How To Become A Best Selling Author

There’s no doubt, being a best selling author can open lots of doors for you. Apart from the credibility it gives you, it also provides you with free publicity opportunities, an increase in website traffic and email subscribers, an increase in sales, speaking opportunities, and the list goes on…

If writing a best seller has been one of your goals, then below are the steps you need to take to reach that goal.

Step 1: Have something to say

• Your book doesn’t need to be about a subject that is sublime or awe-inspiring. You simply need to have something that you want to share with others, such as an experience, an idea, or a feeling. In order to be an author, you must have something to say and write about.

Step 2: Have self-discipline

•  Schedule a time or day dedicated to writing your book which you can commit to. Sometimes, too much time is wasted waiting for inspiration or for the right mood to write. Often times, they never come until your desire to write slowly wanes and eventually dissipates. To avoid this from happening, lock in your schedule a specific time where you completely immerse yourself into the writing process and stop any distractions you might experience,

Step 3: Have determination

• Writing a book can be overwhelming and very discouraging especially during those times when your mind goes blank and ideas seem to run dry. This can happen even to experienced writers. Do not allow this temporary setback discourage you from continuing writing. When these dry spells come, stop writing, stay away from your desk for a while, and let your mind wander freely. Imagine yourself as being a computer that needs rebooting. This can be a coffee break, a long walk or anything else you enjoy doing.

Step 4: Have a passion for words

• As a writer, your life depends on words. You must know, not only their correct spellings and pronunciations, but also the subtle nuances they convey. Develop the habit of using words that best express the message you wish to convey. To help you, you can use online synonym dictionaries which are free.

Step 5: Have imagination

• You must have the ability to make your readers picture vividly with words the scenario you are describing. This is needed especially if you are a fiction writer. If you are a non-fiction writer, you’ll still need imagination to add stories that illustrate the points you make.

Step 6: Be observant of people and events

• What is happening around you is the best source of ideas. These are the things your readers can relate to and arouse their interest in your book.

Step 7: Be willing to undergo various experiences

• Every author, whether a fiction or non-fiction one, draws on his personal experiences for what he writes. Learn to savor every experience you go through and learn from them the lesson it can teach you and your readers. Actual experiences can give you the confidence to write about a specific topic.

Step 8: Don’t be complacent and rest on your past accomplishments

• As an author, you should strive for perfection in every book you write. You should have the humility and patience to repeatedly review and edit your work. Asking for other people who represent the target audience for your book will help you tailor your book accordingly.

Step 9: Have a professional mindset

• Take writing seriously and your actions should reflect the actions of a professional writer. Besides trying to perfect your writing skills, master the other processes related to your business as an author such as advertising, publishing, and marketing.

Getting Started

After reviewing the characteristics a bestseller author should have, it is now time to get started:

Since writing a bestseller can be daunting, start small. This is where self-discipline steps in. Have a specific time and place to work every day and stick to it. Stay away from distractions like emails, social media and phone calls.

If working alone distracts you more, write where other people are also working like a library. Working in a place where other people are getting things done can increase your productivity dramatically.

Begin writing your book with a table of contents. This will serve as an outline and your guide on what to write and where. Avoid being overwhelmed by starting small. Divide the outline into smaller chapters or sections. Set a schedule to write a specific section, one at a time. Give yourself a deadline for each section.

Then, collect feedback regularly to guide you through the process. Nothing could be more frustrating than having to rewrite the book over again after it has been completed because you’ve been off track when writing. Seeking the advice of experienced authors and your target market will help. Accept constructive criticism and apply it accordingly.

Stay focused and motivated especially when feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Accept the fact that the feeling of exhaustion and being mentally dry are occasionally experienced by even bestselling authors. Schedule frequent breaks like minute breaks, hourly breaks, or even multiple day breaks to avoid stress and stay mentally fresh.

It is during these times that you should try to maintain your creativity. Read or watch videos constantly to help get ideas flowing.

Once you are confident with what you have written, send a proposal to a publisher should you not wish to self-publish. Do not procrastinate and leave the book as a file on your computer!

Locking in a publishing date will give you all the motivation you need to start executing a marketing plan. Give yourself at least 3 months to market your book for a chance to see it fly off book shelves.