10 Things Writers Can Do Now to Become an Author Later

If you want to become an author someday, but are still writing your first novel, I wrote this blog post for you. 

Even if you are a year or three away from publishing, getting a jumpstart on the future will speed up your process in the long run. 

And if you haven’t decided whether you want to get your book published yet, you could still set the foundation for a future career just in case. It won’t hurt. 

The pre-author stage is about learning information to help you make decisions, meeting crazy cool people, and supporting writers who are starting out like you. 

Plus, it’s an empowering process. 

But enough of me convincing you to keep reading this—you’ve decided that for yourself already. I’m moving ahead to the ten things you can do now to become an author later. 

Thing 1: Discover Your Author Voice 

When starting a brand around your writing, it takes a little trial and error to find your voice. The style you use in your fiction versus talking to your readers in a non-fiction setting is a bit different. The sooner you can start interacting with others and finding your non-fiction voice the better. 

Now don’t force it or try to adopt someone else’s style. Write honestly and note which styles work for you and which don’t. Eventually your unique voice will shine through. 

You’ll also need to define a message you’ll want to promote to your readers. Do you want to encourage the enjoyment of reading a thriller book, or maybe help beginning writers write their books alongside you? 

Like finding your voice, there will be trial and error in the process of discovering your message, what you’re good talking about, and what you’re passionate about sharing with others. 

Have fun figuring what you have to contribute. 

Additional Resource:

• In depth process of finding your voice by Jeff Goins: “Intentional Blogging [Lesson 3: Voice]”

Thing 2: Nurture Your Home Base

By home base I mean your author platform. Your author platform is the foundation of your writing. It is where you will direct readers interested in your work to learn about you, and eventually your book.  

In today’s modern technological era, a typical platform consists of the following: 

1. A website

2. An email list

The goal of an author platform is to establish your presence, and attract people who are interested in what you have to offer. 

Before you get published, you’ll want to grow your email list with as many ideal readers as possible. 

In today’s publishing landscape—especially in self-publishing—if you have an engaged group of readers before your book comes out, you’ll have an ideal audience waiting to enjoy your book.

Pretty cool, right? But how do we let strangers know about us, and especially that we have a book on the way? 

One of the easiest ways is through social media. . .

Additional Resources: 

• “How to Get a Book Published: 6 Ways Writers Can Prepare for Publishing”

Thing 3: Set Up Your Author Social Media Accounts

You probably have your personal accounts set up on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and the such, but maybe you haven’t set up your author pages/accounts yet. 

You know the Pages on Facebook you follow of your favorite authors and celebrities? That’s what you need. (Yep, you need to act like an author now.)

When you have the official Author title by your name, it gives you some credibility and professionalism. Also, when you have that business account/profile, you’ll have the access to boost your posts with ads for when you need to market your book. 

But one of the best things about having your author social accounts, is connecting with readers, writing peers, and your author inspirations online. 

Social media is a bustling writing community if you know where to look. Some of the best connections and friendships you’ll make may be there. Start socializing!

Check the resources below for help getting started: 

Additional Resources: 

• “20 Fresh Social Media Tips for Authors” by Shayla Raguel
• The Ten Commandments of Author Branding: Embrace Authenticity, Gain Book Ambassadors, and Create Your Tribe by Shayla Raquel

Thing 4: Learn About Publishing

To become an author, you need to know how to get published. You need to know what resources are available to you, what path in publishing you want to take (traditional vs. independant), and how to get where you want to be. 

You don’t need to dive headlong into research right now, but be curious. Instead of passing up those articles by trusted influencers on Instagram or Pinterest, click through and see what the authors have to say. 

If you get a feel for the publishing world now, you’ll save yourself from catching up on the differences between traditional and self-publishing later. 

Additional Resource: 

• “Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Which is Right For You?” by Makenzie Sparks

 Thing 5: Talk to a Published Author for Advice

Remember the connections with authors you made on social media?  

After you’ve established a healthy relationship with an admired author (struck up conversations in the comment section of their posts, supported their work, told them how they’ve helped you, etc.), then try respectfully sending them a private message. 

First let them know how great they are—what you love about their work and how they’ve helped you—then ask if they have any advice for a new writer, or what their opinion is on traditional vs. indie publishing. 

But before you reach out, do as much research on them as you can. If they have information in a blogpost, podcast, or interview on why they chose self-publishing, they won’t appreciate a question clearly asked by someone who didn’t take the time to read that resource. 

The more specific a question related to their work, the better chance you have of them responding. 

Also, be sure to take time building the relationship on social media with them before reaching out directly. If you have been interacting with them in the comments section and being an ambassador for their work, the more likely they will recognize you as that cool writer they know and want to help you out. 

Give to them first, and then ask for their help. 

And final point, if you build a relationship with them you aren’t simply getting a resource, but a friendship. That’s where the real beauty of networking is at. 

Additional Resource: 

• “Sprinklers and Vacuums: Two Types of Social Media Users” by Jeff Goins

Thing 6: Save Your Money

If you think self-publishing may be an option for you, start setting money aside now. 

To self-publish a book according to the high-quality standards of a traditional publisher it could cost several thousand dollars. 

While it is possible to publish a book yourself cheaply, if you want to compete with the best books in the market, you need to show you’re serious about making your book the best it can be. 

That involves editing, cover design, formatting, and printing. 

So save now so you can spend the big bucks later. 

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Thing 7: Research Publishing Houses

If you are considering traditional publishing, then start learning about the publishing houses of today. 

When you read a book, take a look at who published it. Notice what kinds of books are published within each house. 

The publisher’s name can usually be found within the first couple pages of a book in the small print. You should be able to check the publisher’s name in the product details online as well.

You can begin familiarizing yourself with the idea of sending query letters to agents, too. 

Again, there’s no need to overwhelm yourself with publishing information, but being curious is a good idea. 

Thing 8: Find Your Genre

What genre are you writing in?

When you know your genre you know what audience you want to be focusing your efforts on attracting.

How do you find your genre? Well, you can search on Amazon. 

1. Go to their website, change the search bar categories to Kindle Store and hit enter keeping the search bar blank. 

2. Click Kindle eBooks, scroll down, and note the genre names on the left hand side. Start researching what genre/subgenres sound like your book. (You can have more than one.)

3. Start looking at books in different genres and make a list of  books that sound like the same genre as yours. Scroll down to the product details and note the genres they rank in. 

4. Keep going until you have a good idea of what genre your book falls under. 

Thing 9: Leave Book Reviews for Authors

When your book releases, you will want people to leave honest reviews. 

So why not start leaving honest reviews to help other writers out now? It doesn’t take long, and it helps authors tremendously. 

Review on Amazon, Goodreads, and share on social media. Promote their books as if they were your own.

Who knows, the author may want to return the favor by reviewing your book someday.

Thing 10: Connect With a Writing Community

When you’re ready to become an author, it helps to have a supportive community of writers cheering you on. 

No one understands the writer’s journey like another writer. Connect with like-minded writers online and in person, soak up their wisdom, and give back with your own support. 

Writers are strong together, and it’s great fun to have writing friends.

Prepare to Become an Author Now

What I’ve listed is only a few ways to prep yourself for becoming an author, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of these topics. 

Take some time to read the resources linked within each category. They are written by some great people you can follow as well. 

Additional Resource:

• “Want a Writing Career? You Need These 6 Things”