10 Easy Ways to Market Your Book Before It’s Published

Why Pre-Publication Book Marketing Matters

So: You’ve just polished off your manuscript, and you’re buzzing with excitement. Your first instinct? Probably to celebrate (as you should!) and then jump into pre-publication book marketing—because the most successful authors know that marketing their books 6 to 12 months before publication is key to building buzz and momentum.

Pre-publication book marketing isn’t just about early sales (though that’s a bonus). It’s about forging genuine connections with readers who become your book’s biggest champions. When readers feel invested in your journey, they don’t just buy your book—they recommend it to friends, leave thoughtful reviews, and eagerly await your next release.

The authors who consistently hit bestseller lists? They understand that successful book marketing starts long before the book hits shelves. Let me share the strategies that actually move the needle!

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1. Build Your Author Platform Early

The Reality: Your author platform is your marketing home base, but it doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be you.

Here’s what actually works:

For Your Website:

◆ Use platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or even Linktree if you’re just starting

◆ Include a simple “About” page that tells your story (readers connect with people, not credentials)

◆ Create a “Books” page, even if you only have one coming soon

◆ Add a prominent email signup with a compelling reason to join (free short story, exclusive updates, etc.)

For Email Marketing:

◆ Start with free platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit

◆ Send monthly updates sharing your writing journey, not just book promotions

Pro tip: Share your failures and struggles too—authenticity builds deeper connections than polished success stories

For Social Media:

◆ Pick ONE platform to start (where your ideal readers actually hang out)

◆ For fiction: Instagram and TikTok work well for most genres

◆ For non-fiction: LinkedIn and Twitter/X often perform better

◆ Post consistently but don’t stress about daily posting—quality over quantity!

Real Example: Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson built his platform by sharing detailed writing advice and progress updates years before his major releases. His transparency created a devoted fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new book.

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2. Connect with Your Network and Community

The Reality: Your existing network wants to support you, but they need to know how.

Your Inner Circle Strategy:

◆ Create a “book launch team” of 20-30 friends and family

◆ Send them a simple email explaining your book and asking if they’d like updates

◆ Give them specific ways to help: “When I share posts about my book, a like or comment really helps with visibility!”

Important: Make it easy for them to say no without guilt

Community Building:

◆ Join genre-specific Facebook groups (search “[your genre] readers” or “[your genre] book club”)

◆ Participate in Goodreads groups related to your topic

◆ Use hashtags like #WritingCommunity, #BookTwitter, or #AuthorLife to find fellow writers

Golden rule: Give value before asking for anything—comment meaningfully, share others’ content, offer genuine encouragement

Resources to Find Your Community:

◆ Reedsy Prompts (for connecting with other writers)

◆ 20BooksTo50K Facebook group (for indie authors)

◆ Writer’s Digest community forums

◆ Local writing groups (check Meetup.com)

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3. Share Free Sample Chapters or Excerpts

The Reality: Readers want to “try before they buy,” but timing and presentation matter.

What Works:

◆ Share your strongest opening chapter, not just the first one

◆ Post excerpts on Wattpad, Medium, or your own blog

◆ Create beautiful graphics with short quotes for social media (use Canva templates)

◆ Offer a free PDF of your first chapter in exchange for email signups

Advanced Strategy:

◆ Create a “reader magnet”—a prequel short story or bonus content exclusive to email subscribers

◆ Use platforms like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to deliver digital content seamlessly

Pro tip: Ask beta readers which scenes they found most compelling, then turn those into shareable excerpts

Timing Matters:

◆ Start sharing excerpts 3-4 months before publication

◆ Space them out—one compelling excerpt per week is better than dumping everything at once

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4. Partner with Bloggers and Influencers

The Reality: Successful influencer partnerships are relationships, not transactions.

How to Find the Right Partners:

◆ Use tools like BookBub Partners or NetGalley to find book bloggers

◆ Search Instagram hashtags like #bookstagram, #bookreview, or #[yourgenre]reads

◆ Look for micro-influencers (1K-10K followers) who have engaged audiences

◆ Check podcast directories for shows that interview authors in your genre

The Outreach That Actually Works: Instead of: “Would you review my book?” Try: “I’ve been following your reviews and love your insights on [specific book/genre]. I have a [genre] book coming out in [month] and would love to send you an advance copy if it sounds interesting. No pressure for a review—I just think you might enjoy it based on your recent post about [specific book they reviewed]!”

