What Does It Take to Be A Successful Author in Today’s World?

by Oli Kang, Guest Contributor

The dream to be the next Hemingway or Tolkien comes with huge challenges, but it also takes you to the highest peaks; if you are prepared to go there. 

However, the world of writing looks completely different than it used to be a few years back and it may scare the pants off the authors we just mentioned, should they get a chance to explore it. 

So, what it takes to be successful as a writer in a world where the Internet is changing everything, on a daily basis? 

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You can still be a successful author in today's world, but the path is a bit more convoluted than in the past.

Passion for the Craft
In today’s world, anyone with a blog and/or a Facebook account can dub themselves a writer. So, is it worth the effort of publishing a book or acquiring the skills of writing for publishing when your material may get drowned by the multitude of new content created every day?

Well, the question is incredibly valid and may be what separates low-quality writing from the true masterpieces. When you’re doing it for the passion and the love you have for the universe you’re creating, the writing flows differently than when you’re doing it just to have something to publish.

Modern times made it quite easy to be a writer if you’re not interested in creating thoughts and ideas that transcend the fabric of time. After all, many celebrities from various niches (music, internet, politics, and so on) have published at least one book that’s focused on their lives. 

But only a few of these books will stand the test of time, and many are already forgotten. On the other hand, the books written by authors such as J.K. Rowling or Paulo Coelho live on and continue to mesmerize young and adult minds alike.

Continuous Learning
This is a rule that was, is, and will remain standing regardless of times (except when AI takes over the writing). 

An author must learn the craft of writing and storytelling for a specific audience. Furthermore, they need to learn how to do research in a certain domain and how to create writing the moves the soul and gets people invested in the story.

There are various techniques that an author needs to master, but you also need to learn how to be flexible. The world around us is changing at the speed of light and you can’t remain stuck in the ways of yesterday!

Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help you remain accurate and up to date. Starting with news articles, blog posts, books, documentaries, and ending with online courses on specific platforms, the world of writing can be your oyster!    

Find the Right Channels
If a few years back it was enough to sign a contract with a notorious publishing house, nowadays the author must be a lot more involved in the promotion of the book. 

There’s also good news. If you don’t have the possibility to work with a publishing house, you can still let the world know about your creation by using e-book platforms such as Amazon.com and others. If in the past the words self-published inspired dread among librarians and suggested low-quality material, nowadays Amazon is selling more e-books than printed ones. 

Tech-savvy people are more open to the idea of reading books from a device such as Kindle and Nook because it saves space (you can store a lot of books on such a device) and it’s a lot more portable. However, the traditional book still holds its place in people’s preferences. 

So, which is the best channel: traditional or online?
Well, most successful authors will tell you that the recipe is a combination of the two. While you wait for your current material to be edited and published, you have the chance to reach the public directly using online channels.

The Internet is extremely useful for marketing and feedback, and it helps authors get in touch with their readers. The publishing house is no longer the main intermediary, and this is a good thing. However, this changes the traditional role of the author.

As such, you also must be knowledgeable in online marketing and promotional campaigns if you truly want to be successful.

Wrap Up
In conclusion, to be a successful author in today’s ever-changing world, you first need to discover and nurture your passion. Writing for the sake of writing or for promotional purposes is everywhere nowadays and it’s not looking good.

Modern times have redefined the meaning and place of the writer in the flow of a book. Nowadays, people are just as interested in you, the author, as they are interested in your creations. As such, you must constantly find ways to adapt and learn the ways of the new world.

Oli is a working mum who has a passion for teaching and all things educational. With a background in marketing, Oli manages the digital channels and content at Courses.com.au.

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