One of the things I do is coach authors on improving their book marketing, and ultimately sales. And I’ll tell you – everyone wants to be famous – that is, everyone wants to be a known author and sell enough books to quit their day job. But I’ll tell you this – no one, save for the Kardashians, is born famous. It takes a lot of time and effort.
Even though everyone wants to be famous, the truth is that only about 3% of authors actually are well-known enough to make a living on their writing alone. Publishing is a tough industry, and very few authors are actually willing to do the work needed to make it. So what does it take? It takes putting yourself out there, time and again. It’s taking advantage of every opportunity, no matter how small. Taking on any interview, even those at 3 am. It means a daily dose of humility and a recognition that no one “deserves” fame.
But time and again, I am surprised when authors decide they are above a smaller blogger who requests their book. None of us is too good for any opportunity. Because every opportunity builds your resume, and opens doors to new opportunities that might be bigger. Plus, one of the trends that we’re seeing is that small may just be the new big. Micro-influencers often yield better results, better buzz, than a single elusive “big media” hit. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the authors who recognize this, are also the ones I see at conferences who come prepared to network and learn. And I’ll tell you, this is a symptom of future success – being ready to try new things and grow their skills as authors and marketers. The authors who work hard for it are the ones who might just become famous.
Penny Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. (AME) and Adjunct Professor at NYU, will present three workshops at the Florida Writers Conference: “Super Fans: The Secrets to Selling More Books” — Friday 10:30 AM; “Help! My Book Isn’t Selling. Should I Give Up?” — Saturday 10:30 AM; and “How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon” — Sunday 9:20 AM.
Jerry Tabbott
“Famous” is far over-rated, although it obviously sells products – from cosmetics to books. However, for most writers I think “respected” and “paid” are their highest goals. Becoming famous, or even infamous, is often more a means to that latter goal.
Establishing oneself as an author is an intimidating task in todays market, requiring tons of work. Luck helps, but one still has to make their own luck through study and perseverance. I’m just about to embark on that road with my first novel, a hard SciFi (which is to say a limited niche market nowadays). All encouragement is greatly appreciated,
Best wishes & thanks for your article.
Jerry
Donald Gay
Good luck Jerry and best wishes,
I agree with your thoughts. I just published my first book and I knew would be a difficult process. I wasn’t prepared for this type of struggles however. But plowing on is what focused authors have to do. So I have started the sequel with a plan for three in total.
The rewards I believe will be in the journey!
Take care…
John C Miller
Money? Not likely to happen
Fame & Glory? This might happen
Personal Satisfaction? This will happen