Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#220. How to Build an Author Platform (Even if You're an Introvert) with Shelby Leigh

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Nov 18, 2025

Join bestselling poet Shelby Leigh, who has sold over 60,000 copies of her poetry, as she shares her journey from anonymous writer to marketing guru. She discusses the importance of building an authentic author platform and when to start—ideally months before your launch. Shelby introduces her "Show, Sell, Story Tell" framework to connect with readers and offers essential tips on email lists and website setups. Learn to avoid common pitfalls and embrace your unique marketing style, even if you're an introvert!

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ADVICE

Pick One Platform And Be Cohesive

Pick a platform and define a cohesive author brand with consistent colors, fonts, and genre clarity.
Use that cohesion across your website, email, and social to help readers immediately know what you write.

ADVICE

Start Your Platform Early

Start building your platform as early as 6–12 months before release, or sooner if you can handle it.
If you're launching in a few months, start today — there's no perfect cutoff for getting started.

ADVICE

Focus Social Efforts Where You Enjoy

Focus on one (max two) social platforms you enjoy and that fit your content format to stay consistent.
Optimize your profile to clearly state your genre and book so readers instantly know if it's for them.

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Learn how to build a focused, authentic author platform to connect with readers early, grow your visibility, and create lasting momentum for your book launch.

In this episode, I’m joined by Shelby Leigh, bestselling author of four poetry books (with over 60,000 copies sold!) and the founder of Marketing by Shelby, where she's helped more than 8,000 authors and creatives learn how to market their books with ease.

Shelby and I talk about how to start building your author platform before your book launches, what to post when you don't have a book out yet, and how to market in a way that fits your personality (even if you’re introverted or allergic to salesy marketing).

Here’s what we cover:

[02:15] How Shelby went from anonymous poet to book marketing educator, and what helped her embrace book promotion as an introvert who once dreaded it.

[05:25] What an author platform actually includes (it’s more than social media!) and how early (or late) you should build one that works.

[12:30] The 3-Part “Show, Sell, Story Tell” content framework for sharing your work online without feeling pushy or performative.

[18:15] The most common author-platform mistakes writers make and the mindset shifts that turn confusing marketing into genuine reader connection.

[20:40] How to set up your first email list, plan a low-stress book launch, and keep growing your readership long after release week.

Whether you're preparing to publish or just starting your first draft, you'll discover simple, sustainable ways to market your book and connect with readers who'll love it.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

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