So, you’ve outlined your chapters, and your writing juices are flowing. Fabulous! But here’s the million-dollar question: how to market your book? Or better yet. Have you started to sell it? If your answer is “No” or “I’ll get to that later,” listen up—because marketing your book while you’re still writing it is one of the smartest moves you can make. Getting a head start on your marketing is non-negotiable in today’s competitive publishing world, where over 2 million books are published annually. I’ve learned from LinkedIn and Harvard Business Review experts and writing and self-publishing my book, Make Your Mark: Personal Branding Through On-Purpose Living (grab here), that building buzz before your book hits shelves is crucial to its success. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until you type “The End” to start.

Here’s how to build momentum while still deep in your writing process.

1. Build Your Audience Now, Not Later

Think of marketing as a conversation with your future readers. Do you don’t wait until the conversation is over to start talking? The same applies to your book. Aspiring authors’ biggest mistake is waiting too long to build an audience. Take it from the experts: whether you’re traditionally publishing or going the self-publishing route, having an engaged audience before launch is vital. As Harvard Business Review notes, “Today’s most successful authors have invested in their personal platforms well before publication day.”

Start with your social media platforms. Create a dedicated page or profile for your book, and start sharing your journey. Talk about the writing process, share snippets, or ask your audience for feedback on titles or cover designs. This gives readers a sense of ownership, and more importantly, it builds anticipation. As Marie Forleo would say, “Create content that gives people a reason to care.”

2. Tease Your Content Early and Often

You’re still writing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start teasing your content. Give your audience sneak peeks into your book’s message, key themes, or even sample chapters. According to some of the most Googled experts in book marketing, including Joanna Penn, sharing small, digestible parts of your book can create a strong emotional connection with your future readers. People love exclusivity. And when they feel like they’re getting an insider’s look into your creative process, they’re more likely to stick around—and buy your book when it drops.

One of the best ways to do this is to start a blog, newsletter, or podcast about your book’s themes. Share your expertise, insights, and progress. This builds credibility and keeps your audience hooked on your journey. LinkedIn publishing experts advise, “The more your audience knows you and your content, the more invested they’ll be in your success.”

3. Leverage Collaborations and Build Buzz

No author is an island. Collaborate with other authors, bloggers, and influencers connected to your book’s genre or niche. According to book marketing strategist Jane Friedman, partnerships are invaluable for getting your book in front of the right audience. While you’re still writing, reach out to podcasts, YouTube channels, or Instagram influencers to discuss your upcoming book and offer to do interviews or guest posts.

As you think of your approach to market your book, remember that collaborations build visibility, and visibility leads to buzz. If you’re thinking, “But my book isn’t even done yet!”—that’s okay. Just talking about the journey of writing can generate excitement. You’ll be surprised at how much traction you can gain by sharing the process, not just the final product. Plus, it positions you as an expert in your field, which builds trust and authority with your future readers.

4. Create a Pre-Launch Strategy

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a solid pre-launch strategy. This can include setting up pre-orders, creating a dedicated landing page for your book, or offering special bonuses for early buyers. As Marie Forleo would say, “You don’t need to wait until everything’s perfect to start.” The most successful authors create a strategic launch plan months in advance. Whether giving away free content, offering early access to a chapter, or building a launch team to help spread the word, pre-launch strategies create serious momentum.

Bottom Line: Start Marketing Before You Finish Writing

Marketing your book while you’re still writing might sound overwhelming, but trust me—it’s worth it. You’re not just writing a book; you’re creating a movement, building a community, and laying the foundation for long-term success. Don’t wait to spread the word while holding the finished product. Your book deserves an audience that’s just as excited about it as you are.

Consequently, if you need help getting clarity on your personal brand as you write and prepare to market your book, snag The Brand Plan For Bosses below.

Now that you have some ideas on how to market your book remember that success doesn’t come from sitting in your hands and hoping people find it. Success comes from showing up, sharing your passion, and letting people in on the journey. Start marketing today, and watch your book’s momentum build before you even hit “publish.”