How to Build an Author Platform for Your Health Book

“Writing the book is only half the work.
The other half is making sure the right people know it exists.”

If you’re writing a health book, you’re probably pouring your heart, your expertise, and countless hours into the manuscript. You’re carefully explaining the science, weaving in stories, and offering solutions you hope will change lives.

But here’s the truth that many first-time health authors don’t realize: even the best book will go unnoticed if no one knows who you are.

That’s where your author platform comes in.

Think of it as the stage you stand on when you present your book to the world. A sturdy stage allows you to rise above the noise, carry your message farther, and connect with readers who need your book. Without it, even the most valuable message may never find its audience.

In this blog, we’ll break down the elements of an author platform, explain why it matters in health book publishing, and show how you can start building yours before your book launches.

What Is an Author Platform?

These days, publishers don’t just buy a book—they buy the author. More specifically, they’re buying the author’s ability to reach and grow an audience. That ability is your platform.

Your platform is the collection of assets, channels, and relationships that allow you to spread your message widely. It can include:

Professional credentials – your medical degree, clinical experience, research background, or years of coaching and counseling.
Media presence – appearances on TV, podcasts, YouTube, or radio.
Social media following – active, engaged audiences on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
Speaking engagements – keynote talks, TED Talks, webinars, workshops, or health summits.
Website and email list – your digital home and the community of readers who have invited you directly into their inbox.
Partnerships and endorsements – connections with organizations, influencers, or other professionals who can amplify your message.

Each piece adds to the strength of your platform. You don’t need all of them to succeed, but the more solid your author platform, the more attractive you’ll be to publishers—and the more effective you’ll be at reaching readers if you self-publish.

What Is an Author Platform?

These days, publishers don’t just buy a book—they buy the author. More specifically, they’re buying the author’s ability to reach and grow an audience. That ability is your platform.

Your platform is the collection of assets, channels, and relationships that allow you to spread your message widely. It can include:

Professional credentials – your medical degree, clinical experience, research background, or years of coaching and counseling.
Media presence – appearances on TV, podcasts, YouTube, or radio.
Social media following – active, engaged audiences on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
Speaking engagements – keynote talks, TED Talks, webinars, workshops, or health summits.
Website and email list – your digital home and the community of readers who have invited you directly into their inbox.
Partnerships and endorsements – connections with organizations, influencers, or other professionals who can amplify your message.

Each piece adds to the strength of your platform. You don’t need all of them to succeed, but the more solid your author platform, the more attractive you’ll be to publishers—and the more effective you’ll be at reaching readers if you self-publish.

Why Build an Author Platform Before Publishing Your Health Book?

Many authors assume they can wait until after the book is done to think about promotion. That’s a costly mistake, and one I’ve seen happen too often.

Building an author platform takes time, and publishers want to see evidence of it before they commit.

Imagine two authors walk into a publisher’s office with proposals for books on the same health topic—say, reversing type 2 diabetes. Both manuscripts are well-researched and clearly written. But Author A has 50,000 Instagram followers, a mailing list of 20,000, and has been featured on multiple health podcasts. Author B has no website, a few hundred LinkedIn connections, and no media presence. Which author is more likely to land the deal?

Even if you plan to self-publish, the same logic applies. A strong health author platform means you already have an audience waiting for your book. You won’t be launching into a void—you’ll be launching into the arms of readers who already know, like, and trust you.

Example: Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a UK physician, built his platform first by becoming a familiar face on BBC’s Doctor in the House. He then grew his podcast (Feel Better, Live More) into one of Europe’s most popular health shows. By the time he launched his books, he had millions of listeners and viewers primed to buy.

why build an author platform for health book

Why Build an Author Platform Before Publishing Your Health Book?

Many authors assume they can wait until after the book is done to think about promotion. That’s a costly mistake, and one I’ve seen happen too often.

Building an author platform takes time, and publishers want to see evidence of it before they commit.

Imagine two authors walk into a publisher’s office with proposals for books on the same health topic—say, reversing type 2 diabetes. Both manuscripts are well-researched and clearly written. But Author A has 50,000 Instagram followers, a mailing list of 20,000, and has been featured on multiple health podcasts. Author B has no website, a few hundred LinkedIn connections, and no media presence. Which author is more likely to land the deal?

Even if you plan to self-publish, the same logic applies. A strong health author platform means you already have an audience waiting for your book. You won’t be launching into a void—you’ll be launching into the arms of readers who already know, like, and trust you.

Example: Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a UK physician, built his platform first by becoming a familiar face on BBC’s Doctor in the House. He then grew his podcast (Feel Better, Live More) into one of Europe’s most popular health shows. By the time he launched his books, he had millions of listeners and viewers primed to buy.

Step One: Clarify Your Core Message

Before you start posting, podcasting, or partnering, you need clarity. What is the central message of your health book? What do you stand for?

