Laying the Groundwork for Your Book’s Success

There are early clues that tell you if the book is going to be a success. It has to do with your mindset and your plan.

I remember my early days as a writer. I was clueless. Then came the time to launch and I realised I was doing it backwards. I expected a structured onboarding process to appear magically, as if for a new employee at a large corporation. Then I realised there was no fairy godmother in this story. I was an entrepreneur and needed to plan. I stumbled across what to do, but that does not have to be you.

So here is a simple starter guide to steer you in the right direction.

📙 Laying the Groundwork for Your Book’s Success

You have an idea. Maybe you have already started writing. Perhaps have dreamed of writing a book for years but never put pen to paper. Either way, if you want your book to have an impact, you must start building your foundation early. A book is not just words on a page. It is a legacy that can influence people long after you are gone.

📙 Identify Your Audience

A little market research goes a long way. You do not need a full-scale industry analysis, but you should know who will read your book. Are they professionals looking for insights? Are they parents seeking inspiration?

When you know your audience, you will know what to write and later marketing will be much easier. Spend time on platforms like Amazon, Google and even Facebook groups to see what people are talking about in your genre. This will help you shape your message so it lands in the right hands.

I write medieval fantasy, author guides and thrillers as well as on maternity crises and mental health. Each of these has a distinct target market. So I have to have a separate marketing plan for each of them.

📙 Start Building Your Email List

Many new authors make the mistake of thinking that marketing starts after the book is done. I know I did that. That is too late. Your email list is one of the most powerful tools you will ever have. It allows you to talk directly to people who are interested in your writing.

But how do you start an email list before you have a book? You give people a reason to sign up. Write short stories, share behind-the-scenes updates, or document your journey. People love to follow a story and your book is a story in itself. A “reader magnet” like a free chapter, checklist, or exclusive article can also be a great way to attract early supporters.

I prefer a completed work and not a sample. For example, for my medieval fantasy readers, I have a full novella called “Mother’s Warning.” My aspiring authors get “Time in a Bottle.” I am currently creating a series of letters for women going through a pregnancy crisis. All of these are available for free. You must add real value to your audience.

📙 Do Your Keyword and Category Research

If you want readers to find your book, you need to know what they are searching for. Keywords and categories are not just for tech-savvy marketers. They help position your book where it can be easily discovered.

Look for keywords that have high demand but low competition. If any of those overlap with your interests, you may have found a niche that will help your book gain traction. This step is often overlooked, but it can make the difference between a book that sits unnoticed and a book that reaches the right people.

If you get stuck, Write Learn and Earn can help you with this in one of our Keyword research sessions. I still do this with every one of my book launches.

📙 Create Your Author Website

You do not need a fancy website, but you do need a home base. A simple author website with your name, a bio and a way for people to sign up for your email list is enough to start.

Hosting services are affordable and getting your domain name early is always a good idea. Over time, you can expand your site to include a blog, book updates and even a shop. But for now, just having a place where people can find you is a great first step.

Your book is more than just a project. It is a message, a mission and a legacy. If you take the time to lay the groundwork before launch, you will not just be publishing a book. You will be building something that lasts.

I know this may seem daunting. But taking things one step at a time will help you achieve your goals faster than you think. And as I always say to my clients. There are no marketing and writing police coming to arrest you if you get it wrong the first time. You can edit and tweak as you go along.