Connecting with Readers as an Author—Are You Speaking to Them or Just Talking at Them?

One of the hardest parts of sharing your writing isn’t just hitting “publish.” It’s wondering if anyone is actually listening.

You’ve heard that building a platform means posting consistently, growing your email list, and showing up online.

So, you try. You share updates, reflections, inspirational quotes, and book links. You write blog posts and send newsletters. You show up on Instagram.

And yet, it often feels like you’re just throwing words into the void.

No replies. No engagement. No sign that what you’re saying is landing.

And when that happens, it’s really easy to start feeling discouraged, even wondering if the whole writing process was even worth it if nobody cares.

This feeling can be one of the hardest parts of connecting with readers as an author, especially when you know your words have the power to help, encourage, or challenge people, if only you could get them to engage with your writing.

If you’re tired of talking at your readers and want to truly connect with them, let’s explore why this is so hard and what you can do to start building real relationships with your audience.

Why Connecting with Readers as an Author Feels So Hard

This might be hard to hear, but one of the biggest reasons this is happening to you might be that you aren’t really connecting with people at all.

There’s a difference between blasting out your content and actually building meaningful connections with people.

It’s easy to slip into “broadcast mode” when you’re building a platform. You post because you feel like you should, but you’re not sure if it’s making a difference.

You share about your writing process or your book launch, hoping someone will care, but you’re not sure who you’re talking to, or if anyone is even listening.

This happens because broadcasting feels safer. It’s easier to talk about your projects than to invite conversation. It feels more comfortable to post updates than to share something that might not get a response.

When you are broadcasting, you feel good about checking the boxes and doing all the things. Surely all that work has to pay off sometime, right?

But connecting with readers as an author requires more than just putting your words out there. It requires inviting your readers in.

Speaking to Your Readers vs. Talking at Them

Talking at your audience is self-serving. When you’re talking at your audience, your posts often revolve around your own journey without tying it to your readers’ needs. You may share consistently, but the content feels disconnected from what your readers care about or need.

When you’re speaking to your readers, your content shifts:

·       You know who your reader is and what challenges they face.

·       You create posts with intention, even if you post less often.

·       You share your experiences in ways that help your readers feel seen.

·       You invite conversation and engagement, even if it feels vulnerable.

Connecting with readers as an author isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional and relational. This requires some work; you have to understand who your ideal reader is and why your writing can meet a need in their lives.

Your Readers Want to Feel Seen

A lot of memes talk about feeling “seen” by stories and content creators, but there’s a reason why this kind of language resonates with us: it’s true!

Many writers assume readers want polished, expert-level content, but often, readers simply want to feel seen and understood. They want to know they aren’t alone in their struggles, fears, or creative journeys.

When you create content, ask yourself:

·       What is my reader worried about right now?

·       What would encourage them today?

·       How can my experience or words serve them?

You might share a lesson you learned while revising your manuscript that helps your reader feel less alone in their struggles. You might share a small win to encourage others to celebrate their progress. You might ask a simple question to invite conversation.

Connecting with readers as an author starts with seeing your readers as people, not just numbers.

Shifting from Transactional to Relational

Have you ever been in a relationship where you felt like the other person expected a lot of you without giving anything themselves? It’s exhausting to have high-maintenance people in your life, and just being around them leaves you feeling drained rather than encouraged.

That’s the difference between a transactional relationship—where the other person expects more of you than you can give and relies on you for things—and a genuine relationship, where both parties mutually benefit from the fellowship.

It’s easy to think of marketing as transactional: post content, get engagement, sell books. But true connection is relational and often takes time to build.

When you focus on relationships, you:

·       Show up consistently in a way that aligns with your voice and values

·       Share your journey honestly, including the imperfect parts

·       Create opportunities for your readers to share their stories with you

This slower, relational approach may not lead to instant results, but it builds a foundation of trust that supports your writing career for the long haul.

The reality is that readers are overwhelmed too. Their inboxes are full, their social feeds are noisy, and they crave content that feels genuine and personal. When you shift your approach from broadcasting to connecting, you offer something they can’t get from algorithms or mass marketing: human connection.

When you start connecting with readers as an author, your platform becomes more than a place to promote your work. It becomes a space where readers feel seen, encouraged, and excited to engage with your words.

Want to Start Building Real Connections with Your Readers?

If you’re ready to begin connecting with readers as an author without overwhelm, my Ultimate Book Launch Flight Plan will guide you through your next steps.

Whether you’re launching a brand-new book, reinvigorating interest in an older title, or just trying to figure out how to spread awareness about your writing, this free guide will help you harness support from readers, start meaningful conversations around your book, and reach the people who know your writing can help.

Click below, fill out the form, and I’ll send you one!

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