Build it Before You Launch: 5 Ways to Grow Your Audience Before Publishing Your Book

In this episode, Jess shares five powerful strategies to grow your audience before your book even hits the shelves. Whether you’re a first-time author or seasoned writer, building momentum early will set you up for a stronger launch and lasting connections with your readers.

Jess walks you through practical steps and gives you prompts to take action right away, including:

1. Build an email list – how to gather addresses and use tools and promotions to grow it.
2. Share your journey publicly – let people in on your wins, struggles, and behind-the-scenes moments.
3. Find your niche – define your target reader and speak directly to them.
4. Collaborate and show up where your readers are – from podcasts to Substack to partnerships with other authors.
5. Serve before you sell – offer valuable, theme-related content that highlights the impact of your work.

If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with readers before launch day, this episode gives you the framework—and the prompts—you need to start building your audience today.

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.