Most writers will know that writing books isn't usually the path to fame and fortune, but they secretly hope they will be the exception to that rule.
However, once they get a few years into their career most writers will be over that particular delusion. They'll have to come to accept they won't be walking on the red carpet into a film premier of their latest book which Steven Spielberg has just launched.
But while that dream may have subsided, writers still need to be careful their thoughts do not go the other way and send them spiralling into a whole other world.
Some writers fear that because they've written a few books and not had any spectacular sales they should give up, or at the very least start writing something completely different. And some writers don't even send out any of their work at all. If you can identify with this then by all means try something new but never give up. Don't fall into the trap that so many of us face: setting up ridiculously high expectations and then plummeting back down from orbit with an almighty crash.
This brings me to my next point of aiming too high or refusing to give your books away as part of vital promotion. I have now given away two out of four books for a limited time. Exposure was massive and I've enjoyed sales ever since. I'm sure sales come from the fact that I write what I love to read and I'm not a person who constantly chases trends. I know writers who do this and have had success, but I don't believe I could write a book without having an interest in the novel's theme.
Another factor which limits success is refusing to believe publishing is a business and that's the same whether you're self-publishing or have an agent and a contract with the big six. Another failure which some writers make is spending all your time and effort on marketing 'schemes' that are more see-through than a jellyfish. Instead of giving all your money to someone who 'promises' to sell a thousand of your books a day, why not spend your time writing the next book?
Excellent advice, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana, for your kind words. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteFrankly speaking it may be awkward to tell you that I don't really want to make books. I just want to write. Then perhaps it may spiraled into making a book. But your point of fears outlined is true and will be observed.
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