to you, especially marketing.
4. Plan Your Timeline
A clear timeline keeps you on track:
6–12 Months Out: Finalize your manuscript, start building your platform, and research editors/designers.
3–6 Months Out: Send ARCs, set up pre-orders, and plan your launch event.
1–3 Months Out: Ramp up marketing, schedule social media posts, and confirm distribution.
Launch Week: Engage with readers, monitor sales, and celebrate!
Final Thoughts
Marketing and preparing for publication can feel overwhelming and like total nightmare fuel. Trust me, I know! I have a super hard time plugging my own work. However, breaking it into manageable steps makes it achievable. Start early, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment with what resonates with your audience.
Your book is your passion—let your marketing reflect that same energy.
Check out my upcoming books, perfect for fans of dark romance and thrilling enemies-to-lovers stories:
Namaste Slay: A Dark Romantic Thriller (Releasing May 2025)
Available for pre-order on Amazon.Sacrifice of Flesh and Fury: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (Releasing October 2025)
Available for pre-order on Amazon.
Thank you for supporting my work, and I can’t wait to share these stories with you!