Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, bsc

It always starts the same way: you’ve finished your book, your heart is thumping with excitement, and you hit publish.

Then you wait.

And wait.

And wait some more.

Somewhere between refreshing your dashboard and staring at your blank email list, you begin to wonder:

“Where are the readers? How do I even start?”

You’re not alone. Every indie author goes through this quiet stage, and the first 100 true readers often feel like climbing Mount Olympus with flip-flops. But here’s the good news: it’s possible, it’s not about luck, and it doesn’t require a marketing degree. It’s about small, consistent steps and connecting with real people — not faceless numbers. Let’s walk through how you can get there.

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Why the First 100 Matter

Reaching 100 readers isn’t just about numbers. It’s about validation, momentum, and community. Those first readers are the ones who will leave reviews, recommend your book to a friend, and cheer you on in ways that make the long nights worth it.

Think of them as your founding circle. Just like the first roots of a tree, they may be small, but they’re the ones that keep you steady as you grow.

The first 100 readers aren’t random; they’re your true readers — the ones who resonate with your voice, your stories, and your themes.

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Step One: Create a Doorway for Them

Imagine inviting someone to your home but forgetting to build a front door. That’s what happens when authors publish a book but don’t set up a way for readers to connect beyond that first purchase.

Your doorway is a reader magnet — something small but meaningful you offer in exchange for an email address. It could be a short prequel story, a bonus epilogue, a behind-the-scenes “author diary,” or even a workbook if you’re writing nonfiction. The key is this: it should feel like a gift, not homework.

Once you have that gift, you need a simple landing page. BookFunnel and StoryOrigin both make this easy. These platforms host your reader magnet, deliver it automatically, and give you a professional link to share.

Suddenly, you’ve built a door — and when readers step through, you can actually welcome them inside.

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Step Two: Meet Readers Where They Already Are

Now that you’ve built the door, you need to let people know it exists. Here’s the secret: you don’t need to chase everyone, just the ones already hanging out in your corner of the book world.

That might mean joining a Facebook group dedicated to your genre and sharing your reader magnet as part of a themed promo day.

It might mean joining a newsletter swap on BookFunnel or StoryOrigin, where you and another author recommend each other’s freebies to your email lists. Even if your list is small, you’ll be surprised at how many readers cross-pollinate.

Think of this like pulling your chair up to a table where the conversation is already happening. You don’t need to host the entire party. You just need to show up, be genuine, and share what you’ve made.

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Step Three: Make It Human

Readers aren’t just looking for books. They’re looking for connection. The reason indie authors thrive is because readers can feel the heartbeat behind the words.

When you send your first newsletters, write as though you’re writing to one person — your ideal reader. Share the messy behind-the-scenes moments: the cat that walked across your keyboard, the coffee spill that smudged your outline, the panic before you pressed publish. Those stories make you real, and real makes people stay.

This is how you turn a casual downloader into a true reader. Because anyone can grab a free book, but only someone who feels seen and connected will keep coming back for more.

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Step Four: Track Progress, Not Perfection

Here’s where most indie authors stumble: they give up after a week because they only see three new subscribers. But remember, you’re not chasing 10,000 readers right now. You’re planting seeds for the first 100.

Maybe this week you join one swap and get 15 new signups. Next week you post your magnet link in a Facebook group and gain 7 more. The week after, you mention it on your Instagram and add 12. Slowly, those numbers start stacking.

Think of it like climbing stairs. Each step is small, but if you keep climbing, you’ll reach the top. By the time you look up, you’ve hit 100, and those readers are no longer strangers — they’re your people.

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The Power of Patience

There’s a reason this process feels slow. Because it’s supposed to. Building something real takes time. Instant numbers don’t always equal lasting readers.

What you’re doing — writing your heart out, inviting readers in, showing up consistently — is the opposite of empty vanity metrics. It’s real, it’s sustainable, and it’s the kind of foundation that can grow into thousands.

Remember: every author you admire once sat where you are now, waiting for their first 100. They didn’t get there overnight, and you won’t either. But you will get there.

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If you’re ready to start building your first 100 readers, here’s your next step:

Create one simple reader magnet this week. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to exist. Then set it up on BookFunnel or StoryOrigin, and share the link in one group, one swap, or one post.

And when you get your first sign-up? Celebrate it. Write their name down if you can. Because that’s not just a number. That’s the beginning of your circle — the start of your very own community of readers.

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💌 And here’s your hug to end on: your first 100 readers are out there, waiting for you. They want your stories, your voice, your quirks. Don’t wait for perfect timing. Build the door, invite them in, and let them find you.