Becoming a New York Times bestselling author was a milestone in my career.
And like so many achievements, my journey to the bestseller list was full of challenges, setbacks, and lessons that I had to learn the hard way.
So today I want to share four of the biggest mistakes new authors make.
Keep reading if you want to know what it truly takes to succeed in the world of publishing.
Mistake #1: Believing Publishers Will Sell Your Book
One of the most common misconceptions I encountered while writing my book was the belief that once a publisher was on board, my job as the author was essentially done.
This couldn’t be further from the truth!
Look, publishers are in the business of making books, not selling them.
Writers write, editors edit, publishers publish, distributors distribute, and NOBODY actually sells the book.
The responsibility to sell the book falls squarely on the shoulders of you, dear author.
It’s your book, your message, and ultimately, your career at stake.
You have to be the one to get out there and sell it.
Mistake #2: Writing the Book Before Building the Audience
Many authors, brimming with enthusiasm, dive into writing their book without first establishing an audience.
Please don’t do that.
My assumption is that you want to write a great book that people actually read.
So build your audience before you write your book.
This ensures that once your book is ready, you have eager readers waiting to dive in.
If your goal is to become a bestselling author: audience first, book second.
Mistake #3: Putting Too Much Faith In Writing Quality
While the quality of your writing is important, it’s not the primary determinant of your book’s long-term success.
The harsh truth is that many well-written books languish on shelves, unnoticed and unread.
The long-tail success of a book often hinges more on the consistency of its promotion rather than its literary merit.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but in the crowded marketplace, visibility trumps quality.
Your masterpiece deserves to be read.
And for that to happen, you need to master the art of promotion.
Mistake #4: Waiting to Be Discovered
In a world saturated with content, the idea of being “discovered” is at best outdated and at worst a career-ending fallacy.
Marketing isn’t just a part of the job; it is the job.
It’s about embracing the art of promotion with as much passion as you do the art of writing.
If you want your voice to be heard, you must actively and consistently put your work in front of potential readers.
Figure out how to fall in love with the art of marketing.
Otherwise your book won’t reach the people who need it most.
Embracing the Art of Self-Promotion
If you’re an aspiring author, or even an established one looking to reach new heights, remember that writing your book is just the beginning.
The real work begins when it’s time to share your masterpiece with the world.
At Brand Builders Group, we specialize in helping authors (among other mission-driven messengers) build their influence and monetize their personal brands.
If navigating the complex world of book promotion sounds daunting, you’re not alone.
We’re here to guide you through the process, from building your audience to promoting your book.
With the right strategy and support, your book can not only reach the shelves, but also capture the hearts and minds of readers worldwide.
If you’re ready to take your first step towards becoming a bestselling author, I invite you to schedule a Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group.
Let’s turn your literary dreams into literal reality.
Becoming a bestselling author is a journey that goes far beyond the pages of your book.
It’s a path paved with persistence, strategic promotion, and a deep understanding of your audience.
Ready to take the plunge of a lifetime?
Schedule Your Free Brand Call Today
Your story deserves to be told.
