If you’re a debut author with a finished manuscript, you might feel the urge to publish it—yesterday. After all, you’ve poured your heart into this book, and the world deserves to read it, right?

I love that energy. I respect that excitement. But I’m here to lovingly challenge you to pause.

Publishing your first book before you’ve laid the right foundation can hurt your author career more than help it. I don’t say this to discourage you—I say this to help you build something that lasts.

Let’s talk about why it’s better to hold off on publishing your debut novel—and what you can do instead to launch your author career with confidence, strategy, and sustainability.

Why Waiting to Publish Your First Book Is Smart

Publishing isn’t just uploading your book and hitting “go.” It’s a business move.

If you’re publishing before you’ve:

Built an audience
Tested your publication process
Learned how to market yourself
Developed long-term goals for your author career
Saved up money to pay for the publication process

…then you’re jumping in with a lot of risk.

Debut authors often get discouraged when their first book doesn't sell. But it’s not usually the book—it’s the timing.

Launching without an audience is like shouting into the void. A few people may hear you, but the echo won’t last long.

Start with a Short Story or Novella

Here’s what I recommend instead: Start your publishing journey with a short story or novella.

This doesn’t mean your novel isn’t worthy. It means you’re choosing a soft launch—a strategic move to:

Test your systems
Grow your email list
Learn how your audience engages with your content
Practice your marketing voice
Discover which platforms and tools feel right for you

This low-stakes project lets you experiment without burning out or overspending.

Why Reader Magnets Work

When you offer a short story or novella for free in exchange for an email address, you’re building your reader magnet—and your future readership.

This strategy:

Helps you build an email list before launch
Gives you a chance to practice launching something (hello, publication timeline!)
Attracts readers who are genuinely interested in your genre and voice
Builds trust with potential buyers of your full-length novel later

Use the Time to Plan a Stronger Debut

Publishing a novel is a big deal. You want to do it justice.

While your reader magnet is working behind the scenes, use that time to:

Map out your launch plan
Schedule editing and formatting for your debut
Set up your author business (LLC, processes, email list, etc.)
Establish your brand voice and visual identity
Engage with readers on social media or in newsletters

Where to Launch Your First Story

Your reader magnet needs to be accessible and simple to deliver. Here are two great options:

BookFunnel: A professional, easy-to-use platform to deliver free content and build your list
- Also, a great place to test out author swaps (a.k.a. newsletter swaps)!
Amazon KDP (for a novella): If you want to publish it at a low price point and test the print/digital process

Either option allows you to build buzz and credibility before your first book hits the shelves.

What This Strategy Teaches You

Publishing a short story or novella before your full-length book helps you learn:

What tech and tools work best for you
Where your readers hang out online
What types of content resonate with your audience
How to prepare mentally and emotionally for a bigger launch
What timeline feels doable for you

And most importantly—it helps you realize that publishing is a journey, not a sprint.

Your Debut Novel Will Thank You

When your debut novel finally launches, it won’t be to crickets—it’ll be to fans who already know and love your work.

You’ll have:

A built-in audience
An email list full of warm leads
Confidence from your first launch
Systems in place that support you
A better idea of the finances needed to build your author career

You don’t have to rush. The time you spend preparing isn’t wasted—it’s invested.

Final Thoughts

You only debut once. Make it count.

Let your first full-length novel arrive in the hands of people who’ve been waiting for it—because they already believe in you.

Start small. Build strong. You’ve got this.

P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.

If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!

Why Debut Authors Shouldn’t Publish Their First Book Immediately