Why Some Authors Don’t Succeed

Okay, just because I’ve written a book that people seem to like and that has been optioned for the big screen, doesn’t make me an expert on this topic.  However, there are some things I’ve learned.  First of all, writing is a solitary craft.  And it’s tempting to isolate yourself in order to “tap into your muse.”  But writers who choose this route often don’t succeed.  It’s important to surround yourself with professionals for support — published authors, book publicists, and other people who are part of publishing world.  You can do this by joining local groups (I belong to the California Writers Club and the Women’s National Book Association) and/or joining online groups.  The main thing is to get and stay connected with others in your profession.  Spend some time each day surfing the net to find what’s happening in the writing world.

Another pitfall is not researching your market in advance.  After your book is released is too late.  You should identify your target audience upfront and develop a plan for how to let them know about your book, preferable before it’s released.  Remember, exposure =  interest = sales.

Lastly, most authors don’t succeed because they are not willing to market.  I have news!  If you want to be successful, you must be willing to market.  Every day, I do at least one thing to promote my book — every single day, weekends included.

So don’t undermine your opportunity to succeed.  Encompass all aspects of being a author and your chances for success will be greatly enhanced.