Every aspiring writer dreams of becoming a bestselling author. We imagine our names on the cover of a book, readers eagerly awaiting the next release, and perhaps even movie adaptations of our work. But the road from aspiring author to bestselling author is often filled with obstacles that can seem impossible to overcome. While many authors might tell you it takes luck, talent, and perseverance, there are a few behind-the-scenes secrets that most successful authors keep to themselves. Here, I’ll share ten of those secrets that can help you elevate your writing, get noticed by readers, and possibly even join the ranks of bestselling authors.
1. Writing Is a Craft, Not an Art
There’s a romanticized notion that writing is pure artistry, driven by inspiration and a muse that visits in fleeting moments. But the truth is, writing is a craft—one that can be honed and improved with practice, structure, and discipline. Bestselling authors treat writing like a job. They don’t wait for inspiration to strike; they sit down every day and do the work.
This shift in mindset is critical. When you see writing as a craft, you understand that there are techniques and skills to be learned. It becomes less about waiting for some divine spark and more about developing a routine, learning narrative structure, and constantly refining your skills. Want to be a better writer? Write more, and treat it as a craft that can be mastered.
2. Consistency Beats Talent
You don’t have to be the most talented writer in the room to be successful. Consistency often outweighs raw talent. Many bestselling authors didn’t start out with extraordinary writing skills. Instead, they practiced daily, set clear goals, and developed writing habits that allowed them to improve over time.
Consistency is key to finishing a manuscript. The ability to sit down and write regularly—whether you’re inspired or not—separates hobbyists from professionals. Create a writing schedule that works for you, even if it’s just 500 words a day. Those small, consistent efforts will add up to a finished book faster than you think.
3. The First Draft Is Supposed to Be Terrible
One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is striving for perfection in the first draft. Bestselling authors understand that the first draft is where you get the story down—it’s messy, flawed, and full of gaps. And that’s okay.
The magic happens in the revision process. Most of the polished prose you see in bestselling books didn’t come out that way in the first draft. It was the result of multiple rewrites, edits, and fine-tuning. So, give yourself permission to write badly at first. You’ll have plenty of time to make it great in later drafts.
4. Editing Is More Important Than Writing
While the act of writing gets the words on the page, editing is where you transform those words into something readable, cohesive, and engaging. Many authors feel attached to their first drafts and struggle to cut or revise, but professional authors understand that editing is essential.
When editing, look for clarity, pacing, and consistency. Are your characters’ motivations clear? Is the dialogue natural? Are there slow sections that drag the pace down? More importantly, be ruthless in cutting sections that don’t serve the story, no matter how much you love them. As they say, “kill your darlings.” Editing might be a painful process, but it’s what separates good books from great ones.
5. Plotting Saves You from the Dreaded Mid-Book Slump
Many writers start their books with a burst of enthusiasm, only to hit a wall somewhere in the middle. That dreaded mid-book slump is where most unfinished manuscripts languish. Bestselling authors know that having a solid outline or plot structure helps avoid this.
While some writers swear by pantsing (writing by the seat of their pants), having at least a basic road map for your novel is invaluable. This doesn’t mean you have to outline every single chapter, but knowing the key turning points in your story can keep you focused and motivated. Plotting gives you a direction and helps maintain momentum, ensuring you don’t lose steam halfway through.
6. Character-Driven Stories Win Every Time
Readers may pick up your book for the plot, but they stay for the characters. Bestselling authors understand that character development is crucial. Your characters need to be compelling, flawed, and relatable. If your readers don’t care about your characters, they won’t care about what happens to them.
To create strong characters, focus on their internal struggles as much as their external ones. What do they want? What’s standing in their way? What are their deepest fears? By digging deep into your characters’ psyches, you’ll create multidimensional individuals that readers will root for (or against). Remember, a plot without strong characters is just a series of events; it’s the characters that give those events meaning.
7. You Don’t Have to Write in Chronological Order
One secret many bestselling authors won’t tell you is that they don’t always write their books in order. Sometimes, writing the ending first or jumping to a key scene in the middle can keep your momentum going.
If you’re stuck on a particular scene, don’t be afraid to skip ahead or go back to a different part of your story. Writing non-linearly can help you stay excited about the project and give you clarity on how the pieces of your story fit together. Once you’ve written all the important parts, you can fill in the gaps later.
8. Feedback Is Essential (But Choose Wisely)
Getting feedback on your writing is crucial for improvement, but not all feedback is created equal. Bestselling authors understand that the right critique from the right person can make all the difference.
Look for beta readers or critique partners who understand the genre you’re writing in. It’s important that your feedback comes from someone who not only loves to read but understands story structure, character development, and pacing. While friends and family might be supportive, they often lack the objectivity needed to offer constructive criticism.
Additionally, know when to trust your gut. Not all feedback will resonate with your vision for the story. Learn to differentiate between useful advice and opinions that aren’t aligned with your goals.
9. Marketing Is Half the Battle
Even the best book won’t sell if no one knows it exists. Bestselling authors understand that marketing is an integral part of the writing process. While many new writers dream of getting a publishing deal and letting the publisher handle the promotion, the truth is, even traditionally published authors need to market their books.
Building an author platform, engaging with readers on social media, and participating in book events are all ways to get your name out there. Self-promotion might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a necessary skill for any author who wants to find readers. Start building your audience before you finish your book so that when it’s ready, you have a community of eager readers waiting.
10. Persistence Is the Most Important Factor
Behind every bestselling author is a pile of rejections, failed projects, and self-doubt. What separates those who succeed from those who give up is persistence. Writing is hard. There will be times when you question whether your book is good enough, whether anyone will care, or whether you’re even capable of finishing it. Bestselling authors push through those doubts.
Rejections are part of the process. Every writer faces them. It’s your ability to keep going, to revise and improve your work, and to believe in your story that will ultimately determine your success.
Becoming a bestselling author isn’t about luck or natural-born talent. It’s about hard work, discipline, and understanding the craft. By adopting the mindset and strategies that successful authors use, you can improve your writing, stay consistent, and increase your chances of reaching your goals. So, start writing today—because the only way to finish a book is to start, and the only way to become a bestseller is to keep going.
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