The life of an author is not just about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) – it’s about building a brand, a reputation, and a relationship with your readers. It’s about showing up authentically and allowing people to connect with the person behind the words. Embracing this kind of visibility can be transformative, not only for your career as an author but for your personal growth as well.

The Writing Process: Letting Your Voice Shine Through

Visibility starts from the writing process itself, where your unique voice shines. Each word, each narrative twist you create is a testament to your personal journey as an author. As you step forward into the realm of published authors, embrace this visibility—be proud of adding your voice to the collective symphony of the literary world and positive impact on the planet. 

Crafting Your Book Proposal

You’ll need a book proposal if you want to pitch literary agents and get your book in front of the top five publishers. The book proposal will include market research, a solid marketing plan, a captivating author bio, and a compelling overview of your book. This proposal acts as your advocate, communicating your book’s potential and your dedication as an author. The bonus of crafting a proposal is that you will be brilliantly clear on your idea, target reader, marketplace, and content. You’ll be ready to pitch agents and take your book to the bestseller list!

Finding Your Path: Publishing Choices

The path you choose to publish your book also plays a significant role in your visibility as an author. Traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing all come with their unique aspects of visibility.

With traditional publishing, a professional team edits, manufactures and distributes your book. Some traditional publishers also provide some marketing support.Your publisher will have creative control and typically retains 90% of profits. Self-publishing allows you to own your book, from full creative control to receiving all profits. You’ll be an author and visionary, leading your book in marketing as well as content. Hybrid publishing gives you the opportunity to collaborate with a publisher and share the investment and profits. 

By understanding these options and aligning them with your personal goals, you can choose the path that best taps into your vision and skills. 

Marketing Your Book and Building Your Author Platform

No matter how fantastic your book is, it won’t reach its potential without effective marketing. Your marketing strategy can significantly influence your visibility as an author, helping you reach more readers, build more relationships, and achieve more success.

Social media can play a huge role in this, providing platforms where you can connect directly with your readers, share updates, and showcase your personality. Collaborating with influencers, bloggers, and other authors in your genre can also expand your reach! 

Think of Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to showcase your book and generate buzz about your work and focus on creating captivating content and interacting with your audience. The cultivation of your author platform ensures a vibrant online presence that amplifies how often you’re seen while benefiting from advanced algorithms that put you in front of the right people at the right time. 

These touch points act as a powerful beacon, spotlighting your unique authorial journey. You will also want to think blog posts, newsletters, or podcasts, and offer insights into your writing process to provide valuable content that resonates with readers and gives them a reason for their loyalty.

Don’t forget about organizing book launch events such as book signings or meet and greets! They are often overlooked in our digital age but are also great ways that contribute to gaining exposure and reaching your target audience. 

By embracing these aspects of authorship, you enhance your book’s visibility and create an environment where readers can actively engage with you and become invested in your work.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

The journey to visibility and success as an author won’t be without its challenges. You’ll likely face rejections, criticisms, and setbacks. But remember, these challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Resilience is your biggest ally here.

By staying dedicated to your vision, embracing every opportunity to learn, and remaining committed to your journey, you can overcome these hurdles and step into the visibility and success you deserve.

Embracing visibility as an author is a journey of personal growth, courage, and connection. It means stepping out from behind the pages and allowing the world to see you, hear you, and connect with you.

From choosing your publishing path, building an author platform, and crafting a compelling book proposal to effectively marketing your book – every step you take enhances your visibility and moves you closer to your authorial success.

BE KNOWN. TRANSFORM LIVES. LIVE YOUR CALLING.

With a 100% success rate you will gain all the tools you need to reach Best-seller status!

When you think “bestselling author” what images come to mind? . A  humble yet brilliant author photo, rave reviews in the New York Times, book awards, and guest appearances on NPR and Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. But before any author joins that illustrious circle, there is journey, a transformation of identity, skill and expression.  As is true in life, book writing is about the journey, as much as the destination.

Embarking on the Journey

Start with vision. Visualization, future pacing and starting with the end in mind will accelerate your progress and increase your success. 

Imagine signing books, engaging with readers, delivering a riveting talk at a literary event, or being interviewed about your book on your favorite shows. These imagined experiences and achievements are significant parts of the author’s identity. Identity drives behaviour and visualizing success will keep you motivated and putting words on the page. Even better, neuroscience research has shown that authors (and athletes, musicians, top performers in any field) who make visualization part of the training and creative process reach peak performance and often become best in their industry. If you see it, you’ll achieve it. 

Navigating the Process

The writing journey can often feel like navigating through uncharted territory. It can be isolating, confusing, and filled with challenges like writer’s block, self-doubt, and procrastination. However, after coaching writers and being one myself for twenty years, I’ve seen that every fear, resistance and obstacle can be overcome through mentorship, community and accountability. 

