The Great 8: Advice Every Author Should Know Before Publishing

Publishing your first book is an exhilarating milestone, but the journey is full of lessons learned along the way. Based on the collective wisdom of some of the experienced authors we have engaged with, here are some key insights to help you navigate the process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

Start Marketing Early 📣

One of the most echoed pieces of advice is to start marketing before your book is even finished - your audience needs time to find you! Build your social media presence, share snippets of your work, and engage with your potential readers as early as is reasonable. A solid pre-launch strategy can make all the difference when your book hits the shelves, and help prevent feeling disheartened later down the track. Besides - marketing can be a lot of fun (albeit, a lot of work!). Why not start early?

Embrace the Long Game ⏳

Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Many authors discover that building a readership and gaining traction takes much longer than expected. Don’t be discouraged if success doesn’t happen overnight - stay consistent, and remember that your first book is often the foundation for your future writing career. The vast majority of the world's most successful authors published a few unsuccessful reads!

Budget for Marketing 💰

As much as we hope it will, a fantastic story won’t sell itself! Without a marketing budget, your book may struggle to find visibility. From ads to promotional campaigns, investing in your book’s exposure is crucial. Even modest spending on targeted ads or promotions can significantly increase your reach. Your book deserves to be heard, and making it easy for your audiences to find it is key.

Avoid Vanity Publishers 🚨

Be wary of vanity publishers that charge fees for services and make lofty promises... Too many writers have been burner here! Many authors regret spending money on companies that deliver subpar results - instead, do your homework on reputable publishers, and consider familiarising yourself with platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which offer free tools and extensive resources to guide self-publishers.

Plan for ARC Readers 🌟

Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) are a game-changer when it comes to marketing and launches. Sending out copies to readers before your release date helps build buzz and ensures reviews are ready to go when your book launches. Reviews play a critical role in convincing others to give your book a chance!

Don’t Delay Too Long 🚀

Perfectionism can be paralysing and a total drain on your energy. While it’s essential to produce a polished manuscript, don’t let fear of imperfection prevent you from publishing. Learn to strike a balance between quality and action - you can always grow and refine with future books. Remember that enlisting the help of professionals can help with this, too!

Focus on Building Relationships 🤝

Speak to other authors who’ve been through the self-publishing process - their insights can help you avoid costly mistakes. Networking within the writing community can also open doors to collaborations, endorsements, and advice you didn’t know you needed. Check out online forums, join writers' groups, and keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to network and connect.

Don’t Ignore Advertising 🛒

In today’s saturated book market, advertising is often necessary to stand out. Consider experimenting with the lines of Amazon Ads, Facebook campaigns, or other promotional tools to see what works best for your book. A little investment upfront can yield significant returns.

Final Thoughts: Your First Book Is Just the Beginning

Publishing a book is a monumental achievement, but it’s also just the start of your journey. Be patient, invest in your work, and treat each experience as a stepping stone to greater success. With preparation, persistence, and the right strategies, your book - and your career as an author - can thrive. Don't forget to ask for help when you need it, too! ✍️✨