There’s a moment I see all the time in the writers I work with.

They’ve finished their manuscript. Maybe they’ve even published it. They believe in what they’ve created. They want people to read it.

But when it’s time to actually put their work out there and promote it, something freezes.

Suddenly, everything feels impossible.

They know they need to “build a platform.” They’ve heard the advice: post more, email more, “just get visible.” But every time they try, they end up stuck, anxious, or worse, silent.

If that’s you, you’re not lazy. You’re not broken. And you’re not alone.

You’re just running into the most common author marketing challenges.

And the good news is that they can be overcome.

Let’s name them. Let’s dismantle them. And let’s set you free to share your work without shame, fear, or burnout.

Roadblock 1: “I Don’t Want to Be Pushy”

You love writing. You believe in your message. But the idea of “selling” makes you feel gross.

Why? Because you care.

You don’t want to spam people or make them feel like they’re just another sale. You want genuine connection.

But here’s the truth: Marketing doesn’t have to be pushy. It can be generous. It can be hospitable.

When you share your writing, your process, and your insights, you’re offering something valuable. You’re not shouting “Buy my book!” You’re saying, “Here’s something I made that might matter to you.”

That’s not pressure. That’s creative hospitality.

Roadblock 2: “What Do I Say?”

You sit down to write a post or email, and suddenly your mind goes blank. Or worse—you write something, read it back, and cringe.

This is one of the most frustrating author marketing challenges, especially for people who live and breathe words. Why is it so hard to write about your writing?

Here’s the secret: it’s not about being clever. It’s about being transparent and honest.

Here are some questions to get you started:

·      What are you working on?

·      What are you reading?

·      What inspired your latest story?

Let your readers into the creative process. Transparency can go a long way to building genuine relationships.

Roadblock 3: “Does Anyone Really Care?”

Let’s go straight to the fear that lives under the surface:

·       “What if I post and no one responds?”

·       “What if I put myself out there and it flops?”

·       “What if I’m not important enough?”

I hear this all the time. I’ve felt it too. It’s one of the hardest author marketing challenges because it hits at your self-worth.

But it’s a lie.

Your voice matters.

Not because you have thousands of followers, but because someone out there needs your words. They need your experience, your story, your insight. You may never see the impact, but it’s real.

You’re not shouting into a void. You’re sending up a signal. And if you refute the lies behind the previous two challenges we’ve discussed, you will be one step closer to reaching the people you have imagined reading the book all along.

Roadblock 4: “I Don’t Have Time to Do All the Things”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a burst of marketing energy, followed by three weeks of total silence.

Yup, me too.

This kind of inconsistency is one of the most common and discouraging author marketing challenges.

You’re not flaky. You’re human. And beyond being an author, you’re probably wearing a lot of other hats that honestly matter more: parent, professional, spouse, church member, friend, caretaker, etc. Of course your marketing rhythm breaks down sometimes.

The key isn’t perfection. It’s rhythm.

Pick one or two channels that make sense for you—maybe a blog and a newsletter. Commit to showing up once a week. Create simple, repeatable content (a writing tip, a reflection, a behind-the-scenes story). Build your muscles over time.

This is especially key if you’re somebody who hates social media. You aren’t required to use any tools you don’t like. Pour your energy into the places that bring you joy and excitement about sharing your work.

Roadblock 5: “I Should Be Able to Handle This Myself”

This one’s personal. Especially if you’re a high-capacity creative.

You’ve written a book. Maybe several. You know how to revise, research, and rewrite. So why can’t you figure out how to promote yourself?

Here’s why: writing and marketing are two different skill sets.

Expecting yourself to master both without support is like expecting a concert pianist to know how to build their own piano. It’s just not fair.

You don’t need to be a solo act. You need a place where you can gain clarity, receive support, and develop a marketing plan tailored to your needs.

Need Some Help Navigating Author Marketing Challenges?

Author marketing challenges are real, but they’re not immovable. They manifest as doubt, silence, burnout, and fear.

But underneath every challenge is a chance to grow into the writer and communicator you’re meant to be.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

With Inkling Author Marketing Studio, I help writers like you move through these roadblocks with confidence, clarity, and a plan.

I take your frustrations, questions, and dreams for promoting your work and transform them into personalized, done-for-you content that cuts out the guesswork, exhaustion, and uncertainty, so you can stop hating this process and maybe even start to enjoy it.

Click the button below to learn more about my services, and let’s start creating valuable conversations around your writing.