Many authors only think about promotion once their book is finished. That is a shame, because you can achieve a great deal in the phase before that. By involving readers early in your process, you build a group of people who empathize with you, provide feedback, and will later help bring your book to the attention of the public.
Start sharing during the process
You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect. It is precisely the process that is interesting to others. For example, share what you are working on, what challenges you are facing, or what inspires you. You can do this via social media, a newsletter, or a blog. This way, you give people a glimpse behind the scenes and make them part of your journey.
Make it personal and relatable
People don’t follow a book, but a story, and the creator is part of that. By sharing personal updates, you create recognition and engagement. This can be something small: a brief update, a thought, or a fragment from your manuscript. It doesn’t have to be grand, as long as it is real.
Actively engage your readers
You can also actively involve your audience in the brainstorming process. For example, ask for input on a title, cover idea, or topic. Or share a piece of text and ask for reactions. By involving people, they feel a sense of ownership in the process, which increases the likelihood that they will become ambassadors for your book later on.
Build a loyal group of followers
The goal is not to reach as many people as possible, but to build an engaged group. This can be a small community that is genuinely interested in your topic. This group is often more valuable than a large but passive audience.
When you are ready to turn your project into a physical product, many makers choose to consider printing a small run of books first. This way, you can involve your community directly with the first copies, without large inventories.
Use your community at the launch
When your book is finished, you already have a foundation. People who have followed you are curious about the final result. They are more likely to share your book, write reviews, or be the first to buy it. This way, your launch becomes not a starting point, but a logical continuation of what you have already built.
Whether you want to test a first run or print your own book immediately, it helps enormously if there are already people waiting for you.
Finally
Writing a book is often a solitary activity, but the process surrounding it doesn’t have to be. By building a community even before publication, you not only increase your reach but also the impact of your book. It makes the road to publication more personal, enjoyable, and effective.
Are you ready to take the next step and have a book printed? We at Bookadew are happy to think along with you, whether you choose a small print run or a full production.