Three Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Author Platform
And how to fix them.
If you're a novelist just starting to build your author platform, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Where do you begin? What should you focus on? And how do you attract the right readers without feeling like you're shouting into the void? The good news is, building your platform doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few key strategies (and knowing what not to do), you can create a strong foundation that feels authentic and sustainable.
Here are three common mistakes new writers make when building their author platform—and how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Trying to Be Everywhere at Once
It’s tempting to think you need to be on every social media platform, posting every day, and engaging in every writing community. But spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout and inconsistent messaging. (Just ask Nicole! She made this mistake when her second novel came out, and it nearly did her in. What started out as fun and engaging quickly became depleting and unsustainable).
What to do instead: Choose one or two platforms where your ideal readers and fellow writers hang out. If you love the visual aspect of storytelling, Instagram might be your best bet. If you enjoy deeper conversations, Substack or a personal blog could be more your speed. Start small, be consistent, and focus on connection over quantity.
Mistake #2: Only Talking About Your Book
It makes sense—you’re an author, so you should talk about your book, right? While it's important to share about your work, only posting “Buy my book!” messages won’t engage your audience. Readers want to connect with you, not just your product. (Just think about that one writer on social who posts her book cover on the daily…not very engaging, is it?)
What to do instead: Share your writing journey, your inspirations, and the themes that matter most to you. Post behind-the-scenes peeks at your creative process, recommend books you love, or start conversations around storytelling topics that excite you. Let your audience get to know you as a writer, not just your book as a product.
Mistake #3: Waiting Until You Have a Book Deal to Start
Many writers think they don’t need an author platform until they have a publishing deal or a finished book. But the truth is, building an audience takes time, and starting early allows you to grow an engaged community before your book is ready to launch. (Just because you show up suddenly and announce that you have a book for sale, doesn’t mean people will automatically care.)
What to do instead: Start building relationships now! Share your writing process, talk about your favorite genres, and connect with other writers and readers in your niche. By the time you’re ready to publish, you’ll already have an audience excited to support you.
Final Thoughts
Building your author platform is all about connection, consistency, and showing up as you. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create a space that feels natural and engaging—without the stress. Focus on what feels good, lean into your strengths, and remember: your ideal readers are out there waiting to hear from you!
At Book Works, nothing makes us happier than strategizing with an emerging author on how to take small steps toward showing up authentically—and begin building an audience that feels like home.
📚We’ve worked with writers of all genres, from sci-fi fantasy to Hallmarky romance to upmarket character-driven fiction. And each time, we recognize that each audience is just as unique as the story.
Ready to strategize? Book us for an hour in our Author Platform Jumpstart. We’ll get you motivated and moving!