Beyond Reviews:

◆ Offer to guest post on their blog

◆ Propose a joint Instagram Live or podcast appearance

◆ Create shareable content they can use (book quotes, discussion questions, etc.)

Remember: Always offer value to their audience, not just promotion for your book

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5. Plan a Cover Reveal and Share Behind-the-Scenes Content

The Reality: People love feeling like insiders in your creative process.

Cover Reveal Strategy:

◆ Coordinate your reveal across all platforms on the same day

◆ Create a countdown leading up to it

◆ Share the story behind your cover—why you chose that artist, what the symbolism means

Pro tip: Create different versions for different platforms (Instagram Stories, Facebook posts, Twitter images)

Behind-the-Scenes Content That Engages:

◆ Time-lapse videos of your writing setup

◆ Photos of your research process (books, notes, mood boards)

◆ Screenshots of your writing progress (word count celebrations)

◆ Voice notes sharing what you learned while writing

◆ The “outtakes”—funny typos, plot holes you discovered, character names that didn’t work

Content Calendar Template:

Week 1: Share your writing playlist

Week 2: Post photos of your research materials

Week 3: Reveal your cover design process

Week 4: Share a challenging scene you’re working through

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6. Host Virtual or In-Person Events

The Reality: Generic “book readings” don’t draw crowds, but valuable, interactive events do.

Virtual Event Ideas That Work:

◆ Writing workshops, where you teach something related to your book’s topic

◆ Ask Me Anything sessions about your writing process

◆ Book club discussions about books that inspired yours

◆ For fiction: Character development workshops or world-building sessions

◆ For non-fiction: Mini-masterclasses on your subject matter

In-Person Opportunities:

◆ Local bookstores often host author events for upcoming releases

◆ Libraries frequently welcome author presentations

◆ Writing conferences and book festivals (apply 6-12 months ahead)

Don’t overlook: Coffee shops, co-working spaces, and community centers

Tools to Make It Easy:

◆ Eventbrite for ticketing and promotion

◆ Zoom or Facebook Live for virtual events

◆ Crowdcast for more professional virtual events

Pro tip: Record everything—you can repurpose content for social media later

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7. Set Up Pre-Orders to Build Momentum

The Reality: Pre-orders do more than generate early sales—they signal to retailers that your book has demand.

Pre-Order Timeline:

6 months out: Set up pre-orders on major platforms

3 months out: Start actively promoting pre-order links

1 month out: Final push with exclusive pre-order bonuses

Where to Set Up Pre-Orders:

◆ Amazon
◆ Barnes & Noble
◆ Kobo
◆ Apple Books
◆ Google Play Books
◆ Your local independent bookstore (ask them about special orders)

Pre-Order Incentives That Work:

◆ Exclusive bonus chapter or short story

◆ Early access to your next book’s first chapter

◆ Signed bookplate (mail these to pre-order customers)

◆ Character profiles, maps, or behind-the-scenes content

Track Your Results:

◆ Use Amazon’s Author Central to monitor pre-order numbers

◆ Check your book’s ranking in relevant categories

Important: Pre-orders count toward your first-week sales, which can help with bestseller lists

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8. Use Paid Advertising Thoughtfully

The Reality: Paid ads can work, but they’re not magic bullets—and they require strategy.

Start Small and Learn:

◆ Begin with $5-10 per day on Facebook or Instagram ads

◆ Test different audiences: fans of similar books, people interested in your genre, lookalike audiences based on your email list

Important: Start advertising 60-90 days before your launch, not the day of

Ad Types That Work for Pre-Publication:

◆ Lead magnets (free chapter in exchange for email)

◆ Pre-order announcements

◆ Cover reveals

Avoid: Generic “buy my book” ads—they rarely convert

Free Advertising Alternatives:

◆ Submit to BookBub’s free newsletter (highly competitive but worth trying)

◆ Use Goodreads’ free author tools

◆ Participate in genre-specific book promotion groups on Facebook

◆ Team up with other authors for joint newsletters or social media posts

Budget Guidelines:

◆ Spend no more than 10% of your expected first-year earnings on ads

◆ Track your cost per email signup (should be $2-5 for most genres)

Remember: Organic marketing often outperforms paid ads in the long run

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9. Gather Early Reviews and Testimonials

The Reality: Early reviews are crucial, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to get them.

