Because being a book author is more of a self-taught profession, those who are successful at it are often analyzed by aspiring authors to find out how they did it. Sometimes even asking, “What’s your secret?” If an author responds honestly, they will reveal that their pathway to success is not secret, nor does it contain shortcuts or easy-to-follow checklists.

I remember watching a documentary about a rock band that made it big in the 70s. As the story played out, it was apparent that they earned every dollar they eventually made by sacrificing time and energy early on. Their decades-long success was preceded by many years of no-pay or low-pay performances in tiny towns, 18-hour practice sessions, endless bus rides between gigs, and a litany of other implications for singularly focused people.

I was a good high-school musician; but when I took that ability to college, I found myself sitting among those who would eventually spend long careers with some of the top orchestras in the world (Boston Symphony and The New York Philharmonic for two examples). It was a jarring reality check. But after getting over the difference between me and those desiring to have a career in music, I settled in to enjoy the ride and not worry that I practiced for a half-hour per day and the future professionals for ten hours per day.

Sometimes, it is essential to confront the difference between professional and avocational, deciding which path you want to take. They are not close at all. The former involves total commitment with no “Plan B,” while the latter is much more casual.

Let’s define some success “secrets” for authors, which aren’t secret at all.

Luck

What looks like random luck is the natural outcome of a repeated process of try/fail/rethink/revise/retry. Over time, this process becomes a way of life, the proverbial gold purified by fire, which can be painful. Writing ten books before one sells reasonably well is not luck, but perseverance.

It’s not what you know; it’s who you know

It is both. You know your stuff, and you know people who can help you. In what profession does someone succeed who spent no effort meeting people connected to that profession? Writers groups, conferences, retreats, educational connections, etc. Yes, sorry to break it to you: This is a people business. Diligent networking is expected. Maybe get a job with a publisher. Many authors have a background in publishing or media and have a leg up on those who don’t.

Platform

Avoiding the platform requirement for published authors comes from a place of impatience. Not taking the time to lay a foundation for success is unwise. If you don’t think a platform is essential, put it to the test and try self-publishing and see how your book sells.

Inspiration vs. perspiration

This is a controversial issue, especially in the Christian author community, where we ponder how much is God and how much is our effort. We usually settle on both/and, not either/or. Rejecting the need to work hard comes from impatience as well.

There are no shortcuts or mysterious secrets to success as an author, only time and effort. And even then, there are no guarantees.