7 Things Every Author Needs Before Publishing a Book
Where do you start?
What comes first — the cart or the horse? The chicken or the egg?
Writers often ask similar questions when they begin their author journey.
If you’ve attended a writers’ conference, joined a writing group, or searched online for how to become an author, you’ve probably discovered something quickly:
There is a lot of advice — and much of it can feel confusing.
Fear not, my intrepid writing warrior.
While there’s no single “correct” order for building your author foundation, there are several elements that make the publishing journey much smoother.
Think of these as the seven building blocks that prepare you for publishing success.
What Do Authors Actually Need Before Publishing?
Before publishing a book, most authors benefit from establishing a few key foundations. These help ensure that once the book is released, readers can find you and your message.
The seven essentials include:
Choosing whether to publish under your real name or a pen name
Understanding your personal motivation for writing
Building relationships with a writing community
Creating a simple author website
Identifying your ideal reader (often called an “avatar”)
Learning the basics of book marketing
Choosing one social media platform where your readers spend time
You don’t need everything perfectly in place before publishing, but these elements create a much stronger starting point for your author journey.
1. Decide Whether to Use a Pen Name
Many aspiring authors wonder whether they should write under their real name or a pen name.
Both options are valid.
Some writers choose a pen name for privacy reasons. For example, I’ve worked with an author in cybersecurity who preferred not to publish under their legal name. Similarly, individuals in law enforcement or other sensitive professions may choose to keep their identities private.
Other authors prefer to publish under their own name to build recognition and credibility.
Another factor to consider is simplicity.
If someone hears your name on a podcast or during an interview, will they easily remember it, spell it, and find you online?
Your author name becomes part of your brand, so take a little time to consider what feels right for you.
2. Know Your “Why”
Before publishing a book, take time to clarify your motivation.
Why are you writing?
Some authors want to preserve family stories and legacy.
Others write to support their professional expertise and strengthen their résumé.
Still others are passionate storytellers who dream of building a successful career as novelists.
All of these goals are valid.
Knowing your “why” becomes especially important when the writing process feels difficult — and every writer experiences those moments.
Your purpose will carry you through the long hours of writing, editing, and editing again.
3. Find a Writing Community
Writing can be a wonderfully creative experience, but it can also feel very isolating.
That’s why community matters.
Writers who connect with other authors often stay motivated longer and learn faster.
You might find community through:
local writing groups
writers’ conferences
online author communities
critique groups
If you’re not sure where to begin, a simple online search for “writers groups near me” can reveal many options. Your writing community becomes a place to learn, share experiences, and celebrate milestones along the way.
4. Create a Simple Author Website
Before publishing your book, it’s wise to establish a small online presence.
Your website doesn’t need to be elaborate in the beginning.
A simple site that includes the four items below is often enough to start.
your name (or pen name)
a short author bio
a blog or occasional updates
contact information
Agents, publishers, podcast hosts, and readers frequently search for authors online. Having a website ensures that when someone looks for you, they can actually find you.
You can always expand your site later as your author career grows.
5. Identify Your Reader Avatar
Who are you writing for?
In marketing language, this person is often called your reader avatar.
Your avatar represents the ideal reader who will connect most strongly with your book.
Ask yourself:
Who would benefit most from my message?
What challenges are they facing?
What transformation might my book provide?
Instead of writing for “everyone,” focus on that one reader who would truly value your work. Understanding your reader helps guide everything from your writing tone to your marketing strategy.
6. Learn the Basics of Book Marketing
No matter which publishing path you choose — traditional, self-publishing, or hybrid — marketing will still be part of your author journey.
Many writers feel intimidated by marketing, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Start small.
A helpful resource I often recommend is 5-Minute Book Marketing for Authors by Penny Sansevieri, which breaks marketing tasks into manageable daily actions.
Think of marketing the same way the old saying describes eating an elephant:
one bite at a time.
Over time, those small steps add up.
7. Choose One Social Media Platform
Many new authors believe they must be active everywhere online.
In reality, it’s far more effective to focus on one platform where your readers spend time.
For example:
Platform Audience Tendencies
Facebook broad audience, strong for community groups
Instagram visual storytelling and lifestyle content
LinkedIn professionals and subject-matter experts
TikTok younger audiences and viral book communities
Choose one platform and learn it well. Consistency matters far more than trying to be everywhere at once.
The Bigger Picture
Publishing a book is an exciting milestone.
But successful authors often begin preparing long before the manuscript is finished.
By thinking ahead about your author identity, community, platform, and marketing strategy, you create a much stronger foundation for the journey ahead.
Remember:
Publishing isn’t the finish line.
For most authors, it’s the starting line of a much larger adventure.
Author Readiness Checklist
Before publishing your book, take a moment to review these key foundations.
✔ Decide whether you will publish under your real name or a pen name
✔ Clarify your purpose for writing — your “why”
✔ Connect with a writing community for encouragement and feedback
✔ Create a simple author website so readers can find you
✔ Identify your ideal reader (your avatar)
✔ Learn the basics of book marketing
✔ Choose one social media platform where your readers spend time
You don’t have to accomplish everything perfectly before publishing.
But establishing these foundations will make your publishing journey far smoother and far more strategic.
Which of these seven steps feels most important for you right now?
Explore More Author Business Guides
If you're navigating the business side of writing and publishing, these resources from the Authorpreneur Compass may help:
• How to Start an Author Business (Not Just Write a Book)
• Traditional vs Self-Publishing: Which Is Right for You?
• How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?
• How Authors Actually Make Money
• Do Authors Really Need an Author Business Plan?
• 7 Things Every Author Needs Before Publishing a Book
