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How do I become a best selling author ?
I’m a fresh man in high school trying to get into college also trying to be a great author and writer
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david’s Answer
Hi, Terrell,
I admire your goals. First, while I admire your goal, you may never achieve it as written. I don't say that to discourage you, but to encourage you to write from the heart and to revisit the essence of the goal. For example, do you want to be a 'great writer' or do you want to write great books? That may seem to be playing with words, but it is not. I have authored twelve books, many of which were well received, yet I am not a 'great author.' Instead, I feel pride in the books I wrote, even those that sold only to a small audience. Writing is in the act of seeing your thoughts in print, to know that you have tackled a subject and covered it thoroughly. A written document is yours and will always be yours. It cannot be sold or given away. Writing is an obsession, and I encourage you to write daily, every day. If not contemplating a book, then write a blog. But just do it. Get feedback from anyone you trust to give straight feedback and constructive assessment. Being a 'great writer' today generally requires some publicity or sponsorship for that first book to succeed. Once that happens, your following books 'automatically' become successes. Is that because of the author, or because of publicity? Maybe a combination of both. I wish you well.
I admire your goals. First, while I admire your goal, you may never achieve it as written. I don't say that to discourage you, but to encourage you to write from the heart and to revisit the essence of the goal. For example, do you want to be a 'great writer' or do you want to write great books? That may seem to be playing with words, but it is not. I have authored twelve books, many of which were well received, yet I am not a 'great author.' Instead, I feel pride in the books I wrote, even those that sold only to a small audience. Writing is in the act of seeing your thoughts in print, to know that you have tackled a subject and covered it thoroughly. A written document is yours and will always be yours. It cannot be sold or given away. Writing is an obsession, and I encourage you to write daily, every day. If not contemplating a book, then write a blog. But just do it. Get feedback from anyone you trust to give straight feedback and constructive assessment. Being a 'great writer' today generally requires some publicity or sponsorship for that first book to succeed. Once that happens, your following books 'automatically' become successes. Is that because of the author, or because of publicity? Maybe a combination of both. I wish you well.
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
You have to write something people will buy. This means you will need to write a LOT. All best-selling authors have had several books published long before their best-seller took off. For now, starting off, focus on becoming an excellent writer. Hone your craft. This means you need to read a LOT of best selling books so you know what that looks like.
First, come up with an idea you like. Outline your chapters and develop your characters
Take a writing class and workshop.
Caitlyn recommends the following next steps: