Welcome to Part 1 of our 4 Part Series on building momentum for your book. Way to go! You picked a great time to start learning and implementing some of the most pivotal steps for success into your regular writing routine. As you start out on the publishing process (or even during the writing phase if you’re lucky enough to start that early), you can build relationships and generate excitement for your new book. The sooner in the process you start promoting yourself and your book publication process, the better. By including people throughout your process and sharing your experiences with them, you will already have the momentum you need to promote your finished product while it’s still hot from the press. By following these guides, you will build excitement for your book’s release and reach a larger audience of people who are invested in seeing your final product, making your marketing work that much easier.
Getting Started
First, choose the platform that you are going to focus on. Use whichever platform you are most comfortable with and have the most experience with. Facebook is often the “starter” platform and is a great place to start, but the main goal here is to start where you are already somewhat comfortable. Getting in the habit of sharing some kind of info about your writing and publishing process, your dreams and goals with the book, and even a tidbit or two about the main characters in the story, can be incredibly effective.
Establish a Posting Schedule
Start with the goal of sharing one piece of information from one topic every two weeks. Sharing something every other week is enough to get things moving in the right direction without being too overwhelming for you to manage on top of your other commitments, especially while you’re still working on your manuscript regularly. Just choose one topic and share about it for that post—whether it’s talking about your experience with the editing process, explaining how you came to a decision with the writing style, or even picking out a cover design. The important part is that you consistently engage with your audience.
Content Ideas
- Editing Process: Share insights and challenges you encounter during editing. This could include your thoughts on feedback from beta readers, changes you decided to make, or your experience working with a professional editor.
- Character Development: Introduce your main characters. Share character backstories, their personalities, and their roles in the story. Give your audience a sneak peek into your creative process and how you bring your characters to life.
- Writing Journey: Talk about your daily writing routine, what inspires you, and how you overcome writer’s block. Personal stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses can make your journey relatable and engaging.
- Cover Design: Discuss the process of choosing a cover design. Share your thoughts on different design options, the symbolism behind the cover elements, and maybe even run a poll to let your audience vote on their favorite design.
Engage and Respond
Interaction is key. When your audience comments or asks questions, be sure to respond promptly. Engagement builds relationships and a sense of community, making your readers feel like they are part of your book’s journey.
Build Anticipation
Tease upcoming posts and big announcements. Let your audience know when something exciting is coming up, like the reveal of your book title, release date, or a snippet from a pivotal chapter. Building anticipation keeps your audience eager for more updates and invested in your progress.
Track Your Progress
Pay attention to what type of posts get the most engagement. This can help you refine your content strategy to better meet the interests of your audience. Use analytics tools provided by your chosen platform to monitor engagement and adjust your approach as needed.
Consistency is Key
The most important aspect of building momentum through regular posting is consistency. Stick to your schedule, and over time, you’ll build a dedicated following eager to see your book come to life.
By starting now and posting regularly, you’ll establish a strong foundation for your book’s success. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll dive into varying your content to keep your audience engaged and excited. Happy writing and sharing!