The Author Success Formula in 8 Steps

A few years ago, I wrote The Author’s Walk—a book I wished I had in my hands when I first started writing 40 plus years ago. Back then, it never dawned on me that there was a “formula” or steps—no one with the New York published I was contracted with. Those were the days when the publisher did the heavy lifting … not so today unless the author is well known or has a track record of consistent sales.

Today’s author has taken on much of the responsibility of marketing. There are steps to author success. And in an order that will vary from author to author—below are eight essential ones.

Step 1 – Know Your Genre and Who the Top Sellers and Influencers Are … It Excels Your Learning Curve
Author Success starts with knowing who the top writers and influencers are in their genre. Read them; follow their blogs and social media; attend signings and programs that feature them when possible.

Step 2 –Business Embrace that Authoring and Writing is an Ongoing Learning Process … Always
Author Success is supported with being smart. Get, read and use Stephen King’s On Writing for insight; William Zinsser’s On Writing Well for how to; Robert McKee’s Story for fiction; Helen Sedwick’s Self-Publishers Legal Handbook for smarts; Judith Briles’ Snappy Sassy Salty for inspiration.

Step 3 – Understand that Publishing is a Business … Treat It As One
Author Success comes from grasping that book publishing isn’t a hobby … it has a business plan; a marketing plan; and a P&L. If you are going to be a dabbler, you will get dabbler results.

Step 4 – Show Up and Connect with Other Authors … Support and Encouragement Understand that
Author Success requires you to participate via writer and publishing conferences; in author gatherings in your community; with where your “readers” hang out; plus, where “book buyers” are. And it means you “give”—share your insights and ahas.

Step 5 – Get Help … Savvy Authors Know that They Can’t Do It All
Author Success is not a solo effort. Yes, you kicked it off with your words, stories, insights, and solutions. Remember …* you aren’t an expert in all areas—get help. My advice: don’t do well what you have no business doing.

Step 6 – Embrace Marketing … It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Author Success engages in the marathon approach of book marketing versus the sprint mentality. It is easy to do a one-time book launch. Success comes with the ongoing connecting, reaching out, learning how to pitch, maintaining visibility that creates the author and book homeruns.

Step 7 – Speak on Your Book and Your Expertise … It Sells Books (lots)
Author Success rolls out as you connect with groups, organizations, clubs—you name it—that have you speak to members. In-person connecting is the #1 way to move books from the case to a buyer’s hands. Attend my annual Speaking Unplugged event—two days of the how to and where to get gigs.

Step 8 – Keep Writing … Your Next Book
Author Success requires your ongoing words—blogs, ezines, social media … and more books. Otherwise, you become invisible.

Eight Steps … none of them happen overnight. My question for you: what are you willing to do to become a successful author … starting today?

Dr. Judith Briles started writing notes to her classmates in first grade … and got into “disruptive trouble” from her teachers. She’s now the author of 48 books and counting, still being a disrupter. Her books have won over 55 book awards and been Amazon bestsellers. You can follow her professional side at www.TheBookShepherd.com where she works with writers to become published authors. Listen in to her weekly podcast: AuthorU: Your Guide to Book Publishing at https://bit.ly/AuthorUPodcast

©2025 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.