Where Should You Promote Your Book First as a New Author?

Many new authors ask the same question:

“Where should I promote my book first?”

With so many options—social media, bookstores, events, ads—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even begin.

But here’s the truth:

You don’t need to be everywhere.
You need to start in the right places.

The goal isn’t maximum visibility right away—it’s intentional visibility that builds momentum.

Start Where You Already Have Connection

The best place to begin promoting your book is not the biggest platform.

It’s the one where people already know you.

This could include:

• Your personal network (friends, family, church, colleagues)

• Your email contacts

• Your existing social media audience

These are the people most likely to:

• Support your work

• Share your book with others

• Help you build early momentum

Because here’s something important to remember:

People buy from those they know, like, and trust.

Starting with your existing connections allows you to begin building that trust naturally, before expanding your reach.

Promotion starts with connection, not scale.

Focus on One Platform First

Many authors try to promote everywhere at once—and end up gaining traction nowhere.

Instead, choose one primary platform to focus on first.

This could be:

• Facebook (great for relationship-building)

• LinkedIn (ideal for professionals and nonfiction authors)

• Instagram (visual storytelling and connection)

When you focus on one platform, you can:

• Build consistency

• Learn what works

• Grow your audience with intention

Consistency on one platform beats inconsistency on five.

Show Up Like You Already Have an Audience

One of the most powerful shifts you can make early on is this:

Show up as if you already have readers.

Write. Post. Share. Promote.

Not as if you’re waiting to be discovered—but as someone who already has a message worth sharing.

When you begin showing up this way:

• You develop your voice

• You refine how you communicate your message

• You build confidence in how you present your work

At the same time, this gives you space to:

• Learn how to create content

• Practice promoting your book

• Build relationships and grow your network

Your audience grows as your consistency grows.

This idea isn’t just motivational—it’s supported by research.

Studies in psychology show that mentally rehearsing success and acting as if you’ve already achieved a goal can improve performance, confidence, and follow-through. Research shared by Psychology Today explains that mental practices like visualization can enhance motivation, increase confidence, and prime the brain for success.

In other words, when you begin showing up as a writer who already has readers—writing consistently, sharing your message, and engaging with others—you’re not pretending…

You’re training your mindset and your habits to match where you’re going.

Think Local Before Global

Before trying to reach the world, start in your own community.

Local opportunities are often the most accessible and effective for new authors:

• Independent bookstores

• Libraries

• Local events and markets

• Church or community groups

• Speaking opportunities

These environments provide:

• Face-to-face connection

• Immediate feedback

• Stronger trust with your audience

Local visibility builds confidence and credibility.

Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

Promotion is not just about selling a book.

It’s about building relationships with readers.

That means:

• Showing up consistently

• Engaging with your audience

• Sharing your story and message

Readers are more likely to support authors they feel connected to.

People don’t just buy books—they buy into authors they trust.

Track What You’re Doing

As you begin promoting your book, it’s important to track where you are showing up.

Keep a simple record of:

• Places you’ve reached out to

• Events or bookstores you’ve contacted

• Social platforms where you’re posting

• Opportunities you’ve submitted for

Tracking helps you:

• Stay organized

• Follow up consistently

• See what’s working

What gets tracked gets improved.

(We’ll walk through exactly what to track and how to do it in an upcoming post.)

Create a Simple Promotion Plan

You don’t need a complicated strategy to get started.

Focus on a few key actions:

• Choose one primary platform

• Reach out to 2–3 local opportunities

• Share your book consistently each week

• Invite others to engage and share

Simple, consistent action creates results.

If you want to step back and build a bigger-picture strategy, take a look at:
How to Start an Author Business (Not Just Write a Book)

Avoid the Biggest Mistake New Authors Make

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until everything is “perfect” before promoting.

But promotion is part of the process—not something you do after everything is finished.

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Grow as you go.

Progress builds momentum.

Final Thought

You don’t need to promote your book everywhere.

You need to promote it strategically and consistently.

Start with connection.
Focus your efforts.
Build relationships.

And most importantly—keep moving forward.

If you’re ready to create a clear plan and move forward with confidence, explore your next steps here:
https://deedeelake.com/services

Waypoint Challenge

Choose ONE place to promote your book this week.

Reach out, post, or connect—and take action.

Momentum starts with one step.

Where is one place you can begin promoting your book this week?

Coming Next on the Authorpreneur Compass

As you begin promoting your book, the next step is building a strong foundation that supports long-term growth.

Coming up next:

• Writing with Purpose: Trusting God with Your Story

• What Every Author Needs to Build a Strong Platform (Without Overwhelm)

• What to Do When You Feel Stuck as a Writer

• Simple Book Marketing Strategies That Actually Work for New Authors

Keep moving forward—your author journey is built step by step.

Explore More Author Business Guides

If you're building your author business, these next steps will give you clarity and direction:

• How to Start an Author Business (Not Just Write a Book)
• Traditional vs Self-Publishing: Which Is Right for You?
• How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?
• How Authors Actually Make Money (And What Most Writers Earn)
• Do Authors Really Need an Author Business Plan?
• 7 Things Every Author Needs Before Publishing a Book
• 7 Business Mistakes New Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them)