Author Posture: What Happens After You Publish Your Book

Author Posture: What Happens After You Publish Your Book

October 08, 20253 min read

Author Posture: What Happens After You Publish Your Book

📘 Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 36

You’ve done it. You wrote your book, launched it, maybe even hit bestseller status—and now you’re wondering… what’s next?

That’s the question I get from so many authors once the initial excitement of launch week fades. You spend months writing, revising, formatting, promoting—and suddenly the adrenaline stops. The inbox quiets. The notifications slow down.

And here’s the truth:

Publishing your book isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line.


Your Book Is Born. Now You Have to Raise It.

When you release your book, you’ve essentially given birth to it. Writing is the pregnancy; publishing is the labor. But once it’s out in the world, that’s when the real work begins.

A book is like a child—it needs to be nurtured, cared for, and guided into the world if you want it to grow.

Many self-published books sell only 250–300 copies over their entire lifetime—not because they aren’t good, but because their authors stop showing up for them after launch day.

If you want your book to live beyond release week, you need author posture—the mindset and daily habits that keep your book visible, relevant, and reaching the readers who need it.


What “Author Posture” Really Means

Author posture is about showing up confidently as the face of your message. It’s not arrogance or ego—it’s purpose-driven promotion.

If your book exists to help, inspire, or teach, then it’s your duty to share it. Staying silent out of humility or fear isn’t modesty—it’s missed opportunity.

You don’t have to talk about your book constantly. But your social media presence, your conversations, your networking—all of it should reflect your mission and align with the themes of your book.

That’s how readers begin to associate you with your message.


🎯 How to Stay Visible After Launch

1️⃣ Be Consistent on Social Media.
You don’t need to post every day—but show up regularly with topics that tie back to your book’s message.

2️⃣ Pitch Yourself for Opportunities.

  • Look for podcasts that align with your story. (Try PodMatch to connect with hosts.)

  • Sign up for HARO (Help A Reporter Out) to get featured in articles.

3️⃣ Think Local.
Book signings, libraries, bookstores, schools, or community groups are all incredible exposure points.

4️⃣ Collect Reviews.
More reviews = more visibility. Add a QR code in your book’s conclusion that links directly to your Amazon review page.

5️⃣ Keep Learning About Marketing.
Launch is just the first step—your next stage is long-term strategy. Learn how SEO, social proof, and email lists help your book stay alive.


It’s a Mindset Shift

If you’re someone who struggles with humility, remember: this isn’t self-promotion for ego’s sake. It’s mission promotion.

You wrote your book because you believe it can help someone, teach someone, or change someone’s life. Promoting it is simply getting it into the hands of the people who need it most.


Final Word

You’re not done when your book goes live—you’re just getting started.

Keep promoting it. Keep sharing your message. Keep seeking opportunities. Because your book isn’t just a product—it’s your purpose in print.

Keep writing your story—because the world needs your voice.
—Renee

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Renée Sanábria Lautermilch is the co-founder of Smart Publishing, an independent publishing firm she started with her husband, Jonathan Lautermilch. Together, they help aspiring writers become bestselling authors through a white glove, end-to-end publishing process. 

Renée is also the author of bestselling books, including The One-Hour Author, Leading Through Love, and Real Talk With Real Business Pros. With over 20 years of leadership experience across healthcare, education, fitness, and hospitality, she holds a Bachelor's in Human Resources, an MBA, and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design. Renée has received international recognition, including Learning Leader of the Year from the Learning and Performance Institute. 

Her blend of business, publishing, and academic expertise informs her work as an editor and mentor, guiding authors with confidence and passion.

Renee Lautermilch

Renée Sanábria Lautermilch is the co-founder of Smart Publishing, an independent publishing firm she started with her husband, Jonathan Lautermilch. Together, they help aspiring writers become bestselling authors through a white glove, end-to-end publishing process. Renée is also the author of bestselling books, including The One-Hour Author, Leading Through Love, and Real Talk With Real Business Pros. With over 20 years of leadership experience across healthcare, education, fitness, and hospitality, she holds a Bachelor's in Human Resources, an MBA, and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design. Renée has received international recognition, including Learning Leader of the Year from the Learning and Performance Institute. Her blend of business, publishing, and academic expertise informs her work as an editor and mentor, guiding authors with confidence and passion.

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