This Is How To Build An Audience For Your Book While You're Writing And Editing It

When I published my first book on Amazon, I made one fatal mistake. 

Ok, sure, there were a couple of big mistakes, a dozen small ones, but there was one that was my kryptonite. And I know I'm not the only one who has done this. 

Be kind as I tell you this. 

I waited until after I hit publish to think about how to find readers. Yep, I made a classic rookie error, one so many people warned me about, and a warning I completely ignored. 

Sure, the cover looked good, and the formatting was clean. The price was set, and I thought it was affordable. Everything was done, and I clicked publish and expected sales to trickle in. 

Instead, nothing happened. Not because the book was broken, but because I had built no audience while writing it.

Everyone will tell you that if you want your book to have a real chance, audience building cannot start after launch. It has to happen while you are writing and editing.

Here's how I would practically do this whilst you're writing your book. 

The Core Shift: Audience First, Book Second

Most new self-publishers think the sequence is simple: 

Write the book > Publish the book > Find readers.

That order almost never works, as I can attest to. Successful indie authors reverse it. They build attention first, create relationships with readers, grow an email list, and then launch to people who are already waiting.

You do not need thousands of fans. You need a small group of people who know you exist and care about what you are creating. That is enough to create momentum.

If you want to build this audience, start thinking like successful self-published authors and commit to building an audience while you write. 

What "Building An Audience" Actually Means

Whilst on the subject of "thousands of fans", building an audience does not mean going viral or becoming famous. It means creating direct access for people interested in your topic or genre.

For most self-publishers, that includes building:

• An email list with 100 to 1,000 subscribers
• A small (or large if you can) but engaged social media presence
• Published content that demonstrates your voice and expertise
• Participation in communities where your target readers already gather

If you launch without these, you are relying entirely on an algorithm to discover you. Algorithms, especially those at huge companies like Amazon, do not push untested or unknown books. They amplify what is already working.

How to Build While You Write

You do not need to pause your book for a year to build an audience. The smartest strategy is to build your audience in parallel with writing the book.

1. Start An Email List Immediately

If you haven't already, start an email list, even if you are only on chapter three.

Create a simple landing page that says something like, "I am writing a book about [topic]. Join my list to get updates and a free chapter when it is ready."

Then start driving traffic to that page. You can do this by:

• Posting regularly on social media
• Writing articles related to your book's topic
• Adding a signup link to your bio
• Engaging in communities and mentioning your project naturally

Even 50 to 100 subscribers before launch can dramatically change your results. But it's important to start now and let people know your book is coming (so best to build hype and not confuse any potential readers).

I launched with just under 50 subscribers, but they weren't invested and engaged with me. It's because I hadn't nurtured my relationship with them, and I had let a big email communication gap grow while editing the novel. Of course, they were interested when the book when live. 

2. Publish Related Content Publicly

While you are drafting your book, publish shorter pieces online (on your blog, on LinkedIn, on any writing website relevant to your genre).

• If you write nonfiction, share insights from your research.
• If you write fiction, share world-building notes, character backstories, or short scenes.
• If you write self-help, publish practical advice drawn from your framework.

Each piece of content does three things to help build your audience. It builds trust, drives people to your email list and tests which ideas resonate most. I've seen other authors do this, and I feel part of the process with them.

3. Join And Contribute To Communities

Find where your ideal readers already gather and hang out, and hang out there yourself, letting them get to know you. I'm talking about Subreddits, Facebook groups, Discord servers, LinkedIn groups, and in-person writing communities.

The key is not to spam these communities with your book or to join with the sole ambition of selling it. Within these groups, provide value, answer questions, share insights, and most importantly, build real relationships.

When you eventually launch, those connections matter. People support people they recognise.

4. Post Consistently On Social Media

Social media is not just for promotion; it is for visibility and familiarity. 

While you are writing and editing your book, share the journey in small, consistent ways. Post insights from your research, lessons you are learning, short excerpts, writing struggles, milestones, and even mistakes. 

Let people see the process and not just the finished product.

The goal is not to shout "buy my book" but to become known for talking about your topic or genre. Over time, repeated exposure builds trust, and trust turns passive followers into email subscribers and future readers.

(By the way, if you want an example of this done very well, look up the Shane Dawson series on YouTube called: The Beautiful World of Jeffree Star. He documents creating an entire makeup collection with already established makeup mogul, Jeffree Star. He shows how he's building the collection, hyping each step, building anticipation, which leads to a monumental launch.)

How To Build An Audience During Editing

Once your manuscript is finished and in editing, your audience building should accelerate, not slow down. Everything you've done during the writing stage should continue (and I would recommend doubling down on). 

• Continue growing your email list every week. 
• Share behind-the-scenes updates on social media.
• Explain what the book is about and why it matters. 
• Let people feel involved in the process (asking for their opinion is a great way to do this).

What I would add to this stage is the recruitment of ARC readers. An ARC is an advance review copy, which you send to readers in exchange for an honest review at launch. Reviews help prove to the world your book is worth reading, as well as show Amazon's algorithm, for example, that it should recommend your book. 

During this phase, reach out the following communities and ask them to become your ARC readers:

• People on your email list
• Book bloggers in your genre
• Other indie authors
• Active members in reader communities

How Long It Actually Takes To Build An Invested Audience

You may think building an audience whilst you're still scribling ideas in a notebook is too early. I would disagree with you. The more time you have to build an audience, the better. 

Realistically, building a small but engaged audience usually takes six to twelve months, and that's if you're consistent and engaging in the right ways to convert. 

Honestly: 

Months one to three are slow. You move from zero to 50 or 100 subscribers.

Months four to six become easier as your content compounds.

Month seven onward, growth accelerates because you have momentum.

This is an ideal timeframe, too. Everyone is different, so if you can budget for longer, the better off you are. 

Platform Matters Less Than Consistency

Writers often ask which platform is best to build their community on while they're busy writing their next masterpiece. There is no answer that suits every writer, I'm sorry to say. 

But a rule of thumb is that the best platform is wherever your ideal readers already spend their time.

• Business and professional nonfiction works well on LinkedIn.
• Romance often thrives on TikTok or Facebook groups.
• Self-help performs strongly on Medium or Instagram.
• Professional nonfiction often pairs well with a newsletter and LinkedIn.

I wouldn't get fixated on indecision about platforms. The exact platform is less important than showing up consistently and directing people to your email list.

Start Building Before You Feel Ready

If you are currently writing your book, do not wait until it is finished to think about readers. Even if you feel as if you have no time or capacity right now, I recommend you do the following: 

• Create a signup page this week.
• Publish one related article.
• Join one relevant community and contribute something useful.

Then return to your manuscript. 

By the time you hit publish, you will not be hoping strangers care. You will be launching to people who already do.

And that will make all the effort worthwhile. 

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I write about the emotional and practical reality of being a writer - drafting, doubt, discipline, and publishing while still figuring it out.

Mostly for people who write because they have to, need to, want to | https://linktr.ee/ellenfranceswrites