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#10 of Top Mistakes to Avoid as an Author

#10 Of Top Mistakes To Avoid As An Author

Top Mistake to Avoid as an Author #10: Beating Yourself Up if Your Book Doesn’t Sell to Your Expectations

So much of publishing is based on trial and error. Books that sounded like surefire hits in the initial pitch meetings may arrive with a thud upon publication, while others that seemed kind of ‘iffy’ goes on to major bestseller status. You just never know what’s going to stick. You’ll have some ups and you’ll definitely have some downs. But each experience you have should be viewed as a learning opportunity.

If your first book doesn’t reach the bestseller list or sell 10,000 copies, there could be any number of reasons for this. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you as an author are a failure, or that you failed to avoid mistakes as an author. More often than not, what contributes to a book’s success is based on what’s going on in the marketplace at the time of its release. Sometimes you’re lucky, and sometimes you’re not. But whatever the reason, do not beat yourself up about it.

Your first book is what gets your foot in the door

Think of it this way: your first book is what gets your foot in the door. It lays the foundation for any books you subsequently write and publish. The important thing is to get your name out there, build and solidly establish your brand as an author, and keep the positive momentum going. Just as with anything in life, luck plays a big part. But the greater your resilience, the greater your determination.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my List of Top Mistakes to Avoid as an Author. And I hope you keep them in mind—and refer to them often—as you embark on your publishing careers. If you have any questions at all about anything publishing-related, do not hesitate to contact me at jon_malysiak@yahoo.com or follow me on Twitter @jonmalysiak. Be sure also to follow my blog http://author-on-the-town.blogspot.com.

Jon Malysiak is part of the Networlding Publishing Team. He works to support our ongoing efforts to educate thought leaders on the best practices for success in this new world of publishing.

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