Don’t Wait for Launch Day to Build Momentum

Most authors think marketing starts after the book is ready. In reality, the most successful book launches begin months before publishing.

If you wait until your book is live on Amazon to tell people about it, you’ve already lost valuable time. In today’s creator economy, you don’t just announce a book — you build a movement around it.

LinkedIn, YouTube, and Podcasts are the modern author’s secret weapons. They allow you to build anticipation, authority, and an audience that’s emotionally invested in your story — even before page one.

Let’s explore how to use each of these platforms strategically to turn your upcoming book into a brand that readers can’t wait to engage with.

LinkedIn: Position Yourself as a Thought Leader Before the Launch

If your book is business, leadership, or personal development-oriented, LinkedIn is your most powerful pre-launch tool. It’s where your ideal readers — decision-makers, professionals, and entrepreneurs — already spend their time.

Here’s how to use it smartly:

• Start sharing your book journey early. Post about why you’re writing your book, what problem it solves, or what inspired you to begin. Transparency builds emotional connection.
• Share snippets, not spoilers. Turn short paragraphs or quotes from your draft into visual posts or carousels. End each post with a question to drive engagement.
• Show the process. People love behind-the-scenes — your writing desk, brainstorming notes, even your self-doubt moments.
• Engage before you sell. Comment on others’ posts in your niche. Visibility compounds long before marketing spend does.

By the time your book launches, your network will already know, like, and trust you — which means they’ll be ready to buy and share your book organically.

YouTube: Teach, Don’t Tease

YouTube works differently — here, value leads to visibility. Instead of “talking about your book,” focus on teaching your book.

Create videos where you:

• Break down one key idea per chapter in under 5 minutes.
• Share frameworks or real-world examples from your book.
• Discuss common misconceptions in your niche (and how your book addresses them).

Pro tip: Add a pinned comment or video outro that says:
“This video is inspired by my upcoming book on [topic]. Join my early reader list at [your link].”

Over time, your videos act as “book trailers with substance.” You’re not promoting a product; you’re building authority through consistency. You don’t need fancy lighting or a studio — authenticity beats production every time.

Podcasts: The Fastest Way to Build Credibility and Relationships

Podcasts are the intimacy platform of the digital world. They allow people to hear your tone, energy, and conviction — all the traits that make your book’s message believable.

You can leverage podcasts in two ways:

1. Be a Guest on Other Shows

Look for podcasts related to your book’s niche — leadership, entrepreneurship, productivity, wellness, etc. Pitch value-driven topics, not just “I wrote a book.” For example:

“I’d love to talk about how founders can use storytelling to scale their business — something I explore in my upcoming book.”

This way, you establish thought leadership and softly introduce your book to a ready audience.

2. Start Your Own Mini Podcast Series

Record 5–10 short episodes discussing your book’s key lessons, behind-the-scenes insights, or interviews with people who influenced your thinking. This creates an audio ecosystem around your book and makes your launch more experiential.

Podcasts build deep trust — and trust sells more books than ads ever can.

Create a Unified Content Loop

The secret to a successful pre-launch strategy is consistency across platforms.

Your LinkedIn post could spark curiosity. Your YouTube video could deepen learning. Your podcast could build emotional connection.

When these platforms work together, they create a loop that reinforces your message from every direction.

Use the same phrases, book title, tone, and design cues across all channels — so your audience instantly recognises your brand voice wherever they see you.

Most Common Questions About Pre-Launch Marketing (Q&A)