Community Building
Readers want connections
I think a lot of authors and writers forget that Community is such a CORE component of a successful journey in this industry (if you want it to evolve into something more than a pastime activity).
Community building is vital for authors (regardless of trad, indie, or self publishing) because it provides professional and emotional support, which helps with marketing and sales. Word-of-mouth is BY FAR the most successful form of marketing, even with all of the paid services and AI-generated support. A strong community helps combat the isolation of writing, creates a loyal fanbase for future books, and provides invaluable insights into what readers want, which is crucial for authors without the support of a large publishing house.
Community = Currency: Readers increasingly want authentic connections with authors. Indie authors who build strong communities often see higher retention and repeat purchases.
Direct Engagement Trend: Platforms like Patreon, Discord, and Substack are booming for authors who offer exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access.
Email Lists Are Gold: Despite social media trends, email remains the most effective channel for conversions, with average open rates for author newsletters at 35–45%, which is far above social media engagement (interestingly enough… because I’m sure 90% of us have those dang post notifications set to silent).
If you know anything at all about me, you know I’m a stats girlie… so here ya go:
Key Statistics
Patreon Growth: Over 250,000 creators earn income through Patreon, with publishing and writing among the top categories.
Reader Loyalty: 78% of readers say they are more likely to buy from an author they follow on social media or subscribe to via email.
Engagement Impact: Authors with active communities report 2–3x higher launch-day sales compared to those without.
Preferred Platforms:
Facebook Groups: Still strong for book clubs and genre-specific communities.
Discord: Popular for younger audiences and interactive events.
Instagram & TikTok (#BookTok): Drive discovery and viral engagement.
Just a few engagement ideas you can try:
