Discover in this post …

• advice on how to start marketing your book before you write the first word so readers are ready when you launch.

• practical ways to blend writing and marketing throughout every phase of your book.

• tools and strategies to build momentum, grow your audience, and keep readers engaged long after your book is out in the world.

Your Book Deserves Readers from Day 1

Today, I'm handing my blog over to someone with incredible talent: marketing expert and owner of Black Fox Marketing, Lacy Lieffers.

Lacy specializes in helping writers market their books so they can connect with as many readers as possible. I interviewed her in my Facebook group a few months ago and found her advice straightforward and helpful, so I thought I'd share her insights with you.

If you've ever wondered how to find eager readers, you're going to find value in this post! Here's what Lacy wants to share with you today:

One of the biggest mistakes an author can make is waiting until their manuscript is finished (or worse, published) before they even think about marketing.

I see it happen all the time—authors who pour months (sometimes years) into their draft, only to hit “The End” and realize they have no one waiting to read it.

That’s where the panic sets in.

Because marketing as an “afterthought" is the fastest way to kill momentum and sales.

Marketing is something you need to weave in from the very first spark of an idea … not something you tack on after the writing is all done.

And when you treat marketing as a partner to your writing (throughout each phase), you give your book the best chance of success—without that frantic last-minute scramble.

Here’s a snapshot of what this looks like in practice:

How to Blend Writing + Marketing

Phase 1: Idea & Planning

• Research your audience and genre before you write a single word so you know exactly who you’re writing for (so you know how to begin promoting your book).

• Look at the market to find where your book best fits (to help with targeting).

• Set up a simple home base: a website and one social platform (yes, even this early).
  

Phase 2: Outlining & Structure

• Create a clear outline or structure so your writing stays focused and makes it easier to give marketing updates to your audience.

• Map the themes or messages you’ll carry through your book and your marketing.

• Gather “teaser moments” (quotes, hooks, or scenes) you can later share with readers.
  

Phase 3: Drafting & Writing

• Stick to a writing routine so you actually finish and build trust with your readers along the way.

• Share snippets, behind-the-scenes updates, or even struggles to draw people into your process.

• Start connecting with peers and potential collaborators in your genre.
  

Phase 4: Self-Editing

• Highlight the sections or lines that really shine—those often double as blurbs, teasers, or quotes.

• Build a list of early readers or reviewers you want to approach later.
  

Phase 5: Beta Readers & Feedback

• Invite readers who actually enjoy your genre so feedback is relevant.

• Use structured questions to get useful insights you can repurpose for marketing.

• Start light pre-marketing—quotes or snippets to build buzz (not sure what to post? Download my free list of 111 Social Content Ideas for Authors).
  

Phase 6: Editing & Final Touches

• Work with professionals on editing, cover design, formatting, and layout so your book is polished (be sure to share updates to help drive launch excitement).

• Increase marketing—teasers, cover reveals, or snippets to build on momentum.

• Make sure your branding (bio, messaging, visuals) is aligned across platforms.
  

Phase 7: Pre-Launch

• Build your email list with a freebie or resource tied to your book so readers are ready before launch.

• Set up pre-sales, gather ARC reviews, and share countdown teasers.

• Line up collaborations, interviews, or cross-promotions to expand your reach.

• Need extra support leading up to your launch? Download my free Book Launch Checklist to get a step-by-step list of everything that needs to get done.

Phase 8: Book Launch

• Rally your launch team to help spread the word when your book goes live.

• Announce boldly across email and social—if you don’t celebrate your book, no one else will know to.

• Run promotions, events, or ads to maximize visibility during launch week.
  

Phase 9: Post-Launch / Ongoing Marketing

• Keep momentum going with podcasts, guest blogs, or speaking opportunities.

• Share bonus content like deleted scenes, short stories, or tips to keep readers engaged.

• Stay visible and keep nurturing relationships with your audience long after launch day.

• Leverage your book into bigger opportunities like courses, consulting, or speaking.

No matter what phase you’re in right now—idea, draft, launch, or beyond—marketing your book starts today. Every step you take now builds momentum toward a stronger launch and a more sustainable author career.

Happy writing (and marketing),
Lacy

Here are those freebies again:

• Book Launch Checklist

  It’s the same resource I use with my clients to keep marketing and writing moving in sync—so you never wonder what to do next.

  →Download the Checklist
  

• 111 Content Ideas for Authors

  When it comes to social, half the battle is coming up with content ideas. So make it easy and use this list as your ultimate idea generator.

  →Download the List

I hope today’s post helps you break down the steps to market your book in a simple and digestible way! If this post sparks plenty of creative marketing ideas on your end, I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to email me at [email protected] and share your thoughts! - Nicole

Do you want to learn how to write a story that makes your target readers stand up and cheer? If you’d like support from A to Z (from brainstorming to drafting to revising to publication), book a Discovery Call with me to see if you’re a good fit to join my book coaching program, Fantasy Footsteps: Road to Publication. And if you haven’t done so already, grab your Free Guide on how to hook readers from your story’s start!