When you surround yourself with positive, committed people who share your goal of contribution, published writing and thought leadership, you’ll be inspired to continue. Seeing others’ success will stretch you to go further than you would solo. A mentor who believes in you will hold you up if you have a hard day or get off track. 

Using tracking app or visual structures such as writing a W on your calendar every day you write or joining a class or workshop to keep you accountable can make the difference between you giving up on your book or holding that bestseller in your hand.  

Getting professional guidance on your book as you write is invaluable. For ten years, I aspired to be a published author, but it was only when I hired my first editor that my goal became a reality. In our ‘Best-Selling Book Intensive‘ we help writers make three months worth of progress on their books in three days through offering professional editing, mentorship on the big picture and a clear path to publication. 

The destination of the writer’s journey goes beyond achieving bestseller status. It encompasses personal growth, transformation, and the profound impact you have on readers. One of my clients was shamed by a teacher in second grade and believed she could never write a book. Last year we held hands in the middle of Times Square in New York City as we watched her now international bestselling award winning book light up a twenty foot billboard. A intrigued crowd gathered asking, “who wrote that?” I pointed to her as people cheered and asked for her autograph. Getting to besteller was not emotionally easy. She had to let go of old shame and fear she’d carried for decades. She had to write through internal voices that told her she wasn’t good enough every time her fingers hit the keys. She had to make the time to write even though she was parenting two children, even though people close to her didn’t express the support she wanted, even though she didn’t believe she’d ever get to the finish line.

The woman standing in Times Square was an elevated, upleveled version of the woman I’d met two years earlier. In actuality, she hadn’t become a new person, she’d actually come home to the creative, brilliant woman she’d always been. 

Being a bestseller is about being your best self.

Embrace it, relish it, and use it to empower others.

As writers, we embark on a path of self-discovery, honing our craft, and embracing our unique voice. We serve as catalysts for inspiration, education, and upliftment, making a positive difference in the lives of others. The journey itself is rich with opportunities, connections, and fulfillment.

Embrace the destination of your writing journey. Every step you take, every word you write, brings you closer to the fulfillment of your goals. As you serve others through your writing, you create abundance in your own life.

Are you ready to take the next step in your literary journey and become the next bestselling author?

When it comes to defining success for your book, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your book’s success can encompass a wide range of achievements, from becoming a best-seller, getting published, or simply connecting with readers in a meaningful way. Perhaps, it might mean garnering literary awards, reaching a personal sales target, or seeing your ideas resonate with your audience. It’s a deeply personal journey that’s unique to each writer. As we delve into this topic, let’s remember that success is not a destination but a journey filled with personal growth, learning, and fulfillment.

The Power of Expert Guidance

Having a guide or mentor in your writing journey is like having a compass in an unknown terrain. They provide valuable insights, help you navigate the complex world of publishing, and ensure your manuscript is prepared to its finest. With their support, your road to success becomes more manageable, allowing you to sidestep common pitfalls with invaluable  “been there, done that” experience. An experienced guide can unlock the confidence and bring the experience needed to propel you and your book towards your goal. 

Curious about 1:1 coaching to write, publish and hit the bestseller list with your book? Click here to get started! 

Deciding on a Publishing Route

Choosing a publishing route is a significant step in your journey. Each option – traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing – has its pros and cons.

Traditional publishing provides professional editing, wider distribution channels, and established marketing support but often involves a more competitive process. On the other hand, it could open doors to influential literary circles, prestigious book awards, and international rights deals, all contributing to the broad spectrum of your book’s success.

Self-publishing offers total creative control and higher royalty rates but leaves all publishing responsibilities on you. It allows you to bring your unique vision to your readers without any interference, offers flexibility with timelines, and gives you full control over pricing and marketing decisions.

Hybrid publishing offers a blend of the two, granting some control with the backing of professional services. It caters to the evolving needs of today’s authors, providing a mid-way path that balances creative control with professional support.

Understanding these options allows you to make informed decisions that align with your vision of success for your book.

Crafting Your Author Platform

An author platform is a launchpad for your book’s success. It’s a space where you connect with readers, share your journey, and build a supportive community. This involves establishing a strong online presence, consistently creating engaging content, and fostering meaningful conversations with your readers. 

A well-built author platform can skyrocket your book’s success by increasing visibility and fostering a loyal reader base. The head start in book promotions, establishment as a leader in your genre, and potential attention of agents and publishers doesn’t hurt either! 

Crafting a Winning Book Proposal

A compelling book proposal can be the ticket to securing a publishing deal. This includes conducting in-depth market research, crafting a strong author bio, and outlining a detailed marketing and promotion plan. It also necessitates a well-written synopsis and sample chapters that hook the reader and display the quality of your book. 

