Here’s the deal: writing a book is tough. It takes months of focus, research, and dedication to get your thoughts on paper. But if you think that hitting “save” on that final draft means you’re done, think again. The truth is, the real work begins after the book is written. It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about what you do with those words once they’re out in the world.
I know that might sound surprising. Most people think the hardest part of writing a book is, well, the writing. And while getting your ideas down is no small feat, it’s only the beginning. Because once you’ve got a finished product, that’s when you have to dive into the part no one talks about: the launch plan, the marketing, the outreach. It’s about getting your book into the hands of the right readers, and that takes just as much effort—if not more—than writing it in the first place.
The Reality of Marketing Your Book
When you finish writing, it feels like you’ve conquered a mountain. But then, out of nowhere, you realize there’s another peak looming ahead—the challenge of promoting your book. Suddenly, it’s not just about what you’ve written but how you’re going to get people to read it. It’s about crafting a compelling launch strategy, building a website, reaching out to influencers, and securing those ever-important endorsements from people whose names carry weight in your industry.
And let me tell you, this is the part where a lot of authors hit a wall. You can write the most insightful, game-changing book, but if no one knows it exists, it’s just going to sit there gathering dust. That’s why the focus has to shift from writing to marketing. You’ve got to put in the same energy you used to write the book into making sure people actually hear about it.
Building a Launch Plan That Works
Writing a book is like planting a seed. But if you want it to grow into something big, you need a solid plan for how you’re going to nurture it. That means having a launch plan that doesn’t just rely on hope. You need a strategy that covers everything from social media campaigns to email newsletters and even in-person events if that makes sense for your audience.
Think of your book’s launch as a campaign. You wouldn’t run a sales campaign without setting goals, defining your target audience, and figuring out how you’re going to reach them, right? The same goes for your book. You need to know who you want to read it and where they spend their time. Are they hanging out on LinkedIn? Are they reading industry blogs? Do they listen to podcasts? Your launch plan needs to meet your readers where they are, and that takes research and effort.
And don’t forget about your existing network. If you’ve got a following—whether it’s a few hundred people on LinkedIn or a mailing list you’ve been building—now is the time to tap into those connections. Let them know what you’ve created and why it matters. People are more likely to support your work if they feel like they’ve been part of the journey.
The Work Doesn’t Stop After Launch Day
A common mistake authors make is thinking that their job is done once the book is out in the world. They think, “I’ve sent the emails, posted on social media, and done a few interviews. My book should sell itself now.” But that’s not how it works. The truth is, the push to promote your book should last long after launch day. It’s about maintaining momentum and continuing to find new ways to get in front of potential readers.
That might mean pitching yourself to podcasts or blogs, reaching out to book clubs, or even offering to speak at industry events. It’s about constantly finding new angles to talk about your book and keeping the conversation going. A successful book is built on consistent, ongoing efforts—not a one-and-done campaign.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
So, you might be thinking, “Why put myself through all this? Isn’t writing the book enough?” And I get it—marketing can feel like a grind. But here’s the reality: if you believe in your message, if you know that what you’ve written can truly make a difference for people, then it’s worth putting in the work to get it into their hands. You didn’t write your book for it to be ignored. You wrote it to share your ideas, to challenge the status quo, to help people solve real problems.
The marketing might be hard, and it might not feel as fulfilling as writing, but it’s the bridge that connects your work with the people who need it. And when you start to see those reviews come in, when you get that first message from a reader telling you how your book helped them—it’s all worth it.
It’s About Believing in Your Message
Here’s the bottom line: The work you do after the book is written is all about believing in your message enough to fight for it. It’s about being willing to do the unglamorous work of outreach, follow-ups, and promotion because you know it’s what your book deserves. It’s about taking ownership of the process, just like you took ownership of your writing.
So, if you’re thinking about writing a book, or if you’ve just wrapped up your manuscript, remember this: the finish line isn’t when you type “The End.” It’s when you’ve done everything in your power to make sure your book reaches the people it’s meant to help. That’s when the real work is done, and that’s when you’ll see the true impact of what you’ve created.
