Marketing for Beginner Writers: How to Build Your Brand from Scratch

Written By Holly Petersen

You’ve finished the draft. You’ve edited it (maybe five times, or eight). Now comes the part that terrifies most creatives: Marketing.

If you are a writer, you are now also a marketer. That doesn't mean you have to be a loud salesperson. For beginner writers, marketing is about building an audience, sharing your passion, and making it easy for readers to find you.

Here is a simple guide to marketing your work as a new writer, focusing on building a foundation without burning out.

1. Define Your "Why" and Your "Who"

Before you start tweeting or posting, you need to know who you are talking to.

  • Who is your reader? (e.g., Young adult fantasy fans, busy professionals looking for productivity tips, people interested in local history).

  • What is the value you offer? Are you entertaining, educating, or inspiring?

  • Actionable Tip: Define your niche. As the saying goes, "If your message is for everybody, it's for nobody".

2. Build a Simple "Author Home"

You don’t need a complex website on day one. You need a simple, clean site that acts as your portfolio.

  • Must-haves: An "About Me" page, a portfolio of your best work, and a sign-up form for an email newsletter.

  • Platforms: WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace are excellent, easy-to-use options for beginners.

3. Start an Email List (The #1 Priority)

Social media algorithms change, but you own your email list.

  • Why? It is the most effective way to sell books or get writing gigs because you are speaking directly to people who already care about your work.

  • Actionable Tip: Offer a "lead magnet"—a free short story, a checklist, or a sample chapter—in exchange for their email address.

4. Choose ONE Social Media Platform

Don't try to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn at once. You will get overwhelmed.

  • Where are your readers? If you write fiction, maybe Instagram/TikTok. If you write professional content, LinkedIn.

  • Actionable Tip: Be consistent, not constant. Engage with others, share your writing journey, and show your personality.

5. Content Marketing: Write More Than Just Books

Use your blog to attract readers interested in your genre.

  • The 80/20 Rule: Focus on providing value in 80% of your posts (tips, stories, behind-the-scenes) and sell your work in the other 20%.

  • Ideas: Share your writing process, discuss books you’ve read, or write about the challenges you’ve overcome in your writing journey.

6. Networking over "Selling"

Instead of shouting "BUY MY BOOK," focus on building relationships.

  • Interact: Comment on other bloggers' posts.

  • Contribute: Write guest posts for other websites to gain exposure to new audiences.

Holly Petersen
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Bite the Social Bullet