You’ve written a book, or you’re close to finishing. What now? You could wait until launch day to start marketing, but here’s a truth most authors learn too late: the success of your book doesn’t begin when it hits shelves. It begins long before, with a solid author platform-building strategy.
An author platform is more than a website or social media page. It’s your reputation, your audience, and the space you occupy in readers’ minds before they even pick up your book. It tells agents you’re serious, gives publishers confidence, and creates early demand.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to build that platform step by step, including what tools to use, how to stay authentic, and where author website services come into play. Whether you’re going the self-publishing vs hybrid vs traditional route, these tips will help you launch with momentum, not hesitation.
What Is an Author Platform and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, your author platform is the connection between you and your readers. It includes your website, social presence, mailing list, professional branding, and sometimes even your offline speaking engagements or publications.
Agents and publishers look for a platform because it shows you can sell books. Readers look for it to decide whether you’re worth following. And if you’re planning to hire ghostwriter UK professionals, having a clear platform helps ensure your content and tone are aligned with your goals.
In short, a strong platform amplifies your voice before, during, and after your book’s release.
Step 1: Build Your Author Website
A website is your online headquarters. It’s where readers, agents, and publishers go when they want to know who you are and what you’re about.
Start simple, but make sure it’s professional. Include:
- A bio that reflects your author branding
- Information about your book(s) or work-in-progress
- A blog or news section for updates
- A signup form for your email list
- Links to your social media
If building a site sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Professional author website services can set up a sleek, user-friendly site tailored to your brand and audience. These services can also help optimise your layout using book cover design psychology to ensure your visuals support your story.
Step 2: Grow an Email List Early
Your email list is a direct line to your readers, no algorithms, no distractions. Start collecting emails before your book is published. Offer a sample chapter, bonus content, or exclusive updates in exchange for a signup.
You don’t need thousands of subscribers to make an impact. A small, engaged list of readers who love your content is worth more than a large, silent audience. Just make sure every email you send is valuable, whether it’s writing advice, behind-the-scenes insights, or updates on your progress.
Step 3: Establish a Presence on Social Media
You don’t need to be on every platform, but you should be somewhere. Choose platforms that suit your personality and where your ideal readers hang out. TikTok (BookTok) and Instagram are great for fiction; Twitter and LinkedIn can work well for non-fiction.
Social media plays a major role in book marketing social media strategies. It’s also a great way to build relationships with other writers, share your publishing journey, and attract early fans.
Need content ideas? Post writing updates, reader polls, manuscript editing preparation tips, or even snippets from your book. The key is consistency and authenticity.
Step 4: Define and Refine Your Author Brand
Your author brand is how people perceive you. It includes your tone, your message, your aesthetic, and the values that come across in everything you create.
Are you a bold thriller author? A poetic memoirist? A quirky children’s book writer? Make sure your brand reflects that across your website, social channels, and newsletter.
Good branding also makes it easier to attract the right collaborators, whether that’s a ghostwriter UK, an editor, or someone to help you hire book illustrator professionals for a picture book or fantasy series.
Step 5: Develop Pre-Launch Content and Assets
As your launch approaches, start crafting materials you’ll need to support your release. These may include:
- A lead magnet (e.g. sample chapter or reader quiz)
- Book description and blurb
- Cover reveal strategy
- Email and social content calendar
- Book a video trailer for a visual teaser
You’ll also want to begin assembling your book launch checklist, including scheduling blog tours, getting early reviews, and prepping your online store or sales page.
Step 6: Engage the Writing and Publishing Community
Your author platform building doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Join writing groups, attend virtual events, and engage with other authors in your genre.
This helps you build credibility, opens collaboration opportunities, and gives you valuable insight into trends, like how to pitch to literary agents or decide between self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional options.
You may even connect with editors, designers, or service providers who can assist with types of book editing or visual assets that enhance your platform.
Step 7: Leverage Your Platform for Book Success
Once your book is ready, your platform becomes the launchpad. You’ve already built an audience, created valuable content, and positioned yourself as someone worth reading. Now it’s about execution.
Use your email list to build anticipation. Use your social media to run giveaways, share testimonials, and highlight reader engagement. Your site becomes the go-to hub for links, updates, and bonus content.
Already working with a ghostwriter UK? Leverage their knowledge to help shape bonus content or character arc development backstories that deepen reader connection.
A Quick Platform-Prep Checklist
Use this to assess your readiness:
- Website is live and professional
- Email signup form and welcome sequence ready
- Social profiles are active and aligned with the brand
- Content calendar planned for next 2–3 months
- Lead magnet created and promoted
- Pre-launch promotional materials drafted
- Book editing services secured if needed
- Visual assets designed or outsourced
- Publishing route chosen
- Audience engagement plan in place
Conclusion
Don’t wait until you have a finished book to start building your platform. Your audience, and your future readers, are already out there. By focusing on author platform building now, you set yourself up for a smoother launch and stronger long-term success.
And if you’re feeling stuck on the tech or strategy side, professional author website services can help take that burden off your plate, leaving you free to focus on the creative work.
Whether you’re preparing to pitch to literary agents, create a book video trailer, or partner with a ghostwriter UK, one thing’s clear: your author platform is the foundation. Build it wisely, and the rest gets a whole lot easier.