In the competitive world of publishing, a well-planned book proposal acts as your advocate, pitching your idea to the decision-makers. It speaks on your behalf about your book’s potential, showcases your commitment and preparedness as an author, it’s a truly powerful tool for any book’s success.

Your Book’s Marketing and Promotion

Marketing your book effectively is integral to its success. Leverage social media to build an author brand, engage with readers, and share updates about your book. Collaborate with influencers and bloggers in your genre to expand your reach. Organize book launch events to generate buzz and connect directly with your readers. Utilize online platforms like book review sites and podcasts to generate positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations and enjoy the path on your achievement-journey. 

Persistence and Resilience: Your Best Allies

Along the way there will be challenges but remember, success is built on persistence and resilience. Hone your writing skills, embrace constructive criticism, stay motivated during the querying process, and never stop believing in your book. 

A writer’s journey can be strewn with obstacles – rejections, writer’s block, negative feedback. But, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Your persistence in overcoming these hurdles and resilience in bouncing back from disappointments is what truly helps you reach your dreams. 

Defining what achievement means for your book is as resonant and unique as you are. It might mean reaching best-seller status, seeing your book in a bookstore, or touching the hearts of readers. The path as a writer involves understanding your publishing options, building an author platform, crafting a compelling book proposal, effectively marketing your book, and most importantly, leaving a lasting legacy through your words.

Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your vision of success.

Want to find out how to double your impact and income with a bestselling book?
(even if you’ve never written a book before!)  

Check out this episode of The Writer’s Room and join the ‘Success’ Conversation in the comments!

Everyone who writes a book dreams of making it on the bestseller list. And you should! You likely aren’t writing a book to fulfill a bucket list or only to share with your best friend. After investing your time, heart and resources in writing a book, you deserve to make an impact with your book. You deserve to go big.

There are three key things you need to accomplish to set your book up as a bestseller. 

First, you want to choose a topic within your passion and expertise. The phrase “write what you know” is fundamental here. Think of a topic you love and could think, write, speak about for years without being bored. There’s a saying “no passion in the writer, no passion in the reader.” Passion is contagious and your reader will feel yours through the page. 

Second, you want your book to help a reader solve a problem or achieve a dream. A bestseller is simply determined by volume of books sold. When your book helps a reader solve a challenge or achieve a goal or dream, they’ll tell people about the book. They’ll choose your book for their book club. They’ll nag their sister, mother, friend, co-worker & friends on Facebook until they read your book.

You don’t have to save someone’s entire marriage or transform their health to write a bestseller. Giving them 5  relationship turnarounds or one new decision making framework can make a great book. Think about a challenge your ideal reader or client faces and lead them to a win. They’ll keep reading. They’ll want more.

Third, identify what makes your book relevant NOW. For a book to hit the bestseller list readers need to feel a sense of urgency. To find your “relevancy” hook, open your favorite social platform and review the comments section. Notice what people are complaining about. What are they asking? Scroll the news headlines. Even if your topic is evergreen like fitness or helping entrepreneurs make more money you can find a relevant “hook”. For example during covid, you could do a relationship book with a hook about getting along peacefully during close quartered, high stress situations. The bonus of part three is that your book will already be media and podcast pitch ready. You’ll easily articulate your passion, how it helps people and why it’s important now, the essential ingredients to a bestseller and to you being an irresistible media guest. 

Every one of our clients that have followed our step-by-step roadmap has made it to bestseller!

“Storytelling Success

Once you’ve established your first components of your book, use these 3 storytelling strategies to take your writing from emerging writer to pro.

1. Sensory detail: use sight, smell, taste, touch and sound to “put the reader” in the scene with you. Science has proven that when you give readers sensory detail, readers experience the writing as if it’s actually happening. They will sweat as you run the final mile of marathon, sitting in the pepto bismol pink hospital room, salivate while reading about the glistening folds of fettuccine on the hilltop in Tuscany.

    

2. Specificity: readers zone out with general description and lean in for more when you write with specifics. Take a basic sentence in your book and upgrade it with specific detail. Instead of “tree” try “Spruce”. Instead of “car”, write “Mercedes” or “station wagon.” “Disease” becomes “fibromyalgia.” See how much more you see as the reader, and how much more the reader will know about you, the setting, and the people in your book when they know which kind of tree, car, animal. Specificity conveys so much in just a few words. With it you can be as economical on the page as Joan Didion. As rich as Hemingway.

    

3. Use Dialogue. Instead of summarizing a conversation, let the people in your book speak. Try out the difference between A:“My mother took me outside in the garden and told me she didn’t love my father anymore and that they were going to get a divorce” and B: “My mother walked me past the azalea bush. It was May and the flowers hummed with bees. I saw the Queen leave the hive as my mother said, “I don’t love him anymore. Y- your father. We’re getting divorced.”

For more tips on writing like a pro and hitting the bestseller list, check out The Thought Leader Lounge Mondays 12:00ET.