Becoming A Successful Author Will Take a Long Time
I was reading an old interview with my favorite band, Rush, that covered their early triumphs, failures, and opinions about their future. This reminded me that success is not guaranteed, and they suffered tragic issues during their rise to greatness. The interview reminded me that becoming a successful author will not happen overnight and that a lot of effort is required to be a successful author.
When I started my writing journey, I had a straightforward expectation. I would send my book to a publisher who would print 10,000 copies and put them in bookstores. People would buy it, read it, and then confirm how great of an author I was. (Or not. I was prepared for failure.) Publishers do not have any time for unknown authors, but I had a backup plan and sent my eBook to Amazon. 10,000 people would download it, and I would be on easy street. Yeah…
I quickly learned that Amazon is not in the business of helping new authors. This means that if somebody writes the best book ever, nobody will download it. To be successful, self-published authors must market their works. Unfortunately, I am not a bubbly guy who confidently announces himself to the world. Well, what could I do?
I created a website, got on Facebook, posted articles, and wrote more books. Plus, I have worked hard to get book reviews. Yay!
This massive effort has yielded wisps of interest, but success is far off. What is my definition of success? To break even with my editing costs. It’s not a great goal, but it is still a goal that I have a remote chance of reaching. At my preset rate, I estimate this will occur in seven years. This includes at least six additional books, 500 reviews, 400 articles, Facebook posts, and anything else I can think of. Bummer.
I must conclude that my writing career will never be more than a hobby. I am okay with this eventuality. After all, people play golf, paint, and fix cars to make money but spend thousands. Their efforts made them happy, and that was the most important outcome. Still, I would like to have at least a chance of becoming successful. So, I cling to the belief that my tiny fan base will break me out of minimal sales.
The Rush interview reminded me that it took years for this fantastic band to be successful, but their sacrifice paid off. ”If they can do it, so can I.” Is this hope or a pipe dream? The only way I can answer this question is to know that several people wrote uplifting book reviews. Hmm. Is this called “certified hope?” I can live with that.
You’re the best -Bill
August 14 2019 Updated July 20, 2024
When I started my writing journey, I had a straightforward expectation. I would send my book to a publisher who would print 10,000 copies and put them in bookstores. People would buy it, read it, and then confirm how great of an author I was. (Or not. I was prepared for failure.) Publishers do not have any time for unknown authors, but I had a backup plan and sent my eBook to Amazon. 10,000 people would download it, and I would be on easy street. Yeah…
I quickly learned that Amazon is not in the business of helping new authors. This means that if somebody writes the best book ever, nobody will download it. To be successful, self-published authors must market their works. Unfortunately, I am not a bubbly guy who confidently announces himself to the world. Well, what could I do?
I created a website, got on Facebook, posted articles, and wrote more books. Plus, I have worked hard to get book reviews. Yay!
This massive effort has yielded wisps of interest, but success is far off. What is my definition of success? To break even with my editing costs. It’s not a great goal, but it is still a goal that I have a remote chance of reaching. At my preset rate, I estimate this will occur in seven years. This includes at least six additional books, 500 reviews, 400 articles, Facebook posts, and anything else I can think of. Bummer.
I must conclude that my writing career will never be more than a hobby. I am okay with this eventuality. After all, people play golf, paint, and fix cars to make money but spend thousands. Their efforts made them happy, and that was the most important outcome. Still, I would like to have at least a chance of becoming successful. So, I cling to the belief that my tiny fan base will break me out of minimal sales.
The Rush interview reminded me that it took years for this fantastic band to be successful, but their sacrifice paid off. ”If they can do it, so can I.” Is this hope or a pipe dream? The only way I can answer this question is to know that several people wrote uplifting book reviews. Hmm. Is this called “certified hope?” I can live with that.
You’re the best -Bill
August 14 2019 Updated July 20, 2024
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