Are you a writer and aspiring author looking to become a successful independent author? Well, here are five essential tips that every author needs to know in order to reach success.
Tip 1: Time management is key. Carving out time for your writing each day is essential if you want to be an accomplished an independent author. You should also dedicate some of this time toward organizing business administration tasks such as marketing and financials so that you can manage the operations of your business efficiently. No creative artist made it without having a strong business sense or had a team in place to carry out their business dealings.
Tip 2: Surround yourself with other writers who can help support and motivate you. Consider attending writing workshops, hiring a writing coach, or joining a group of creatives that will cheer you on through tough times.
These days there are many virtual workshops and classes available so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home and you can benefit from global resources! Often our writing gift is enhanced when we are immersed in creative environments, our vocabulary is expanded, and our writing styles are sharpened.
Tip 3: Build your audience by creating a blog, newsletter, or podcast. This will help establish yourself as an author and allow you to showcase your work. Writing a book project can take years so find ways to engage with your readers between book projects. When you have a product that you can show up with frequently (such as an email or podcast) you will stay in the minds of your audience throughout the year.
Tip 4: Create a brand for yourself, even if it’s just starting out with business cards, a website, and a logo. Having all these items will create professional branding that will set you apart from the competition. People will take you seriously if you show that you’re taking your craft seriously and therefore, will be more willing to support you.
You can further build your brand by taking advantage of marketing platforms, SEO optimization, and social media campaigns to help increase your profile online. Furthermore, you can create an author presence on Amazon by setting up an Author Central Page so that it’s easier for readers to learn more about you and access your work.
Tip 5: Network! Connecting with other authors and industry professionals can open doors for visibility, collaboration opportunities, and book deals. Expand into speaking engagements at conferences or clubs which can give you a chance to network with readers and industry professionals. You may also consider entering writing contests, and submitting your work to online journal platforms/blogs/magazines which will bring recognition and help promote your book.
These tips are essential for any author who is looking to enter the world of self-publishing. Writing and authoring can be quite a daunting task, but if you implement these tips, they can put you on the right track towards success. As long as you stay dedicated and organized while managing your time wisely, we know firsthand, your author dreams can become reality!
