AUTHOR SUCCESS

Sometimes, the only difference between an author who becomes highly successful and thousands who struggle to get discovered is this:

The author who became highly successful wasn’t afraid to strike out swinging.

Many authors don’t try to find an agent or traditional publisher. They’re afraid to strike out.

Many authors who do try to find an agent or traditional publisher give up after a few rejections. Having struck out a few times, they’d rather not strike out again.

Many authors don’t try to get their books stocked in local bookstores. They might strike out.

Many authors don’t try to get the press to cover their stories. The answer could be NO.

Many authors give up after self-publishing a couple of books. Striking out is no fun.

Many authors are afraid to seek advice from successful authors.

Many authors ignore big opportunities and focus only on the smallest ones.

But you can’t hit a grand slam if you don’t step up to the plate.

Chances are that you will strike out a lot.

But the solution isn’t to give up.

If you don’t like striking out, work on your approach so that the next time you have a better shot.

It may not be as simple as asking.

There is a little more to it than that.

You have to learn to ask the right way.

For example, there are better and worse ways to prepare a press release kit or a query letter.

Keep working on your story idea and pitch until you nail them.

And experience is a big factor.

You have to strike out several times to gain that experience.

Do your research, as that helps much, too.

You can learn much from others who’ve stepped to the plate many times and finally learned how to get on base.

Work hard to improve as an author.

Work hard writing as that hard work can go a long way.

That hard work and experience give you a solid foundation to stand on.

Build connections.

Seek advice.

Start with small things to build confidence, but don’t stop with the small things.

Visualize the successful outcome you wish to achieve and work toward it.

Remind yourself that you CAN do it.

Odds are in your favor when you play the long game.

ASK FOR IT

A little over a year ago, I had this idea for a Black Friday just for books.

I mentioned it on my blog and received much initial support, but it was just an idea and there were only a couple of months to the big event.

I asked for help.

Authors generously helped spread the word and signed up.

I sought help with a press release and publicity and received much support.

I took a few chances, asking for really BIG opportunities for exposure or help.

One of these came through this year.

The simple fact is that if you don’t ask, you don’t receive.

I’ve had the chance to meet and interact with hundreds (surely, thousands) of self-published authors.

A surprising number of those I’ve met have achieved some nice levels of success.

Most of the highly successful authors whom I’ve met are not afraid to strike out.

They’ve gone to the plate many times and struck out many times, but finally learned how to make contact.

Don’t be afraid to strike out.

Read Tuesday

Imagine a Black Friday type of event just for book lovers.

You don’t have to imagine it. It’s called Read Tuesday, and it’s free: www.readtuesday.com.

Please support the Read Tuesday Thunderclap. This will help spread awareness on the morning of Read Tuesday (December 9, 2014). It’s easy to help:

• Visit http://thndr.it/1CkO2Bg.
• Click Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr and sign in.
• Customize the message. (Optional.)
• Agree to the terms. All that will happen is that the Thunderclap post about Read Tuesday will go out the morning of December 9.
• (The warning message simply means that Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr need your permission to post the Thunderclap message on December 9. This is the only post that Thunderclap will make.)

Chris McMullen

Copyright © 2014 Chris McMullen, Author of A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and Other Online Booksellers

• Volume 1 on formatting and publishing
• Volume 2 on marketability and marketing
• Boxed set (of 4 books) now available for Kindle pre-order

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