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What It Really Takes To Become A Successful Author

By on November 11, 2017

In many ways, there has been no better time to be a writer. The ability for anyone to self-publish has, in a way, leveled the playing field for many writers and there is no denying that if you are determined and committed enough, there is no reason why anyone and everyone that wants to can’t see their book in print.

However, advances in technology and an increase in the number of platforms where authors can publish and market their witing has changed the way that authors must work. While, in a way, it could be argued that success is there for the taking if they genuinely want it, there is now so much more to think about, and so many different avenues to explore.

So, in this contemporary society, what does it take to become a successful author?

Having passion, determination and a clear goal in mind

To be a successful writer you need to have a goal, and that goal should be crystal clear and seared into the forefront of your mind. Becoming a successful author is an endurance race and also a battle. You’ve got to want it more than anyone else, you’ve got to put more hours in than anyone else. If you don’t have the passion, and the commitment, if you aren’t willing to put in the hours and have the sheer grit it takes to keep your head down and keep on going, you aren’t likely to get very far.

Writing, reading and practising every single day

People have different opinions about what makes a good writer, but one of the most important things to remember is that while having natural talent and brilliant ideas is one thing, real writers are the ones who write. If you write every day, consume books like you’ll run out of air, and keep putting your work out there, it’s going to be much easier for you to improve your craft. So keep your nose to the grindstone and one day it will pay off.

Having platforms and being smart about how you use them

You won’t get very far in this day and age without having built sturdy, successful platforms from which you can shout about your work. A modern, successful author needs to be churning out content, be engaging their readers, and makes sure they are always visible and growing their network of contacts, readers and fans.

Promotion, promotion, promotion

Being a good writer is essential. There is no denying that. But if you want to be successful you need to be a brilliant promoter too. This is where many authors become unstuck. They want to write, they want to share their stories with the world, but do they want to spend hours investigating all the ways they should market themselves? Do they want to put themselves out there by continuously talking about how great their work is? Do they want to shell out money to market their stories? Probably not. However, without doing so, it’s going to be very tough for them to get their books to be seen.

The right attitude

Writing was, is and will continue to be a seriously tough and competitive profession, and becoming successful isn’t easy. Remaining positive, building good relationships, taking care of your readers and having a great attitude even when things aren’t going your way is just as important as everything else. So even when the chips are down, remember, if at first, you don’t succeed…

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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