Novel Creation Process — Phase 3

Branding Phase

By Cody Leet

As a writer, you are a brand. Figure out how to market yourself. Building awareness early keeps you motivated as friends and followers watch your progress.

☐ Build a Website

Establish your author website early — even a simple one. This is where readers will find you. Include a bio, your book(s), and a way to contact you. You're looking at a great example right now.

☐ Put Your Book on the Website

Add a page for your book — cover image, synopsis, retailer links. Even before it's published, you can tease it. Build anticipation.

☐ Update Book Progress

Share progress updates. Show what phase you're in. Readers and friends love to follow along — and it keeps you accountable.

☐ Start a Blog

Write regularly about your writing process, interests, and anything else your target audience would enjoy. Consistent content builds a readership before your book even launches. See my blog for an example.

☐ Collect a Mailing List

Start collecting email addresses from day one. Offer something in return — a free short story, a poem, early access. Your mailing list is your most direct channel to readers and is worth more than social media followers. See my signup page for inspiration.

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