The Author Visibility Road Map: 7 Ways to Grow Beyond Simply Writing a Book
The things I didn't know about writing before I started really writing a book—and choosing to pursue being an author as a career—could fill up...well...something really epic.
Honestly, that's probably true of almost anything worth pursuing.
Marriage. Parenting. Education. Travel.
It's often the real-life experience that teaches us the most about what we didn't know. Experience introduces us to questions we didn't even realize we needed to ask.
As I've connected with people throughout the writing industry—authors, speakers, agents, editors, readers, and others—I've discovered something surprising: all the knowledge in the world is not a substitute for relationships and connection.
Many writers are naturally drawn to the quiet, independent side of writing. Spending time alone with our thoughts and stories can feel comfortable. But writing a book and building an author career are two very different things. Books may be written in solitude, but author careers are rarely built there.
It reminds me of an old Army joke: if you want to get lost, hand a brand-new 2nd Lieutenant a map.
They may have completed officer training. They may know what the manual says. They may even ace the written tests.
But when that "book learning" collides with real-world experience, learning kicks into a whole new gear.
Writing can feel the same way.
You can take classes, read books, watch YouTube videos, and attend conferences. Those things matter. But eventually, there comes a point where your map becomes a mission—and that's where the real adventure begins.
Why Visibility Matters
Many authors believe the finish line is publishing the book.
Then reality shows up wearing combat boots.
The book is complete. The launch day arrives. Friends and family celebrate. Then comes the next question:
"Now what?"
Many of us imagined readers somehow discovering our book through magical publishing fairy dust and internet miracles.
Spoiler alert: that's usually not how it works.
Visibility isn't about becoming famous. Visibility simply means creating opportunities for people to discover your message and connect with you.
Looking for additional checkpoints and resources? Explore the Authorpreneur Compass Map for tools and guides that support your journey. deedeelake.com/authorpreneur-compass-map
Let's pull out the map and explore seven checkpoints.
Checkpoint #1: Speak About Your Message
You do not have to be a professional speaker to share your message.
Church groups, libraries, book clubs, women's events, community organizations, podcasts, and local groups are always searching for meaningful topics.
Your book already contains ideas people need.
Coming Soon on the Authorprenuer Compass Blog: How Authors Can Find Speaking Opportunities Using Their Books
Checkpoint #2: Build Relationships
Writing may happen alone, but publishing rarely does.
Building relationships often opens unexpected doors and creates opportunities that you never expected and cannot be planned on a spreadsheet. Explore the Authorpreneur Compass Map for future networking and visibility resources. deedeelake.com/authorpreneur-compass-map
Organizations like the Authors Guild offer educational resources, industry insights, and community opportunities that authors may find valuable.
Sometimes one conversation opens doors you never saw coming.
Checkpoint #3: Find Places Your Readers Gather
Instead of asking:
"Where do I sell books?"
Try asking:
"Where do my readers spend time?"
Examples:
Facebook groups
conferences
churches
local organizations
libraries
podcasts
online communities
Checkpoint #4: Create Helpful Content
You don't need to post every day.
You do need consistency.
Simple content ideas:
blog posts
short videos
tips
encouragement
stories
behind-the-scenes moments
Checkpoint #5: Create an Author Platform One Step at a Time
Platforms don't appear overnight.
Build one piece at a time:
website
email list
social media presence
speaking opportunities
relationships
Small steps create momentum.
If you're unsure where to begin, read What Every Author Needs to Build a Strong Platform for practical first steps.
Checkpoint #6: Repurpose What You Already Have
One blog can become:
Pinterest pins
Facebook posts
LinkedIn content
newsletter content
videos
podcast topics
Work smarter instead of constantly creating from scratch.
Your blog posts, newsletters, social content, and videos can all work together instead of competing for your time. Coming Soon on the Compass: 5 Ways Authors Can Repurpose One Piece of Content
Checkpoint #7: Remember That People Matter More Than Algorithms
Algorithms change.
Platforms change.
Technology changes.
People don't.
Readers remember genuine connection far longer than perfect marketing.
Waypoint Challenge
Choose one visibility step this week:
Reach out to one new connection
Explore one speaking opportunity
Create one piece of content
Join one community
Repurpose one existing piece of content
Small steps create movement.
Explore More Author Business Guides
→ Traditional, Self, or Hybrid? Choosing Your Publishing Path
→ What Every Author Needs to Build a Strong Platform
→ How to Market Your Book as a New Author
→ deedeelake.com/authorpreneur-compass-map
→ How Authors Can Find Speaking Opportunities Using Their Books (coming soon)
→ How to Network Without Feeling Pushy or Awkward (coming soon)
What surprised you most about becoming an author that nobody warned you about?
