How to Start Building Your Author Platform (Even Before You Publish)

So you’ve started writing—or maybe you’ve already finished your manuscript—and you’re hearing the same advice over and over again: “You need to build an author platform.” But what does that even mean when you haven’t published anything yet?

Good news: you don’t need to be a bestselling author (or even a published one) to start growing your audience. In fact, building your platform before your book launches is one of the smartest things you can do.

Here’s how to get started—no book deal or ISBN required.

1. Define Your Brand (Yes, You Have One)

Your author brand is simply the vibe you want readers to associate with you and your work. Are you a true crime writer? A women's history author? A nonfiction expert in a specific building in town? Decide how you want to show up online.

Think about:

  • Your writing genre and tone Your personality (funny, serious, encouraging, etc.)
  • The themes or topics you want to be known for
  • Once you have clarity, you can start showing up consistently in a way that feels natural and authentic.

2. Pick One or Two Social Platforms to Focus On

You do not need to be on every social media site. Choose one or two platforms where your ideal readers hang out, and focus your energy there. For most authors, the best places to start are:

  • Instagram: Great for aesthetics, quotes, reels, and community
  • TikTok (BookTok): Ideal for discoverability and viral reach
  • Twitter/X: Popular for writer communities and industry networking
  • Facebook: Good for groups and older demographics
  • YouTube or a blog: Fantastic for long-form content and SEO

Start posting content related to your writing process, book themes, inspiration, or even just your life as a writer. Don’t worry if your audience is small—consistency beats numbers in the beginning.

3. Create a Simple Website

Yes, even unpublished authors should have a website. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just a few pages is enough:

  • A homepage that says who you are and what you write
  • A short bio and author photo
  • A contact form
  • An email sign-up

Which leads to the next point...4. Start an Email List Early

Social media algorithms change. Your email list is yours. Even if you only have five subscribers at the beginning, that’s five people who’ve said, “I want to hear from you.” Offer something small as an incentive (a short story, a writing tip sheet, exclusive updates), and mention it in your bios and posts.

5. Engage with the Writing and Reading Community

Building your platform isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s about connecting. Some ways to build genuine relationships:

  • Comment on other authors’ posts
  • Share writing updates or tips
  • Join online writing challenges or hashtags (like #AmWriting)
  • Support debut authors and new releases

People remember generosity and authenticity.

6. Share the Journey, Not Just the Finish Line

Readers love being part of the behind-the-scenes process. Don’t wait until your book is published to start talking about it.

Share:

  • Your writing process
  • Mood boards or character sketches
  • Quotes from your WIP (work in progress)
  • Milestones and setbacks

You’re not just selling a book—you’re inviting people into a story, and that story includes you.

Final Thoughts

Building an author platform can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. But think of it as planting seeds. You don’t have to have all the answers or be everywhere all at once. Start small. Show up. Be real.Your future readers are out there—and they want to root for you. Give them a reason to follow the journey.

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