Attention all authors! Red Thread Publishing has launched our Weekly Author Challenge, designed to support your journey to author success! Read more

How does it work? Each week, we'll post a new challenge along with a detailed blog to guide you through it. From crafting compelling book blurbs to building your author platform, these challenges will cover all the essential elements of becoming a successful authorpreneur. 

Offer a Sneak Peek

Share a preview or excerpt from your upcoming book or project.

Get ready to tease your readers like a Netflix trailer! Sharing a sneak peek or excerpt from your upcoming book or project is like offering a taste of a delicious meal—you want them drooling for more. Engage your audience by sharing a preview or excerpt from your upcoming book or project. This is a fantastic way to build anticipation and create buzz around your work. Here’s how you can make the most of this challenge:

1. Select a Compelling Excerpt: Choose a section that captures the essence of your book or project. It could be a key piece of research, an insightful anecdote, or an inspiring story that hooks your readers.
2. Add Context: Provide a brief introduction to the excerpt. Explain where it fits within the overall narrative or project and why you chose this particular part to share. Highlight how it connects to the core message or theme of your book.
3. Visual Elements: Enhance your sneak peek with visuals. Include images related to your topic, such as charts, infographics, or photographs, to draw readers in. Consider incorporating elements from past challenges like creating an infographic to visually present information from your book.
4. Call to Action: End your preview with a call to action. Encourage your readers to pre-order your book, sign up for your newsletter, or follow you on social media for more updates. Remind them of the benefits of being part of your community, such as exclusive content and early access to future sneak peeks.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Invite feedback and comments. Ask your readers what they think about the excerpt and what they’re most excited to read next. Use this interaction to build a stronger connection with your audience.

Choosing the Right Channels to Share Your Sneak Peek

Website/Blog: Your own website or blog is a perfect place to share an excerpt. It’s your own space where you can provide detailed context and visuals.

Newsletter: Send the excerpt to your email subscribers. They’re already interested in your work and will appreciate the exclusive content.

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are great for reaching a broader audience. Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live for a more interactive experience.

YouTube/Vimeo: Create a video where you read the excerpt and share additional insights. This can be more engaging and personal.

Author Platforms: Sites like Goodreads or specialized forums can help you reach avid readers who are keen to discover new books.

Consider your audience and where they are most active. If you have a strong social media following, that might be your best bet. If your newsletter has high engagement rates, prioritize that channel.

By offering a sneak peek, you’re giving your readers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. It’s an effective way to generate excitement and keep your audience engaged. Plus, sharing previews can provide valuable feedback and insights from your readers.

Share your creations and tag us @RedThreadBooks on social media. Remember to stay tuned for next week's challenge: Author Challenge #13 --- Create a Book-inspired Recipe: Share a dish or drink inspired by your book or its themes.

Happy writing!

Tag us @redthreadbooks #RTAuthorChall so we can share & celebrate your work. You do not have to do this alone. 

Did you miss the earlier challenges? Check last week's:

Author Challenge #11: Media Kit Part 3 - Create a Speaker’s Reel to Highlight Your Style