How to Build Your Author Brand Before Your Book Is Even Done?

Why Wait Until the End?

So, you've started writing a book. Maybe you're halfway throughor maybe youre still wrestling with chapter one. Either way, here's a secret that many first-time (and even seasoned) authors often miss: your author brand doesn't have to wait until your book is done. In fact, it shouldnt.

Building your author brand while writing your book can be the smartest move you make. Not only does it lay the foundation for a strong book launch, but it also helps you connect with your ideal readers from the beginning. Think of it like warming up the crowd before the main eventyou want people cheering before you even hit the stage.

Lets break it down, step by step, and get your brand working for you while that manuscripts still cooking.

1. Start Thinking Like a Brand (Because You Are One)

Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or a children's series about detective squirrels, you're building something more than just a bookyou're building a reputation. Your name, your voice, your messageall of that contributes to your author brand.

Ask yourself:

• What themes do I write about?

• Who am I writing for?

• What kind of energy or vibe do I want to give off?

• What do I want readers to feel when they see my name?

You dont have to overthink it or design a whole logo right away. But get clear on your identity. Are you the brutally honest self-help guru? The cozy mystery queen? The poetic storyteller of generational trauma? Own it.

Your clarity is magneticand it attracts the right audience.

2. Claim Your Digital Real Estate Early

No matter what stage you're at in your writing, one thing's for sure: you need to be findable.

Start with the basics:

• Secure your domain name (preferably YourNameAuthor.com or something similar).

• Create your social handles, even if you wont post much at first.

• Consider setting up a simple author landing page with a photo, bio, and a hint about your upcoming book.

Youre not trying to look like a polished bestseller right away. Youre simply planting the flag that says: Hey world, Im an authorand Ive got something coming.

3. Build in Public (Let Readers Join the Journey)

One of the best ways to build buzz is to invite readers behind the scenes. People love being part of something in the making.

Start sharing:

• Snippets from your writing sessions

• Mood boards, character sketches, or research photos

• Thoughts about your process, challenges, or inspirations

• Honest updates like writing this chapter just broke my brain (relatable content wins)

This does two things:

1. It makes you more relatable.

2. It creates anticipation for your book.

Plus, your early audience will feel emotionally invested by the time your book launches. Thats brand loyalty before you even hit The End.

4. Grow Your Email List (Its Not Too Soon, Trust Me)

But I dont even have a book to sell yet! Exactly. Thats why now is the perfect time to start collecting emails. Your list becomes your VIP communitythe people wholl cheer you on, leave your first reviews, and actually buy your book.

Offer something small and valuable in exchange:

• A sample chapter

• A character backstory

• A free worksheet (for nonfiction)

• Access to your writing playlist

Make it fun, on-brand, and true to your voice. Then slowly nurture that listsend occasional updates, celebrate milestones, or just say hi once in a while. It doesnt have to be a full-on newsletter yet.

5. Collaborate with the Right People

Writers often feel like theyre on an island. But if youre building a brand, you need bridgesnot moats.

Find other authors in your genre. Connect with bookstagrammers, editors, writing coaches, or anyone who shares your vibe. Start showing up in small ways: comment on their posts, share their content, or invite them to collaborate.

This isnt networking in the stiff, awkward way. Its about community building, which is a major part of long-term author success.

6. Be Authentically Consistent

Lets face itbranding can feel like a performance. But the most magnetic author brands are built on honest consistency. You dont have to post every day, or be a dancing sensation on TikTok.

You just have to be youover and over again.

If your tone is warm and funny, carry that through your posts and emails. If your book is dark and introspective, let that show in your visuals and captions. Readers dont want perfection. They want a voice they can recognize and connect with.

Remember: consistency doesnt mean boring. It means trustworthy. And trust leads to sales.

7. Talk About Your BookBut Not Only Your Book

Yes, youre building toward your launch, but dont become a walking promo machine. People connect to people, not just products.

So mix it up:

• Talk about your writing struggles

• Share your favorite coffee shop writing spots

• Ask your followers how they stay motivated

• Reflect on why you started writing this book

Youre letting people into your world. The book is part of itbut you are the brand.

8. Play the Long Game

Branding isnt about going viral overnight. Its about building a platform that lastssomething you can carry from book one to book ten, from paperbacks to speaking gigs, and beyond.

So dont rush the process. Dont obsess over the numbers. Focus on value, voice, and community. Thats how real brands grow.

Even before your book is done, you can become an author that people remember, trust, and want to follow.

A Little Help From the Experts

If all this sounds exciting but also slightly overwhelming, youre not alone. Thankfully, you dont have to build your author brand from scratch all by yourself. Thats where platforms like Oxford Book Writers come in.

With years of experience guiding authors through the maze of writing, publishing, and marketing, they know how to align your story with a brand that actually resonates. Whether you need help refining your message, building your website, or just figuring out what your brand is, theyve probably seen (and solved) it all.

The key? Start now. Start small. And keep showing up.

Because building your brand before the book is done isnt just smartits transformational.

Ready to become the kind of author people recognizeeven before your book hits the shelves? The journey starts with a single post, a shared story, or a heartfelt email. And who knows? That in-progress energy might just be the thing that builds your biggest fanbase yet.