Have you ever wondered why certain novelists go on to become best-selling authors while others never seem to move up the ranks? It really boils down to sales, at some level. But it isn’t as straightforward.
Acing the bestselling game is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors. There are certain non-negotiables that you need to get right if you’re aiming for literary success.
Well, need not worry. Just read on, and you’ll be armed with a Practical Approach to Becoming A Bestselling Author.
Read- You cannot write a bestselling book unless you do
In the words of the great Stephen King, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to write.” Reading other authors helps you absorb the various unique narrative styles and eventually become a better writer. Also, it gives you a feel for what the audience appreciates, such as metaphors, narration styles, transitions and more. So, read you must!
Write- It’s something all bestselling authors do
Writing is a skill, remember, and what do skills need? Honing! You’ll struggle to write a bestselling book or at least one that the readers appreciate unless you perfect your writing skills. All athletes speak about the importance of regular practice. As a writer, you should adopt the same approach. Writing regularly enhances your skillset, builds your vocabulary, and helps you find your style or voice, as many call it. In simple terms, voice is a combination of your writing tone, the sentence structure you use, patterns, and perspective. It is a stamp that makes your work recognizable.
Here are some examples for those of you who don’t know what “Voice” means:
Regular Speaking Voice
“I’m going to get coffee.”
Overly Descriptive Exaggerated Voice
“I shall venture into the deep-hued darkness of the night in search of that enticing brown liquid I frequently consume.”
Scholarly Voice
“Coffee is a warm brown liquid that provides nourishment to the tired mind. My supply of it has expired, and I shall go seek it.”
Have you found your unique writing voice? Got Coffee?
Build your presence on social media
Your social media handle can double your reputation as an author if done correctly. Having a presence on social media can help you connect with readers and cultivate a community that follows you diligently. And it’s not complicated. Just follow your favourite bestselling author on the social media platform of your liking and replicate what they do. It might take some time to get there, but you’ll make it if you persist.
Don’t give up
There’s a good chance your first book will not be your finest work. Everyone would do it if it were that easy. Think about it! But don’t let that discourage you. Some of the highest-grossing bestselling authors had to toil through dejection and steep learning curves before they finally made it, be it Stephen King or JK Rowling. The key is to persist and stay consistent. There’s a fat chance you’ll finally get it right if you keep at it. So, don’t give up!
So, there you have it, Your Practical Approach to Becoming A Bestselling Author. Let us know your thoughts about the post by leaving a reply in the comments section. Also, check out our article on 4 Proven Ways to Sell a Book Online in India.
