Nine Reasons Authors Fail to Become Published

The 9 (Nine) Biggest Reasons Most First-Time Writers Fail to Become...

Writing a book and becoming a published author is a common dream. As Harry Beckwith wrote in The Invisible Touch, “If you want to change your life, write a book.” But writing a book is no easy task. There are few people who can just sit down and crank out a few hundred pages. Most of us have to work hard at becoming a writer and published author, often taking months or years before completing our first book. So what differentiates someone who eventually does become a published author from those who only write for a short time before giving up?


Following are the nine biggest reasons most first-time writers fail to become published authors.

Unrealistic Expectations

Don’t expect to get rich off your book or writing, even if your book or writing is considered a success by publishing standards. The vast majority of books fail to earn out their advance, and the vast majority of writers don’t make tons of money. Instead, develop a personal marketing plan to leverage your career off your book or your writing. Rather then trying to make money on the book or writing itself, use your book and writing to open doors, promote your credibility, and build relationships with readers.

Writing Without A Contract

Never write a book, essay, or article without a signed contract. Instead, prepare a polished proposal and two sample chapters or a query letter. Publishers are increasingly selective about the titles they accept. Often, less than 1 in 20 titles proposed are published. Writing a book or article that isn’t accepted is not a good use of your time.

Read the other Biggest Reasons Authors and Writers Fail to Become Published here.