Most people dream about being able to write a book and make lots of money off of it, but few know how to go about actually doing it. It takes some serious planning and research to write a book that will sell well and make you a lot of money, and even more so if you want to do it from the comfort of your home.
The Anatomy Of A Bestseller
Although there’s no one size fits all recipe for hit books, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of becoming a bestseller.
- Fill a Need.
- Diversify Your Audience.
- Choose Your Platform Wisely.
- Do Your Research.
1. Fill a Need
Whether you’re an expert in your field or an everyday genius, there is always a need for something you can write about. Find the topic you’re passionate about and you’ll find a need for a book on it. Your book will become an instant bestseller and you’ll be able to quit your day job.
2. Diversify Your Audience
Having a broad audience is the best way to ensure you’ll be able to make a profit from publishing your book. If you’re able to capture the interest of more than just your usual audience, you’ll be able to sell more copies and make more money. If your book is about a subject that interests a wide audience, such as fashion or style, you can be sure that there is always a demand for your book. With a fashion or style book, for instance, your audience could range from women who love to lounge around reading gossip mags and watching fashion TV shows to women who want to look like a famous fashion designer. Your book will likely appeal to both groups and allow you to capitalize off of their interests while also helping them learn something new.
3. Choose Your Platform Wisely
The platform you choose will determine how easily and how widely your book can be accessed. There are many different platforms available, ranging from traditional books to e-books and audiobooks. Before you start writing your book, think about how you’ll want to distribute it and how you’ll want to promote it. Many bestselling authors promote their books using multiple platforms, across various categories, because they know that being on one platform may not be enough to reach the largest audience. Keep in mind that some platforms may be more profitable than others. If you want to write a book and make lots of money, it’s important to pick the right platform for your book.
4. Do Your Research
When you’re writing a book, it’s important to do your research. Even if you’re writing about a topic you’re familiar with, you should still do some research into the history of the subject matter and the market for books on it. Learning about the topic will make it much easier to write about it and get it right. There are many different sources online that can help you with research, such as Wikipedia and Google.
5. Create A Publishing House
If you want to be able to write a book and make lots of money, the first thing you should do is create a publishing house. If you can find a publishing house that is willing to take a chance on your book, they may be able to get you some editorial help, connect you with an agent, and help you spread the word about your book. Even if you don’t have a finished book yet, start by looking for agents who specialize in representing or publishing books in your niche. Once you’ve found one, create a business plan and a marketing strategy. Together, you’ll be able to design a plan to get your book into the hands of as many readers as possible. To reach the largest audience, work with a traditional publisher or viral marketing firm. If you’re looking for an editorial voice within a well-established company, consider getting an agent. Most literary agencies will be able to get you an agent who can put in a good word for you with a publisher. Once you’ve got your agent, they’ll be able to connect you with the right publishers.
6. Take Care Of The Production
Your book will not become a bestseller unless you take care of the production. Since you’re probably not a professional editor, you’ll need to consider hiring one to take care of the editing and proofreading of your book. Professional editors usually charge thousands of dollars for their services, so be sure to enter into serious negotiations before starting to write your book.
7. Distribute And Promote The Book
Now that you have a book that is ready to go, it’s time to start distributing and promoting it. If you’ve done your research correctly, you’ll have found a target audience that is more than eager to learn more about your book. Your first step should be to get the word out to as many people as possible. Depending on how you’ve distributed your book (hardcover versus mass market), decide which method you’ll use to promote it. If you’ve chosen a mass market paperback, you may want to consider using traditional book-related platforms, such as book clubs and literary societies, as well as social media, to promote your book.
8. Enjoy The Rewards
Once your book is complete and you’ve successfully marketed it, it’s time to enjoy the rewards. You may be able to quit your day job and devote yourself full-time to writing and promoting your book. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to writing a bestseller, it’s always nice to have something to look forward to once you’ve written a book. The money you make from your book will allow you to live your life how you want to live it and provide for your family. If you followed these tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the rewards of being a bestseller.