Longtime Writer, First Time Promoter Looking for Advice > Likes and Comments

Hi!

So, I’ve been a writer for a long time (20 years+) though I’ve never published either conventionally or independently before. I’m looking at attempting to self publish next year. I have a total of 5 novels, 2 complete, 2 needing additional proofreading and 1 in progress that I’d be looking to move forward with.

The problem? I’m so green at this new author/promoter thing that I don’t even know what problems or obstacles I’m looking at to be successful with this!

So, I’m throwing out a general request for any knowledge/experience others might have. What has made you successful? What was a waste of time? What did you wish you knew going into it? What are good resources to use along the way?

One thing that I know I need to work on is my social media presence - I have virtually nothing for that since I logged out of social media a long time ago and haven’t looked back. But, in this context, I definitely need to log back in and get to work on that front.

Other than that, is there anything else that others would suggest? I’m willing to take any advice no matter how trivial. Literally. Is there a font size that tends to be more successful than others? A time of year that independent authors tend to do better when first launching? A certain social media site that gets the most attention? Any suggestions big or small are welcome - I’m more than willing to learn from anyone else that has done it already!

I think social media is good for getting the word out, and keeping potential readers updated on release date, reviews, appearances, any positive mentions, but I think it's important, especially for a new writer, to emphasize local. If there are any venues - your local library, community groups, book clubs, community colleges where you might give a talk and signing that would be a good place to start. If you have any local media - newspapers (print or online), local radio programs, locals who may have a podcast or youtube channel, see if they will interview you - be prepared to do a giveaway.
After that, locate any social media sites - X, instagram, youtube, Facebook (though I'm not on FB currently), web sites and send them a short PR and a link to your book. Offer to write a guest column. Participate in any groups that might have a connection to your subject. Always remind people that you would appreciate it if they would review your book - on this site, on Amazon or on any sites dedicated to your subject.

Ben wrote: "Hi!

So, I’ve been a writer for a long time (20 years+) though I’ve never published either conventionally or independently before. I’m looking at attempting to self publish next year. I have a tota..."

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Ben, check out David Gaughran's free course. He has lots of free resources on his site.

D. wrote: "Ben, check out David Gaughran's free course. He has lots of free resources on his site."

Thank you, D. David has some great resources.

I completely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been writing for over two decades myself, and while my very first short story was published traditionally by Rupa, everything that followed — the novels, the shorts, the collections — ended up being self-published. It’s been a strange mix of joy, exhaustion, learning curves, and quiet victories.
What you’re feeling is normal. None of us really know what we’re doing in the beginning, especially when we step into the “author + promoter + marketer + everything else” territory. You learn as you go, and most of it is kinder than it looks from the outside.
A few things from my journey that might help:
1. Start small but steady with social media.
You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick one platform you can tolerate and show up consistently. Talk about your writing life, what you’re reading, or even the process. Readers connect with authenticity, not perfection.
2. Editing and proofreading matter more than anything.
If two of your novels just need polishing, that’s a gift. Strong editing is the backbone of self-publishing — it’s what separates a book that disappears from one that survives.
3. Don’t underestimate cover design.
It sounds superficial, but it absolutely isn’t. I learned this the hard way. A good cover and clean formatting do half the marketing for you.
4. Launch timing matters less than launch planning.
I’ve released books at “ideal” times and at completely random times. What makes the difference is having a clear plan: a few posts, maybe a small reader group, an email list if you have one, and some basic visibility.
5. What I wish I knew earlier:
That it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Self-publishing rewards patience. Your first launch doesn’t have to be explosive — it just has to exist. You build readership brick by brick.
As for your specific questions:
Font size, optimal months, “magic” platforms — honestly, they all matter far less than your consistency and your connection with readers. The best resource you have is your body of work. Five novels, with two ready — that’s already more than many writers will ever finish.
You’re not green. You’re just stepping into a new stage of the same craft. And you’ll find your footing faster than you think.

I empathise entirely, Ben. I too started writing professionally some twenty years ago. I was quickly signed to a big publisher and agency, near-missed an award and was that publisher's lead fiction at Frankfurt. Then the magic ran out. My forte is literary/historical and though I wrote a couple of small books after this, I didn't start another historical novel for more than ten years. When I did, it took me another ten to complete (although in mitigation, I did take time off to write a first crime novel during that decade). Since the turn of the millennium when I first published, it seems the world of publishing has been turned on its head and that world is hard to navigate for someone like myself, who is self-publishing for the first time. I'm giving it my all as I feel so passionate about the book but I have yet to find an avenue that gives results. There's some useful information for me in the posts above (thanks all) and I very much hope people will post more advice regarding self-publishing.

Hello Ben,
Promoting yourself and marketing take long time to understand. You need to understand SEOs and algorithms and key words and categories to put your book in the right place in the market to sell.
You need to understand AI. Social media is only one of many places you need to know about and it's not that good at getting you sales anyway.
For a complete beginner at everything there is a site called Author Media. Thomas Umstattdt can be an annoying Deep South American but he is immensely helpful and I suggest you go through his podcasts and listen, He knows what he is talking about. (publisher and writer himself) There is everything there for a beginner and he's offering BLACK FRIDAY SALES on his courses but you don't need to do the courses. Just listen and listen to the podcasts. There's a pleasant social group too. Thomas is a firm Christian and insists on good behaviour so no one gets snippy.

https://www.authormedia.com/
There are a huge number of podcasts to help you.

Thomas has just done a podcast on Amazon algorithms.

Catch it here:
https://authormedia.social/c/deals/bl...

I will add one caution. When you put out a call for help or advice in promoting an upcoming work (or even a work that's been out for a while) be prepared to have your inbox loaded with offers to review your work, assist with promotion or even create a book trailer. I have had all of the above, many quite recently, and none which I would feel comfortable responding to.