Why Hiding Behind a Screen Isn’t Building Your Audience—and What to Do Instead

Let’s be honest: it’s never been easier to convince yourself you’re doing “enough” as an author. A couple of Instagram posts? Check. A tweet about your book launch? Check. Maybe even a TikTok that got a few hundred views. You’re “marketing,” right?

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you’re only showing up online, you’re missing some of the most impactful, lasting, and relationship-driven opportunities available to you as a writer. And that means you’re likely leaving real readers—and real sales—on the table.

The Myth of “Doing It All Online”

We’ve all heard the narrative: “You don’t need to leave your house to be a successful author.”

And sure, that sounds nice. But for most authors, the numbers don’t lie—social media reach is inconsistent, email lists grow slowly, and Amazon algorithms don’t care how beautiful your book is if no one’s talking about it. You know where people are still talking about books? At festivals. At libraries. In bookstores. At markets. In real life. If you’re not showing up there, you’re marketing in a vacuum.

Are You Mistaking Comfort for Strategy?

Let’s call it out: digital feels safer. You can hide behind posts, pre-schedule your updates, and avoid direct feedback. Showing up in person? That takes effort. Vulnerability. Energy.

But here’s the thing: the authors who are selling books, growing loyal readers, and landing unexpected opportunities?

They’re putting their books—and themselves—in front of people. Not behind screens. Not hoping the algorithm comes through.

They’re out in the wild:

• Talking to local bookstores
• Getting tables at community events
• Speaking at book clubs and libraries
• Partnering with schools, indie shops, or organizations
• Meeting readers face to face

And readers remember those authors.

In-Person Doesn’t Mean “Big Budget” or “Extrovert Only”

We’re not talking about expensive national tours. We’re talking about smart, scrappy, local-first moves that actually work.

• Got a farmers’ market nearby? Set up a table.
• Have a library card? Ask about hosting a workshop or author talk.
• Know a local café or boutique? Offer to do a pop-up reading or book signing.
• Have five friends? Start a living room book night and invite people to bring someone new.

This is grassroots. Community-driven. Word-of-mouth magic. And it works.

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need a publicist.

You just need to be present—and a little bit bold.

The Hard Truth: If People Don’t See You, They Forget You

Your book is not going to market itself. And your digital presence—even if you love your Instagram aesthetic—isn’t a replacement for real-world relationships.

Books are physical. They’re personal. They’re meant to be held, signed, discussed, shared. So why are so many authors keeping their entire marketing plan virtual?

If you’ve been waiting for permission to go old school—here it is.

It’s time to get your book off the screen and into people’s hands. And here’s the shift: this isn’t just about selling. It’s about connecting. Most authors don’t need a million followers—they need 50 loyal readers who tell their friends. They need one bookstore owner who champions their work. One librarian who invites them to speak. One teacher who reads their book to a class. From there, doors can start to open. In-person marketing builds that kind of trust.

It’s Time to Show Up Where Readers Are

If you’ve been spinning your wheels online, wondering why nothing’s really moving—this is your wake-up call. There’s a whole world of readers outside the algorithm. They’re browsing tables, attending workshops, and wandering through weekend markets.

They’re real. They’re reachable. And they’re waiting to meet you—not just your latest post.

Let’s stop wasting time.

Let’s stop hiding.

Let’s get in the room.

Every writer has a stash of forgotten ideas—scribbled notes in old notebooks, half-finished stories tucked into digital folders, or fleeting concepts once jotted down on the back of a receipt. These dormant creations might seem like relics of the past, but they hold untapped potential waiting to be rediscovered.

Reviving old stories isn’t just about completing them; it’s about unearthing the treasures hidden within. Here’s how you can transform forgotten ideas into meaningful, impactful works of art.

Revisit with an Open Mind

Old stories often feel like time capsules of your earlier self. Instead of critiquing them harshly, approach them with curiosity. Ask yourself:

• What sparked this idea in the first place?
• What themes or emotions was I exploring?
• How does this resonate with me now?

By revisiting your work with fresh eyes, you may find layers of meaning that weren’t apparent when you first wrote them.

Identify the Gems

Not every story will be a masterpiece, but each one holds something valuable—a vivid character, a compelling setting, or a unique premise. Comb through your old work and extract these gems. They can become the seeds for new stories or enrich current projects.

Let Your Current Self Enhance the Past

You’ve grown since you first wrote those stories. You’ve read more, lived more, and learned more about your craft. Use that growth to refine your ideas.

• Could a character be more complex?
• Does the pacing need adjustment?
• Could you bring more nuance to the themes?

Revisiting old stories allows you to merge past inspiration with present skill.

Reimagine the Premise

Sometimes, a forgotten idea needs a fresh spin. Ask yourself:

• What if the protagonist had a different motivation?
• How would the story change if set in a different time or place?
• Could the idea work better in another medium, like poetry, a screenplay, or flash fiction?

Reimagining your stories can unlock new creative pathways.

Embrace the Unfinished

There’s no shame in an incomplete story. In fact, many of the world’s most famous works began as fragments. Use the unfinished state to your advantage—it gives you the freedom to rework, reshape, and refine the story into something entirely new.

