How to be a Successful Author

If you write books, or dream about writing books, chances are that you dream of quiting your day job and becoming a "successful" author. But what exactly does that take? Depending on your definition of what a "successful" author is, becoming one is a mix of skill, persistence, and strategy. It’s not just about writing a great book—it’s about getting it into the hands of the right readers. Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Write a Great Book

Before anything else, your book needs to be good. That means:
✔ Strong storytelling – Whether it's fantasy, mystery, or non-fiction, make sure your book has a compelling narrative.
✔ Well-developed characters – Flat characters = bored readers. Make them feel real.
✔ Good editing – Typos and plot holes will tank your credibility. Hire an editor if you can.
📖 My Recommended Reading (amazon affiliate links included):

• On Writing by Stephen King
•  Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody 

2. Find Your Niche & Audience

​Not everyone will love your book, and that’s okay. But your target readers will!
✔ Define your genre and audience—who will love your book?
✔ Research similar authors and see what works for them.
✔ Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Discord servers where your audience hangs out.

3. Build an Author Platform

Success in writing isn’t just about the book—it’s about you.
✔ Website & Email List – Have a simple site where people can find you and sign up for updates.
✔ Social Media – Pick one or two platforms and post consistently. Book updates, fun facts, or even memes related to your genre help.
✔ Blog or Newsletter – Share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, or insights about writing.
📌 Pro Tip: Engage with your readers. The more they feel connected to you, the more likely they’ll support your work!

4. Choose Your Publishing Path

📚 Traditional Publishing

• Query literary agents
• Submit to publishing houses
• Get rejected a lot (but don’t give up!)
• If accepted, you get an advance, distribution, and marketing help.

🖥 Self-Publishing

• You have control over your book, cover, and pricing.
• Use platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital.
• Invest in a professional cover, editing, and marketing.

🚀 Hybrid Publishing – Some companies help with editing and marketing but require some upfront investment. Research carefully before committing!

5. Market Like a Pro

Even a great book won’t sell if no one knows it exists.
✔ Pre-launch hype – Cover reveals, ARCs (Advance Reader Copies), and teasers.
✔ Launch strategy – Consider promotions, ads, or even a virtual book tour.
✔ Reviews matter – Ask beta readers, bloggers, and early readers to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
📌 Pro Tip: If you go the self-publishing route, Amazon Ads and BookBub can be game-changers if done correctly. Do lots of research on your ideal audience!

6. Keep Writing!

• Your first book might not be a bestseller, and that’s okay.
• Many successful authors didn’t make it big until their third, fourth, or even tenth book.
• Keep improving your craft, stay consistent, and don’t quit.

The key to success? Persistence. Writing a book is hard. Selling it is harder. But if you’re passionate, keep learning, and market wisely, you will find your readers.
What’s your book idea? Maybe I can help you with brainstorming or strategy HERE!