What Authors Can Post on Social Media Before the Book Is Published
Here's a phrase that's about to change your entire approach to book marketing:
It's a lot easier to sell your book to people who are already paying attention.
Let that sink in for a minute, because this is the foundation of successful pre-launch book marketing. If you're an author feeling stuck about what to post on social media before your book is published, you're not alone – and more importantly, you're in exactly the right place.
Why Pre-Launch Marketing Matters (And Why Most Authors Get It Wrong)
I hear it all the time: "I don't know what to post because my book isn't ready to sell yet." Trust me, I get it. But here's the thing about pre-launch marketing – it's actually the perfect time to build your author platform and connect with future readers.
The secret? Understanding that marketing and sales are two different beasts. Yes, they work together but they are different:
Marketing is about building connections, creating awareness, and fostering community
Sales is the transaction that happens later, when you've already built trust
Three Powerful Content Strategies for Authors (That Actually Work)
1. Share Your Reading Journey (Yes, It Really Is That Simple!)
If there's one thing that connects book lovers, it's our shared obsession with reading. Here's how to make this work for your author platform:
Share your current reads and honest reactions
Talk about your TBR (to-be-read) pile and why certain books made the cut
Discuss books in your genre (this naturally attracts your future readers!)
Create engaging discussions about reading habits and preferences
Pro Tip: When you read and discuss books in your genre, you're subtly building an audience that's perfectly aligned with your future book. It's strategic and authentic at the same time.
2. Take Readers Behind the Scenes (They're More Curious Than You Think)
Y'all, readers and fellow writers are absolutely fascinated by the creative process. Here's what consistently engages audiences:
Your writing setup and routine (even if it's not Instagram-perfect)
Interesting research findings and "did you know?" moments
Real talk about your writing challenges and breakthroughs
Glimpses into your daily writing life
The tools and resources you use
This kind of content humanizes you as an author and builds genuine connections with your audience.
3. Preview Your Book's World (Without Giving Everything Away)
This is where you can really start building anticipation:
For Fiction Authors:
Introduce your characters through personality snippets
Share bits of your world-building process
Post mood boards or inspiration photos
Discuss the themes you're exploring
For Non-Fiction Authors:
Share quick tips related to your book's topic
Post "did you know?" facts from your research
Offer mini how-tos that give value while promoting your expertise
Share real-life examples that illustrate your book's concepts
The Strategic Approach to Content Creation
Here's how to make these content types work harder for you:
Content Rotation: Cycle through these different types of posts regularly. This keeps your content fresh while building a comprehensive picture of you as an author.
Engagement Analysis: Pay attention to which posts get the most comments and questions. This feedback is gold – it tells you exactly what your audience wants more of.
Community Building: Respond to comments and foster discussions. These conversations often spark ideas for new content and help you understand your audience better.
Value First: Focus on providing genuine value in every post. This builds trust and positions you as an authority in your space.
Making Pre-Launch Marketing Actually Enjoyable
The best part about this approach? When you focus on connection instead of selling, marketing becomes genuinely fun. You're not just building an audience – you're creating a community of people who are genuinely interested in your work and your journey.
Turning Connections into Sales (Without Being Salesy)
When you take the time to build these connections early, something magical happens. By the time your book launches, you're not selling to strangers – you're sharing your work with people who already know, like, and trust you. This makes the entire launch process more natural and successful.
Your Next Steps: Taking Action
Ready to put this strategy into action? Here's your game plan:
Choose one content type to start with this week
Schedule regular posting times (consistency is key!)
Engage with your audience's responses
Track what works and adjust accordingly
Remember, the goal isn't to sell right now – it's to build genuine connections that will naturally lead to sales when your book launches.
Ready to Level Up Your Author Platform?
If you're loving these strategies and want a complete framework to market your book on social media, I've got something special for you.
Grab your copy of Stand Out Social Media For Authors. It outlines exactly what you can post, how to connect with your ideal readers, stand out on social media, and save a TON of time - so you can actually spend time doing the things you want to do.
Pssst! Did I mention it’s only $37??