Combine Old Ideas with New Ones

Sometimes, two unrelated ideas can form a powerful synergy. Look through your old work for concepts that could complement each other. For example, a fantasy world from one draft might be the perfect setting for a romance from another.

Set Boundaries for Revisions

It’s easy to get lost in perfectionism when revisiting old work. To avoid endless tinkering, set clear goals:

• Decide what you want to achieve with the story.
• Establish a timeline for revisions.

Remember, not every piece needs to be publishable—some stories are valuable simply for the practice and joy they bring.

Honor the Process

Dusting off old stories isn’t just about the writing; it’s a journey of self-reflection. These stories capture moments in time—who you were, what you cared about, and how you saw the world. Honor those moments, even if the stories don’t end up in the spotlight.

Keep the Treasure Chest Open

Don’t let the cycle of forgetting and rediscovering stop. Keep your old stories accessible. Organize your drafts, create a folder for abandoned projects, or start a “story seeds” journal. This way, your treasure chest of ideas is always within reach.

The stories you’ve forgotten aren’t failures; they’re pieces of your creative journey, waiting for the right moment to bloom. By dusting them off, you not only find hidden treasures but also reconnect with the writer you’ve always been.

So, dig into those forgotten drafts, breathe life into old ideas, and remember: every story, no matter how unfinished or imperfect, has the potential to shine.

In the dynamic world of social media, staying relevant and engaging is key to building a loyal audience and effectively promoting your books. For authors, this means continuously finding new ways to connect with readers, share interesting content, and keep your social media presence vibrant. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your social media engaging and fresh:

1. Diversify Your Content

Variety is the spice of social media. Mixing up your content types can keep your feed interesting and cater to different audience preferences.

• Visual Content: Share high-quality images, infographics, and videos. These can include book covers, author events, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or short trailers for your books.
• Written Content: Post excerpts from your books, writing tips, personal stories, or interesting anecdotes from your author journey.
• Interactive Content: Engage your audience with polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and live videos. Interactive content can significantly boost engagement rates.

2. Plan and Schedule Your Posts

Consistency is crucial for maintaining an active social media presence. Planning and scheduling your posts can help ensure a steady flow of content.

• Content Calendar: Develop a monthly or weekly content calendar to plan out your posts in advance. Include a mix of promotional and non-promotional content.
• Scheduling Tools: Use tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to schedule your posts. This allows you to maintain a consistent posting schedule without needing to be online all the time.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street. Actively engaging with your audience can build a strong community around your author brand.

• Respond Promptly: Reply to comments, messages, and mentions to show your readers that you value their input and interaction.
• Ask Questions: Encourage conversation by asking your audience questions related to your books, their reading preferences, or general topics of interest.
• User-Generated Content: Share content created by your readers, such as fan art, reviews, or photos with your book. This not only engages your audience but also provides authentic content.

4. Leverage Trends and Hashtags

Staying current with social media trends and using relevant hashtags can increase your visibility and engagement.

• Trending Topics: Participate in trending conversations or challenges that align with your author brand or genre. This can help you reach a broader audience.
• Hashtags: Use popular and relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts. Research hashtags that are commonly used in your genre or by your target audience.

5. Host Giveaways and Contests

Giveaways and contests are excellent for generating buzz and increasing engagement.

• Attractive Prizes: Offer prizes that your audience will find valuable, such as signed copies of your books, exclusive merchandise, or early access to new releases.
• Simple Entry Requirements: Make it easy for people to participate by setting simple entry requirements like following your profile, tagging friends, or sharing your post.

6. Collaborate with Others

Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences and add fresh perspectives to your content.

• Guest Posts: Invite fellow authors, bloggers, or influencers to write guest posts or take over your social media for a day.
• Joint Events: Host joint live events, interviews, or book discussions with other authors or industry experts.

7. Share Personal Stories

Personal stories and insights help humanize your brand and create a deeper connection with your audience.

• Behind-the-Scenes: Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, daily life, or the inspiration behind your books.
• Milestones and Achievements: Celebrate milestones and achievements with your audience, whether it’s finishing a draft, publishing a book, or winning an award.

8. Monitor Analytics and Adjust

Regularly reviewing your social media analytics can provide insights into what’s working and what’s not.

• Performance Metrics: Track metrics like engagement rates, follower growth, and post reach. Identify patterns and adjust your strategy based on what resonates most with your audience.
• Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your audience and be willing to experiment with new types of content or posting times.

Keeping your social media engaging and fresh requires creativity, consistency, and a willingness to adapt to your audience’s preferences. By taking advantage of the various social media platforms, you can build a vibrant social media presence that not only promotes your books but also fosters a loyal and engaged community of readers.

As an author, the excitement of seeing your book published is only the beginning. To truly maximize your book’s potential and ensure its success, taking an active role in your publisher’s marketing package can be incredibly beneficial. By utilizing the promotional items and participating in social media launches, you not only help spread the word about your book but also create stronger connections with your audience. Here’s why being part of your publisher’s marketing efforts is a smart move: