So You Want to Be an Author?

Then you’ve got to start thinking like one.

Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on the page. It’s world-building. It’s figuring out your characters, rewriting messy chapters, patching plot holes you didn’t see coming, questioning your own voice, improving as you go, and learning to take feedback without falling apart. It takes grit, imagination, patience, and a weird kind of stubborn joy.

Because once you decide to be an author, you’re not just telling a story.

You’re building a universe from scratch.

And if you’re going the self-publishing route?

Here’s the deal:

You’re the publisher.

You’re the marketer.

You’re the publicist.

You’re… kind of everything.

People self-publish for lots of reasons — maybe publishers passed, maybe you wanted full creative control, maybe you just needed to get the thing out there. Whatever your reason, just know: it’s a real job. You’re wearing all the hats, and how far your book goes depends on how much effort you’re willing to pour into it.

Marketing isn’t a separate thing. It’s part of the process now.

If sales are crawling, or no one’s noticing your book, don’t panic. Ask yourself:

• How am I putting this out into the world?

• What can I try that I haven’t yet?

• Where might I need to level up?

Sometimes it’s not the book’s fault. It could be timing. Or market trends. Or maybe people just haven’t seen it yet. Sometimes your next book is the one that hits — and then readers go back and scoop up the rest.

This isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon (with potholes).

Want the honest truth?

Very few self-published authors ever “make it big.”

We’re talking tiny numbers — a sliver of a percent.

So if even one person buys your book?

Celebrate that.

You reached someone.

Your story made it into another human’s hands. That’s not nothing. That’s the beginning.

Write because you love it.

Success doesn’t show up just because you hit “publish.” You’ve got to put in the hours, stay curious, and keep learning. And most importantly — let people see you. Readers care about the person behind the page. Be genuine. Be present. Be someone worth rooting for.

And whatever you do:

Keep learning

Keep creating

Keep going

Slow days? They’ll come.

Crickets? Yeah, those too.

But don’t let them stop you.

Build the craft. Build the platform. Build yourself.

This journey’s tough — but it’s yours. And it’s worth it.