Let’s face it: the dream of becoming a bestselling author is just a little bit like the dream of becoming an iconic music star. It sounds glamorous. You envision yourself signing books in front of adoring fans, being whisked away to exotic book tours, and having people honourably mention your book in the same sentence as that one famous author whose name is on the lips of every speech writer.
But let’s be real for a second. Becoming a bestselling author isn’t quite as simple as typing “Chapter One” and waiting for the magic to happen, neither does it yield simply to magic wands, spells or fairy dust (unfortunately). So, what does it actually take?
Well, buckle up—here’s your guide to the rollercoaster, that is, the road to bestseller-dom!
1. Write a Lot. Like, A LOT!
There’s no shortcut here. Want to be a bestselling author? You have to… well, write.
It’s tempting to sit and dream of your future book launch, but here’s the deal: the key to becoming a bestselling author is to actually put words on the page. It doesn’t matter if your first draft looks like it was written by a sleep-deprived panda with a broken pencil—just write.
Think of writing like going to the gym. The first few days might leave you feeling sore (and possibly questioning your life choices). But the more you write, the stronger your “writing muscles” get. And eventually, you’ll have a manuscript that’s ready for the big leagues – if done right, of course.
2. Make Your Story Irresistible: Write a Book that Resonates
Okay, so you’ve written a novel (or even nonfiction) that even a toddler can’t ignore. Now comes the tricky part: making it irresistible to readers. Your book has to be more than just a bunch of words strung together on a page. It needs to captivate, entertain, or make people feel like they’ve just discovered the secret to life itself.
It should be a symphony of emotions, a feast for the mind, or a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition (per your genre).
Okay, maybe that’s a bit too much to ask, but you get the idea! Your book should resonate with readers, leaving them changed, inspired, and/or entertained.
Also remember, the book world is full of competition, hence you need to offer something that readers can’t put down.
So, as you write, ask yourself: would I read this? If the answer is a hesitant “maybe,” it’s time to rework that manuscript – even seek professional help when the time is right.
3. Get Your Book Edited (By Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing)
No one, not even that literary genius you imagine yourself to be, can skip the editing process. Even JK Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, needed some sharp-eyed editors to polish her work. So did Stephen King, Jerry Jenkins, Colleen Hoover, Wale Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie… you name them.
Get a professional editor. Seriously. You may be thinking all your friends love your writing! That’s wonderful—but your friends aren’t the ones who will be spending money on your book.
A great editor will point out things you might have missed, fix those awkward sentences, and help your story flow freely like the River Nile.
Look no further, because at Clasier Publishing, we specialize in refining your work to perfection—ensuring that every word captivates and resonates with your readers. Let us help you turn your manuscript into a masterpiece. Check out our Services here.
4. Market Your Book (That’s How to Make People Find, Buy and Read It)
This is where things get a bit tricky. Having a bestseller doesn’t just mean a lot of people buying your book once. It means getting more people to buy your book again and again, because they tell all their friends. But how do you convince people to read a book when there’s an ocean of new releases every day?
- Be Social Media Savvy: Get yourself a presence on social media. This isn’t about posting pictures of your breakfast (unless your breakfast is a beautiful metaphor for your latest book—then by all means, go for it). But if you want to get your book out there, you need to get active on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok (yes, TikTok authors are taking over). Engage with your readers, share sneak peeks, and build your community.
- Have a Website: Your book may be on social media and on every shelf, but that’s borrowed space; you need your own corner of the internet. A website makes you look professional and gives potential readers a place to find out more about you, your book, and why they should absolutely buy it. This is why website development is built into our Book Promotion offering.
- Book Launches and Reviews: Reviews can be your ticket to success, and there’s no better way to get reviews than having a stellar launch. Get influencers, book bloggers, or even friends (yes, “bribe” them if you have to) to publically review your book.
Again, you do not need to do all these by yourself, at Clasier we offer Digital Publishing and Book Promotion services, including a one-month social media marketing for your book. You see! Nothing is stopping you from taking the step to being that Bestseller! Click here to get started now.
5. Be Authentic (Don’t Try to Be Someone You’re Not)
Bestselling authors are often people who stay true to themselves, their voice, and their vision. Don’t try to emulate someone else’s style or genre just to fit in or follow trends. Be authentic, unique and bold in your writing, and readers will respond to that. There’s always an audience that needs your authenticity.
6. Patience ( Persevere, Even When It Feels Like You’re Going Crazy)
This is one of the most important pieces of advice: patience. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for bestseller success. Becoming a bestselling author rarely happens overnight. It takes years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Some authors hit it big on their first try (lucky them), while others may need to put in a little more elbow grease. Either way, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
There will be times when you feel like giving up, when the rejections pile up, and when the self-doubt creeps in. But don’t let that stop you, don’t get discouraged. Celebrate every small victory, whether it’s finishing your first chapter, getting positive feedback from readers, or seeing your book hit any chart, not just the “Best Seller” list. See our post here on “Tips to complete your book in 2025”.
7. Pursue Growth (Network and Collaborate)
The road to becoming a bestselling author isn’t just about writing in isolation. It’s about immersing yourself in a community of like-minded authors—and a publisher. Now, don’t get us wrong: hard work, perseverance, and dedication are critical. But there’s also a teensy-weensy element of networking.
Networking and collaboration are essential for growth in any industry—and the world of writing is no different.
Attend writing conferences, join online writing communities, and connect with fellow authors in your genre. Collaborate on projects, offer feedback and support, and learn from others in the industry. Just remember to be genuine and respectful in your interactions. Maybe your book will land in the hands of a well-known celebrity. Maybe Oprah’s book club will pick it up (who knows, right?).
At the end of the day, becoming a bestselling author is a blend of creativity, persistence, and a sprinkle of that magical ingredient we all secretly wish for: networks.
In Conclusion…
Becoming a bestselling author is tough, but not impossible (especially with our help). It takes a combination of raw talent, discipline, strategy, and a sense of humor (you’ll need it when your manuscript is on draft #7), to make your mark.
So go ahead. Start writing. The world is waiting for your bestseller to happen—whether that’s next month, next six months, or sometime next year when you’re sipping coffee at your first book signing.
Click here, let’s get you started!
