Every author has a support system full of professional and personal connections. When first starting out, writers often feel they have enough support with their friends and family and maybe their editor or agent. Then they finish their first book and feel underwhelmed. The book is out there, but it’s not being bought and read by a lot of people. Today, I want to talk about our support groups and what makes them effective.
Realistic Expectations
First off, let’s start by setting realistic expectations. Self-published and traditionally published authors typically sell at most 100-300 books the first year. In a book’s lifetime, sales are about 1,000-3,000 books. Not pretty numbers, are they? While there are those who do worse or better, these are the sales you’re looking at for each book you write.
Now, I’m not saying that to be a downer or discourage you. If you love to write, then you are in the right industry. If you want to make money, you might want to rethink your career. However, for those who love to write and want to release books, you need to keep your focus on what you can control. Write an amazing book, market, and have your support system help you launch the book.
The Caring Support
There are two types of people in every author’s support system. First, there are the caring people who love to hear you talk about your book, encourage you, and always provide positive feedback. They’ll have ideas to share with you and tell others about your writing. These caring people are your cheerleaders. They cheer and dance on the sidelines, but they aren’t going to get on the field and get muddy with you.
When it comes time to launching your book, these people will say they want to buy your book. They’ll even agree to write a review. Then release day will come and go, then release year will come and go, and they won’t do anything. I’m not saying these are bad people. They genuinely care about you and want you to succeed, but they have other priorities. You can’t expect everyone in your life to put you first and jump at helping you with your career. Accept these people for the support they offer and don’t get discouraged with them. We all need people who are willing to listen to us and encourage us. Sometimes, that’s all we need. Go to these caring people when you need that encouragement.
The Crusading Support
The other section of your support system are the crusaders. These are the people who are rolling up their sleeves and getting on the field to help you succeed. They want to help you market. They’ll buy your book and even buy another copy for their grandmother. Most will write a review, but honestly that’s the hardest step to get people to do. Still, these people want you to succeed and are willing to help you do it.
Of your support group, only 10% will probably be crusaders at first. That’s okay. As you make connections and grow your fan group, you’ll gain more people that want to crusade for you. When starting out, I’ve found that other authors make the best crusaders. They understand the struggle, and, if you are a crusader for them, they will most likely want to be a crusader for you. So, while you’re still working on your first few books, get out there and network with authors. Find writers you genuinely like and show them the support you wish others would show you.
A cautionary note though, don’t support other authors just so they’ll support you. People can tell when you are being fake. Be genuine, and you’ll reap the rewards naturally.
A Role For Everyone
If you’re reading this and thinking, I might be in the former group for an author in my life. That’s okay! You can’t crusade for everyone. Pick those you want to really support and follow through with it. We all need the encouragers as well as those working beside us. Any support really is helpful.
Final Thoughts
Authors all have support systems built of caring and crusading individuals. We rely on those supports to succeed. An encouraging phone call when we’ve realized we need to rewrite our entire midpoint. A glowing review of our debut book. An excited book recommendation to a coworker. It all helps us in this journey as artists. I challenge you to find a way to be extra supportive to one author this week. Finally write that review. Send an encouraging email. Anything that gives a writer a little extra push toward his or her goal.
Thanks for reading!
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