Can you really start building interest in a book you haven’t even written yet. Yes, YOU CAN!
One of the best questions I saw recently on LinkedIn was:
“What on earth do I show on my author website, when my book isn’t even written yet?”
It’s a brilliant question. And the truth is, an author website is a strategic step in the concept phase of your book.
Let’s talk about why—the answer has everything to do with your message, your future readers, and your success as an author.
What IS your book’s message?
If you’re in the early stages of your book, you might think the hard part is writing. But for most authors, the real work starts before a single chapter is drafted.
It begins with these kinds of questions:
- What is the change you want to see in the world?
- Who needs to make that change?
- Where are they now—and where do you want them to be?
- What truths do you want to share?
- And how do you explain those truths to someone who doesn’t yet care to listen?
These are big, meaningful questions. And sometimes, the answer isn’t what you first expected.
It might not end up the book you expected you’d write!
A lot of people assume they’re writing a self-help or non-fiction book. But if your intended audience is resistant—if they haven’t yet explored the why behind their frustrations—non-fiction may not be the best fit.
Your message might come through more powerfully as:
- A compelling novel
- A personal memoir
- A children’s or picture book
- Or something unexpected and hybrid like a learning journey.
And that’s where an author website can really support you.
Feeling overwhelmed? A book coach can help.
If you have too many ideas—or feel stuck trying to make all the pieces fit—this is exactly where a book coach shines. A great coach helps you:
- Clarify your message
- Choose the best literary structure for it
- Stay motivated, accountable, and aligned
- Avoid the long, lonely detour that can happen when you try to go it alone
They’re not just editors or cheerleaders. They’re strategic thinking partners. And I love working alongside them.
If you’re a coach reading this: I see you, I value you, and I’ll make sure your work shines. When your clients need a website, I’m flexible, and able to support your process.
In the concept phase, a website explores interest in your topic
Your author website, in the early stage, isn’t about promoting a finished product. It’s about exploration, clarity, and connection.
- A thinking space – to gather your ideas and test early content
- A connection tool – to share insights and start hearing from readers
- A messaging lab – to shape your voice through small experiments
It can help you:
- Identify your ideal readers
- Connect through early blogs, mailing lists, or short reflections
- Spark awareness with tools like personality quizzes or reader polls
- Stay focused on your why
- Lay the groundwork for your future marketing
- Let your message evolve alongside your book
And the best part? Every author website is unique—because your message, your audience, and your journey are one of a kind.
Start your journey now
Writing a book is a long game. A good book coach and a structured author website are like your GPS and compass—helping you navigate, adjust, and stay on course.
So yes, you can build a website before your book is written. And if you’re just starting your author journey? You’re exactly where you need to be.
If you’re an author in the early stages and wondering what your next step should be, this website has free checklists and tools to help you build your platform with purpose. Click the tag below.
💬 Book coaches—want to connect?
Please connect with me and LinkedIn. Let’s keep supporting authors together.
