Marketing a book starts long before a book is published. In its simplest form, it is telling your friends and family that you are writing a book. It is talking about the ideas in your book and the reasons you feel compelled to write.
This is where we complicate things. We take a simple idea and make it hard with head games.
When I was writing my first novel, Pyrrha’s Journey, I did not struggle with writing the plot nearly as much as I struggled with what was happening in my own mind about sharing my story with others.
Here are a few of the head games I played—and that I now see many writers repeat.
Head Game #1: I Can’t Talk About It Until It’s Done
When people asked when my book would be published, I froze. I had never written and published a book before. I had no idea what a reasonable timeline was. In the end, it took me seven years to go from concept to paperback.
During those years, I told myself:
- I need to know that I will successfully finish this book before I say anything.
- I need a publication date before I talk about my novel.
Unfortunately, waiting for certainty meant staying silent.
But marketing doesn’t begin with a release date. It begins with an idea:
“I’m working on a story I care about.” Don’t be afraid of people’s interest in your writing. It is proof that they care about you and your work and want to support you.
Head Game #2: If I Talk About It, I’ll Be Exposed
I was afraid that the truth behind my fiction might be revealed—and that my long-held secrets would bring judgment. Books share a great deal about their authors. That vulnerability is real. Often, the realness is what makes the reader love our writing most of all because they can relate to shared experiences.
I also worried about giving away plot twists. I was cautioned not to “ruin the story” by sharing the details. But here’s the truth: people don’t fall in love with books because they are surprised. They reread books they fell in love with because they recognize something beautiful in the book.
Readers often choose stories because:
- They love the genre or topic.
- They see themselves in the characters/people.
Talking about your book is not spoiling it. It is a chance to let people in on the ideas you are writing about.
Head Game #3: Talking About My Work Is Bragging
As a girl, I was taught that modesty required the abnegation of self. Polite manners meant deflecting attention away from myself. Somewhere along the way, I absorbed the message that speaking confidently about something I created was selfish and I was being a showoff.
We are surrounded by so many advertisements that create personality cults around influencers. However, marketing of books does not need to be this kind of endeavor. Honestly, most readers are looking for a down-to-earth author not a glitzy celebrity.
Promoting your story is as simple as saying:
“This story matters to me. If it might matter to you too, I’d love to share it.”
Head Game #4: I Have to Do It Perfectly
When I finally decided to share my book more publicly, I realized I had no idea how to communicate online. Should I create a meme, make a video, or send an email? When should I post? How should it sound?
It wasn’t easy figuring out what came across online as funny, sarcastic, thoughtful, or just plain rude. Unfortunately, I had to fail early and often. We all learn how to walk by taking baby steps.
Talking publicly about your work (marketing) is a skill. Like writing, it improves with practice. It is far better to practice in small, safe spaces than to wait to market until everything is perfect.
This is one reason I care so much about community. In a group of friends, there is camaraderie and respect. We can help each other by giving genuine feedback in a kind manner. We laugh when it is funny and leave a comment when it is not.
What I Wish I Had Done Sooner
I wish I had talked about my writing journey earlier and more often with more people who cared about me and my work. I wish I had let others cheer me on. I wish I had built more connections while I was still drafting. I wish I had realized that sharing the process is part of the journey.
Over the years—through publishing my own novel and working with many writers—I’ve seen the same pattern repeat:
- Silence breeds isolation.
- Isolation feeds doubt.
- Doubt delays progress.
Remember, we can break the cycles! Conversation builds community.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
If you are writing a novel or memoir, here are a few gentle takeaways:
- You do not need a publication date to talk about your work.
- You do not need to reveal everything to share something.
- You are not bragging when you speak about something you love.
- You are allowed to be in progress.
- Marketing begins with connection, not performance.
This week, consider one small step:
- Tell one person something about your story.
- Share one theme you are exploring.
- Post one sentence about why this project matters to you.
- Or join us at Story Spring for one of our writing programs and write alongside others who understand the journey.
If you’ve been playing head games in your own mind, you are not alone. Many of us have been there. That is part of why Story Spring exists: I created what I wanted and needed as I wrote my first book.
Please join me on Fridays as we gather for Inspiration to Write. This is a place to show up just as you are and take the next small step towards finishing your writing project. It is time to talk about something you love with people who might love it too. All you need to say is: “I’m working on a story.”
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