A cardiologist might decide her message is: “Heart health is not just about medicine, it’s about lifestyle—and small changes save lives.”

A psychologist might say: “Anxiety isn’t a weakness, it’s a signal—and you can learn to work with it rather than against it.”

Once you’ve defined your message, everything you build—your website, your talks, your social media posts—should echo it. That consistency builds authority and recognition.

Example: Dr. Mark Hyman has a crystal-clear message: food is medicine. Every podcast episode, Instagram post, and bestselling book he releases reinforces this theme.

Step One: Clarify Your Core Message

Before you start posting, podcasting, or partnering, you need clarity. What is the central message of your health book? What do you stand for?

A cardiologist might decide her message is: “Heart health is not just about medicine, it’s about lifestyle—and small changes save lives.”

A psychologist might say: “Anxiety isn’t a weakness, it’s a signal—and you can learn to work with it rather than against it.”

Once you’ve defined your message, everything you build—your website, your talks, your social media posts—should echo it. That consistency builds authority and recognition.

Example: Dr. Mark Hyman has a crystal-clear message: food is medicine. Every podcast episode, Instagram post, and bestselling book he releases reinforces this theme.

Step Two: Establish Your Digital Home

Your author website is the anchor of your platform. Social media algorithms can shift overnight, but your website and email list are yours to control.

At a minimum, your site should include:

A clear statement of who you are and what you offer.
A blog or article section where you share insights tied to your book.
A way for readers to join your email list.
Contact information for speaking, consulting, or media inquiries.

Start simple, then expand. A clean design, fast load times, and easy navigation matter more than flashy graphics.

Example: Kelly Brogan, M.D., holistic psychiatrist and author of A Mind of Your Own, built a site that doubles as her professional hub and a library of articles. It funnels readers into her newsletter, courses, and eventually her books.

author platform for health book, establish your digital home

Step Two: Establish Your Digital Home

Your author website is the anchor of your platform. Social media algorithms can shift overnight, but your website and email list are yours to control.

At a minimum, your site should include:

A clear statement of who you are and what you offer.
A blog or article section where you share insights tied to your book.
A way for readers to join your email list.
Contact information for speaking, consulting, or media inquiries.

Start simple, then expand. A clean design, fast load times, and easy navigation matter more than flashy graphics.

Example: Kelly Brogan, M.D., holistic psychiatrist and author of A Mind of Your Own, built a site that doubles as her professional hub and a library of articles. It funnels readers into her newsletter, courses, and eventually her books.

Step Three: Grow Your Email List

An email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools for health authors. Why? Because it’s direct, personal, and algorithm-proof.

Ways to grow your list:

A free guide (e.g., “10 Foods That Calm Inflammation”).
A mini-course or video series.
A short quiz with results tied to your topic.

Offer something valuable, make sign-up easy, then nurture your subscribers with regular, helpful content. When your book launches, these readers will be your most loyal buyers.

Example: Chris Kresser, author of The Paleo Cure, grew his audience by offering free health guides and blog content. His email community trusted him long before his book came out, ensuring strong sales.

Step Three: Grow Your Email List

An email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools for health authors. Why? Because it’s direct, personal, and algorithm-proof.

Ways to grow your list:

A free guide (e.g., “10 Foods That Calm Inflammation”).
A mini-course or video series.
A short quiz with results tied to your topic.

Offer something valuable, make sign-up easy, then nurture your subscribers with regular, helpful content. When your book launches, these readers will be your most loyal buyers.

Example: Chris Kresser, author of The Paleo Cure, grew his audience by offering free health guides and blog content. His email community trusted him long before his book came out, ensuring strong sales.

Step Four: Choose Your Social Media Channels Wisely

You don’t need to dominate every platform. Focus on where your readers are.

Instagram & TikTok – great for patient education and quick health tips.
LinkedIn – best for reaching professionals, clinicians, and policymakers.
YouTube – ideal for deeper health content like tutorials or interviews.
Facebook – strong for communities and older demographics.

Consistency beats volume. Ten thoughtful posts that spark engagement outperform fifty rushed ones.

Example: Dr. Jolene Brighten leveraged Instagram to build an audience around women’s health and hormones. That following propelled her book Beyond the Pill onto bestseller lists.

Step Four: Choose Your Social Media Channels Wisely

You don’t need to dominate every platform. Focus on where your readers are.

Instagram & TikTok – great for patient education and quick health tips.
LinkedIn – best for reaching professionals, clinicians, and policymakers.
YouTube – ideal for deeper health content like tutorials or interviews.
Facebook – strong for communities and older demographics.

Consistency beats volume. Ten thoughtful posts that spark engagement outperform fifty rushed ones.

Example: Dr. Jolene Brighten leveraged Instagram to build an audience around women’s health and hormones. That following propelled her book Beyond the Pill onto bestseller lists.

