Alright, let’s dive into building your audience from the ground up. This is probably one of the most common questions in self-publishing: “How do I get people to actually find and read my book?” And honestly, it’s a fair question. Writing the book is one thing; getting it into readers’ hands is a whole other mountain to climb. But, good news: it’s completely doable, even if you’re starting from scratch.
The first thing I want to say—and this might sting a little—is that building an audience takes time. There’s no overnight hack here. But don’t let that discourage you, because every small step you take builds momentum. The key is starting, even if it feels slow at first.
So, where do you start? Your email list. Seriously, if you do nothing else, focus on this. An email list is the one audience you truly own. Social media algorithms can change, platforms can come and go, but your list is yours. Start by offering something of value in exchange for a reader’s email. This could be a short story, a chapter from your book, or even a resource guide if you write nonfiction. Make it something irresistible to your ideal reader. You can use tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit to set this up—it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Now, let’s talk about social media. I know, it can feel overwhelming, but hear me out. You don’t need to be on every platform. Pick one—yes, just one—that you genuinely enjoy. If you hate Instagram, don’t use Instagram. If you’re a Twitter junkie, go with Twitter. The goal here isn’t to spread yourself thin; it’s to show up where your audience hangs out and actually engage with them. Share your process, your thoughts, and yes, your book, but do it in a way that feels natural. And don’t forget to actually talk to people—comment on posts, respond to messages, be a human.
Speaking of engagement, you need to get comfortable with the idea of community. Readers don’t just want a book—they want a connection with the person behind it. This is why things like live Q&As, behind-the-scenes looks, and personal updates can be so effective. Start thinking of your audience not as buyers, but as a community of people who share an interest in the kind of stories or topics you write about. That mindset shift can make all the difference.
Another big one is collaborations. Look for opportunities to work with others in your niche. This could be guest blogging, partnering with another author for a giveaway, or even joining a podcast as a guest. The goal here is to tap into established audiences that align with your target readers. It’s mutually beneficial—you get exposure, and they get valuable content.
Now, I want to touch on content marketing. This is a fancy term for creating valuable content that attracts readers. If you write fantasy, for example, you could start a blog about world-building or a YouTube channel where you review fantasy books. If you’re a nonfiction author, maybe you create a free guide or post tips on LinkedIn. The point is to establish yourself as someone worth following. A great resource for learning more about this is Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn website—it’s packed with advice on audience-building and marketing. Check it out at https://www.thecreativepenn.com.
Lastly, let’s talk patience. Building an audience isn’t about one viral moment; it’s about consistency. You need to show up regularly, put in the work, and give it time. If you keep engaging, creating, and learning, your audience will grow. It might start as a trickle, but that’s okay. Every reader matters.
So, to recap: focus on your email list, pick one social platform to master, build a community, collaborate with others, and use content marketing to attract readers. And most importantly, keep going—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got this.