Who to Ask:

◆ Beta readers who loved your book

◆ Fellow authors in your genre (offer to reciprocate)

◆ Book bloggers and reviewers

◆ Industry professionals: editors, agents, or published authors who might provide blurbs

How to Ask:

◆ Send advance review copies (ARCs) 2-3 months before publication

◆ Include a personal note explaining your book and why you thought they’d enjoy it

Be specific: “I’m hoping for honest reviews on Goodreads and Amazon when the book launches”

Never: Ask for positive reviews—ask for honest ones

Where to Direct Reviews:

◆ Goodreads (crucial for discoverability)

◆ Amazon (wait until publication day)

◆ NetGalley (for professional reviewers)

◆ Industry publications: Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal (submit 3-4 months ahead)

Review Request Template: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re well! I’m reaching out because I remember you mentioning you enjoy [genre] books, and I have a new [genre] novel coming out in [month] called [title]. I’d love to send you an advance copy if you’re interested—no pressure for a review, but if you enjoy it and feel moved to share your thoughts on Goodreads or Amazon, I’d be incredibly grateful. Would you like me to send you a copy?”

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10. Keep Consistent Communication with Your Audience

The Reality: Consistency beats perfection, but value beats frequency.

Email Newsletter Strategy:

◆ Monthly frequency is usually perfect for pre-publication

◆ Mix content: 70% valuable content, 30% book promotion

◆ Share what you’re reading, writing challenges, industry insights

Always include: a personal note—people subscribe to hear from you, not your marketing team

Social Media Consistency:

◆ Post 3-4 times per week rather than daily

◆ Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite

Content mix: behind-the-scenes (40%), industry-related content (30%), book promotion (20%), personal life (10%)

Content Ideas That Keep People Engaged:

◆ Writing tips and lessons learned

◆ Book recommendations in your genre

◆ Publishing industry news and insights

◆ Personal stories that connect to your book’s themes

◆ Interactive content: polls, questions, challenges

Tools to Stay Organized:

◆ Trello or Notion for content planning

◆ Canva for creating consistent graphics

◆ Google Calendar for scheduling content themes

Pro tip: Batch create content—spend one day per month creating all your social media posts

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Your Pre-Publication Book Marketing Timeline

6 Months Before Publication:

◆ Set up website and email newsletter

◆ Begin building social media presence

◆ Start connecting with book bloggers and reviewers

◆ Set up pre-orders

3 Months Before Publication:

◆ Launch cover reveal

◆ Send out advance review copies

◆ Begin paid advertising (if using)

◆ Increase social media posting frequency

1 Month Before Publication:

◆ Final push for pre-orders

◆ Schedule launch week events

◆ Coordinate with your network for launch day support

◆ Prepare your launch week content

Remember: This timeline is flexible. The key is starting early and building genuine relationships with readers!

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Set Yourself Up for Success with Pre-Publication Book Marketing

Here’s what I wish someone had told me: Pre-publication book marketing isn’t about tricks or hacks—it’s about building genuine connections with people who will love your book. When you focus on providing value, sharing your authentic journey, and treating your readers like friends rather than customers, the “marketing” becomes natural!

Your book deserves readers who will champion it, recommend it, and eagerly await your next release. But those readers need to find you first, and that happens through consistent, authentic engagement long before your book hits shelves.

Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Every successful author started exactly where you are now—with a book they believed in and the determination to connect it with the right readers!

Ready to take your pre-publication book marketing to the next level? The authors who consistently build successful careers understand that professional support can make all the difference. If you’re looking for expert guidance on crafting and executing a marketing plan that actually works, Atmosphere Press offers comprehensive author services designed to help you build a thriving readership and achieve your publishing goals.

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