Step Five: Start Speaking

Speaking builds credibility and authority. Whether it’s a keynote, podcast, or webinar, people connect with you differently when they hear your voice.

Start small if needed: community groups, podcasts, local health fairs. Each event builds your resume and your reach.

Be sure to tell stories from your book. Stories make your book memorable and relatable.

Example: Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain, gave countless talks and interviews before his book exploded onto bestseller lists. His platform was primed long before launch.

Step Five: Start Speaking

Speaking builds credibility and authority. Whether it’s a keynote, podcast, or webinar, people connect with you differently when they hear your voice.

Start small if needed: community groups, podcasts, local health fairs. Each event builds your resume and your reach.

Be sure to tell stories from your book. Stories make your book memorable and relatable.

Example: Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain, gave countless talks and interviews before his book exploded onto bestseller lists. His platform was primed long before launch.

Step Six: Seek Media Opportunities

Legacy media still carries influence. Newspaper features, radio interviews, or TV spots can expose you to thousands of readers.

Get started by writing a short, clear bio and pitching timely, relevant ideas to journalists and podcast hosts.

Example: Dr. Sanjay Gupta built his reputation and his book sales through relentless media appearances. By the time his books launched, millions already trusted him.

Step Six: Seek Media Opportunities

Legacy media still carries influence.

Newspaper features, radio interviews, or TV spots can expose you to thousands of readers.

Get started by writing a short, clear bio and pitching timely, relevant ideas to journalists and podcast hosts. They are as eager to get great guests and story ideas as you are eager to be featured.

Example: Dr. Sanjay Gupta built his reputation and his book sales through relentless media appearances. By the time his books launched, millions already trusted him.

Step Seven: Build Partnerships

Partnerships amplify your reach. Collaborate with colleagues, organizations, or influencers who share your mission. Host webinars together, trade guest posts, or cross-promote resources.

Example: Dr. Dean Ornish partnered with hospitals, insurers, and media outlets to expand his platform, paving the way for his bestselling books on lifestyle medicine.

Step Seven: Build Partnerships

Partnerships amplify your reach.

Collaborate with colleagues, organizations, or influencers who share your mission.

You can also host webinars together, trade guest posts, or cross-promote resources.

Example: Dr. Dean Ornish partnered with hospitals, insurers, and media outlets to expand his platform, paving the way for his bestselling books on lifestyle medicine.

Step Eight: Track and Strengthen Your Platform

Keep track of your numbers—subscribers, followers, speaking events, engagement rates. Publishers want data. Self-publishers need it to measure ROI.

Example: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, tracked his speaking and teaching activity for years. When his book launched, his established platform carried it into long-term bestseller status.

build an author platform for your health book by tracking the data

Step Eight: Track and Strengthen Your Platform

Right from the start, keep track of your numbers—subscribers, followers, speaking events, engagement rates.

Don’t worry if the numbers are low.

Publishers want data. Self-publishers need it to measure ROI.

Example: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, tracked his speaking and teaching activity for years.

When his book launched, his established platform carried it into long-term bestseller status.

The Author Platform-Building Timeline

Start at least 12–18 months before your launch:

18 months out: clarify your message, set up your site, start your list.
12 months out: post regularly, secure small speaking gigs.
9 months out: grow your list, pitch podcasts and guest articles.
6 months out: step up media outreach, pursue larger speaking events.
3 months out: build buzz with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
Launch: announce your book to an already engaged, waiting audience.

The Author Platform-Building Timeline

Start at least 12–18 months before your launch:

18 months out: clarify your message, set up your site, start your list.
12 months out: post regularly, secure small speaking gigs.
9 months out: grow your list, pitch podcasts and guest articles.
6 months out: step up media outreach, pursue larger speaking events.
3 months out: build buzz with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
Launch: announce your book to an already engaged, waiting audience.

Final Thoughts: Platform as Service

If the idea of “self-promotion” feels uncomfortable, reframe it. Building a platform isn’t about bragging. It’s about serving.

If your book can improve health, reduce suffering, or ease fear, then you have a responsibility to make sure people find it. Author platform building isn’t shouting into the void—it’s connecting. It’s making sure the people who need your message hear it loud and clear.

So don’t wait. Start building your stage today. By the time your health book is ready, you’ll have an audience waiting—not just to buy your book, but to transform their lives through it.

If You’d Like Help Writing Your Health Book…

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Contact us!

We’re Barry Fox and Nadine Taylor, professional ghostwriters and authors with a long list of satisfied clients and editors at major publishing houses.

You can learn about our health book ghostwriting work and credentials on our Health Book Ghostwriter Page.

For more information, call us at 818-917-5362 or use our contact form to send us a message. We’d love to talk to you about your exciting idea for writing a health book!