Last week I wrote about Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday, and why authors do not need to shout to be seen during a very noisy week. After I finished that piece, I kept thinking about something bigger.
All year long, I talk with authors who feel pressure to do more and work harder, especially as the holidays get closer. There is a quiet urgency that shows up every November, and if you do not pay attention to it, it can easily sweep you into December feeling behind before you even begin.
That was on my mind as I looked toward this week’s message, and what kept rising to the surface was the following. December does not require hustle and bustle and craziness. It does not require a big final push.
But, what it does reward is clarity, steadiness, and a simple plan that supports you without draining you. If you stay out of the place of anxiety and stress, all that energy can be put to much better use.
Which is why I chose today’s topic. December can be one of the most meaningful visibility months for authors, not because you push harder, but because you show up with a grounded tone at a time when most people are overwhelmed.
So let’s talk about how to navigate the next few weeks in a way that is doable, calm, and effective. Let’s create a clear, steady plan to help you step into January prepared, confident, and aligned.
Here is what that can look like.
1. Start December with one clear message
If you try to talk about everything, people hear nothing, so choose the one idea from your book that feels right for this moment.Then ask yourself the following question:
“If people remember only one thing about my work this month, what do I want it to be?”
Whatever you choose becomes your theme for December.
Then use it everywhere, including your newsletter, your social posts, in quiet outreach, and in conversation.
A clear message cuts through the noise all on its own.
2. Create a calm weekly plan you can actually follow December rewards simplicity, so choose three weekly actions, such as:
- One message to your audience.
- One meaningful social post.
- One small visibility step that supports your future.
That last action could be updating your media page, refreshing a bio, organizing your pitches, creating a quote graphic, or reaching out to someone with a kind note. Do not be deceived. This rhythm is gentle and powerful. A calm, consistent December becomes a powerful January.
3. What to do when there is not much to pitch
If I had a dollar for every author who contacted me in December wanting coverage for the holidays, I would be a very wealthy woman. The truth is, most editorial calendars for December are locked by now. Holiday stories have been assigned, year end features are finished. Editors are thinking about their own holiday plans.
This is not the month for heavy pitching. But it is the month for the following:
- Small, friendly connection.
- Thoughtful engagement on social.
- Short notes of appreciation to journalists you admire.
- Positioning yourself for January when editors are ready for fresh ideas.
Here are some other ideas you can share. How about:
- One helpful tip from your book.
- One insight your readers need right now.
- One behind the scenes moment from your work.
These small touches keep your visibility warm without forcing anything and without adding anything to the general holiday rush and stress that is happening for many.
4. When response rates drop, do not take it personally
Slow responses in December are not about you. They are about inbox overload, travel, and holiday chaos. So when things get quiet it’s time to do the following:
- Stay centered and even paced
- Move one step forward, not ten
- Hold your message steady and clear
Momentum is not loud, it is consistent and your calm tone is what people will remember.
5. The real gift of December
Keep in mind that December gives you something no other month offers: space.
This is the perfect time to take a look at the year behind you. Then, time to prepare for the year ahead. What do you really want? And time to strengthen the foundation beneath your visibility.
Readers feel it when an author is truly present in their work. Not rushed and frantic, but present. Just doing what matters.
Bottom line
December is a time to slow down and consider what has gone on and what the New Year might bring. December is how you set yourself up for a strong January. So let’s take a quick review:
Week 1: Choose your one big message and send one meaningful note to your readers and network.
Week 2: Share one encouraging or insightful social post connected to your book.
Week 3: Update one part of your author platform. It could be your media page, your website bio, your one sheet, or maybe it’s time to begin on your next book!
Week 4: Celebrate. This is the week to breathe, reflect, and honor the work you have done this year.
We are moving into the holidays after all!
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. Have a little faith in you.
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