Helpful author habits for your future self
- Crystal Leonardi
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Wherever you are in the publishing process, there are smart steps you can take today that will make things smoother tomorrow and give your book the best possible chance at success. Start weaving these practices into your regular routine now, and your future self will thank you!
Before you publish (while you’re still writing):
Attend book events. Pay attention to what you like and don’t like, so when it’s your turn, you’ll already have a vision for your book event.
Create an organised digital filing system along with file naming rules. Down the line, you may be looking for something, and you’ll be grateful you know where to find it.
Backup everything - locally and on an external hard drive. End each week of work with a backup.
When doing research, take photos and videos of setting locations and items of inspiration for future social media posts and blogs. Again, ensure you have a filing system with file naming rules on your computer.
From the moment you start a manuscript, keep a list of your marketing ideas - affiliate groups, article and blog post topics, media outlets that would be a good fit, bookstores to contact, etc.
Keep a file of everything you delete from your manuscript in case you decide to add something back in later. Or, readers love deleted scenes! Maybe you could use some of the deleted content on social media or in a blog after publication.
Ignore the media trends in the industry - write the book you want to write. Go into a bubble and write from your heart, without wondering how good it is or who’s going to read it. Worry about all that once the first draft is finished. Your unique voice is what readers will connect with most.
If you write nonfiction, you already keep a bibliography of your sources, but fiction writers should do this, too. You may need to refer back to something during revisions.
Read as much as possible in your genre. Keep a list of comparable titles and authors to approach about providing an endorsement or review of your book. Note what you liked about their book so you can personalise your email to them, as well as why a review from this author would help your book.
Get to know your local book retailers. Attend their events and buy from their stores.
Collect bonus content to add to book or website once you are published, including a glossary, book club discussion questions, author Q&A, character family tree, recipes of dishes mentioned in the story, playlists, a deep dive into a unique aspect of your story’s setting or culture, maps, and so much more.
Don’t rush. Do multiple rounds of edits. Have friends, family or beta readers give you feedback. Edit again. And then again. Don’t submit until the manuscript is the absolute best you can make it.
Connect with industry agents, editors, publishers and authors on social media. This will keep you in the loop with trends and build your support network.
Take a class on anything you need to become a better writer, entrepreneur, social media content creator, salesperson, speaker… any of the many hats an author must wear.
When you are in the publishing process:
Ensure you have the following updated and easily accessible at all times: back cover blurb, cover images, buy links for your book in each format and on all platforms (shortened), your ISBN number(s), all review quotes you receive, author bio, author photo, links to your social media, link to your website, etc.
Read your finished book, or have a trusted friend read it, and flag quotes that would be good to highlight in social media posts and on your website.
Contact the people on your Promotions list. Tell them about your book, its publication date, back cover blurb, cover image, your bio, and why you think they and/or their followers would be interested in your book. Share your availability for interviews or events and how to contact you. Offer to send them an Advance Reader Copy. If you have a publisher, you will find all of this information on a Press Release document.
Create a calendar for the months leading up to publication for social media posts (including what, exactly, you will post).
Create and post to your website all the bonus content that you collected during the writing stage to add value to your readers’ experience.
As reviews come in, add them to your website.
Once published:
Let go of all expectations you have for your book. It is now out of your control. Continue to promote it but move forward with your next project.
If talking about your book makes you nervous, remember that you are at the event in service to the audience. Be: entertaining (make them laugh), educational (teach them something they didn’t already know), or inspiring (share something that makes them leave with ideas and dreams swirling around in their minds). Accomplish at least one on that list and you’ll be great!
Revisit all action items from ‘Before you publish’ above.
Update your website with every link you receive: coverage/reviews of the book, interviews, articles.
After every event, send a personalised thank-you note to the organiser. A thank you/appreciation post is also recommended for social media.
No matter how many of these strategies you implement—some or all—each one brings you closer to a more organised and confident publishing journey. Your future self as a successful author will be glad you started now.
For more tips like this, check out 6 Steps to Self-publishing on my website www.crystalleonardi.com/bookshop
With thanks to Kelli Estes for the inspiration behind this article.
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