Writing in the Dark

 

 

The biggest mistake an author can make isn’t a weak opening line or a sagging middle—it’s waiting until the book is published to find an audience. Writing in solitude has a certain romantic appeal, but publishing? That’s a different game entirely. It requires an audience, and audiences don’t appear overnight.

I’ve seen it happen too many times—an author spends years pouring their soul into a book, only to launch it into the world with nothing but silence in response. They post about it on Facebook, tell a few friends, maybe even hold a small event, but the reality hits hard: no audience means no readers. It doesn’t matter how brilliant the writing is—without an engaged audience, a book might as well not exist.

So how do you avoid this? How do you start building your reader base before your book is published?

Start Before You’re Ready

Waiting until the book is finished to start finding readers is like waiting until you’re at the starting line of a marathon to start training. The work begins long before the big day. If you think you don’t have anything to say before the book is published, think again. Readers love the process. They love to see behind the scenes. They love to know the person behind the words.

Start sharing your journey. If you’re researching a historical novel, post about the fascinating details you uncover. If you’re writing fantasy, talk about your world-building process. Writing nonfiction? Share insights from your research. Give people a reason to care before you ever ask them to buy your book.

The Email List: Your Most Valuable Asset

If social media is a rented house, your email list is the home you own. Platforms change, algorithms shift, and accounts get shut down, but an email list? That’s yours.

Growing an email list isn’t about blasting people with promotional emails. It’s about building a relationship. Offer something valuable in exchange for their email—maybe a free chapter, a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process, or even a short story related to your book.

Then, keep the conversation going. Send regular updates, share personal insights, and treat your subscribers like VIPs. When the time comes to launch your book, they won’t just be potential buyers; they’ll be invested in your success.

Engage on Social Media—But Do It Right

Social media isn’t about shouting into the void; it’s about starting conversations. Too many authors make the mistake of only talking about their books. Instead, talk about what interests your readers.

If you write thrillers, discuss true crime cases. If you write romance, share insights on classic love stories. If you write historical fiction, dive into lesser-known moments in history. Be someone worth following, and people will stick around for the book when it arrives.

Find Your Readers Where They Already Are

Your ideal readers are out there, but they’re not waiting in a vacuum for you to arrive. They’re in Facebook groups, on Reddit, following book bloggers, and listening to podcasts. Find them. Engage in conversations without selling. Answer questions, contribute meaningfully, and become a known presence.

And when you do talk about your book, do it in a way that provides value. Instead of saying, “Buy my book,” say, “If you love fast-paced mysteries with strong female leads, I think you’d enjoy what I’ve been working on.” The difference is subtle but powerful.

Collaborate with Other Authors

There’s a myth that other authors are competition. They’re not. They’re your best allies. Readers don’t read just one book and call it quits—they devour books and trust recommendations from authors they already love.

Connect with writers in your genre. Offer to feature their work in your newsletter and ask if they’ll do the same. Join forces for giveaways, live chats, or blog swaps. An engaged audience shared is an engaged audience gained.

Be Consistent and Be Patient

Audience-building isn’t a one-time sprint; it’s a long game. It takes time. You might not see results immediately, but if you keep showing up, providing value, and engaging with the right people, the momentum builds.

And when launch day comes? You won’t be shouting into the void. You’ll be speaking to an audience waiting for your book, ready to turn the first page.

That’s how you build an engaged audience before your book is published. Start early, connect deeply, and give before you ask. The readers will follow.

 

Want to Grow as a Writer? Join Author Masterminds

If you’re looking for a community of dedicated writers who understand the challenges of the craft, consider joining Author Masterminds. Here, authors support each other, share marketing strategies, and gain insights beyond just writing—helping you build a career, not just a book. You don’t have to navigate criticism alone. Author Masterminds is a group of like-minded writers who will challenge, encourage, and help you grow. Learn more about how to become a part of it here: https://bit.ly/4k6lvg1.

Author Masterminds—Where Purpose, Power,
Passion, and Partnership Produce Possibilities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Start Your Publishing Journey with Expert Guidance.
Unlock Exclusive Tips, Trends, and Opportunities to Bringing Your Book to Market.

About Us

Kindly contact us if you've written a book, if you're writing a book, if you're thinking about writing a book, we can help!

Departments

My Account

Social Media

Payment

Publication Consultants Publication Consultants

Copyright 2023 powered by Publication Consultants All Rights Reserved.