A “How To” Guide for the Prospective Writer – Step Eleven on the Writing Journey
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Written by Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
Melissa Velasco is an Indie author with a quick wit, edgy writing style, and bold willingness to take a flying leap into the unknown. She is the author of the Hollywood High Chronicles book series, a metaphysical thriller deep dive into the trials of a pack of metaphysically charged teen misfits growing up in gritty 1990s Hollywood.
Publishing your book is an incredible accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t end there. The next step is learning how to market your work so readers can discover it. This article walks new authors through practical, accessible strategies to promote their books, build their brand, and confidently step into the world as published writers.
If you’re just tuning in to the “How To” Guide for the Prospective Writer, then you have an incredible adventure ahead of you, but you need to rewind to the first step. Now that it’s just us. The ones who have completed this writing journey.
(Huge exhale.) You did it! Can you believe what you accomplished? It’s so exciting! There’s a new challenge ahead, but you can do it!
The marketing journey
Now that you’re holding your published book in your hands, it’s time for the marketing journey. This is its own HUGE process. Marketing has many layers, options, and particulars. I’ll give you a breakdown in this article, but I highly recommend looking into hiring a marketing professional.
Marketing avenues to consider
Website
You need an author website now that you’re a published author. Most authors use their name and the word “books.” My author website is melissavelascobooks.com. You might be asking, “Why not use your book title?” The answer is simple. You might write other books! Snag your website domain and start building your website!
Are you asking how? I did also. I hired a marketing manager who knows all about website building. An expert is imperative if you don’t specialize in website creation and maintenance. My website creator is named Stephen Knezovich, with ascenderbook.services.
Social media advertising
Post on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. You’ll be surprised how well social media works to get the word out about your new publication. In addition, advertising your book on Instagram and Facebook, through their sales platforms, is a great option for an affordable marketing avenue.
Magazine articles
You’ll be surprised how cooperative local magazines are. Collaboration and interviews are key. These interviews also give you another social media content avenue as you post them!
Blog
Consider writing a blog on your website! This gives you an avenue to discuss the “Behind the Scenes” reality of being an author.
Podcasts
Put the word out on social media that you’d love to interview on podcasts! There are quite a few. Remember, podcasters need people to interview, and you have something to discuss! It’s a perfect match.
Book signings
Talk with your local bookstores in your area. They are often open to local authors. You have nothing to lose. The book community is incredibly supportive, in my experience.
Persistence is key
Keep marketing! Keep going! Sell, sell, sell!
Well done! You completed a dream. You’re a part of a persistent small club of writers who made their dream a reality.
Read more from Melissa Velasco
Melissa Velasco, Accomplished Indie Writer
With a quick wit, often edgy mouth, and loud laugh, Melissa exuberantly embraces life. Melissa Velasco is a true explorer of the arts. With a well-rounded background as a choreographer, professor, dance teacher, stage manager, and author, she thrives in creation. At her core, she believes that the arts save lives and provide a route for passion and connection. With five books currently published from her Hollywood High Chronicles metaphysical thriller book series, Melissa Velasco is an accomplished Indie writer.
