Are You A Serious Author?

What constitutes a serious author? In my book, it’s a person who wants to make a living with their writing, and it’s also someone who takes the necessary steps toward publication (be it Traditional or Indie).
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I was advised twice this week, in so many words, “If you’re ready to take your writing seriously (again), then ....” Ouch, right? One person who said that is a leader of an organization built for authors, and the other was an USA Today Best Selling author. 

Person One

What prompted the statement from the leader? I left his organization. Does that mean it’s a bad organization to be a part of? No. In fact, I learned a lot as a member. But as my annual fee to re-up my membership came around the corner, I realized I no longer needed to be a part of it. Does this mean I’m not a serious author? Quite the contrary! I no longer need to be a part of the organization simply to feel good and serious about my writing. I do that already by publishing my books, reaching readers, and attending book events. Plus, the fees outweighed the benefits (right now).

By the way, I've been nominated as a panelist for Teen BookFest by the Bay 2019! I'll be attending as an author and speaker. 

Person Two

I’ll admit, I brought this one on myself. As an author of multiple genres who doesn’t write a series (as advised by many indie authors), I only make 3 figures a month with my books.

A NY Times Best Selling author posted on FB about book royalties. I know a lot of indie authors bring in four figures a month, significantly more than me. So knowing that, I asked for advice by reaching out to that author.

She suggested I write within one genre, focus my books on one series, and then release them relatively close to one another. She also said to charge $2.99 for each book in the series, versus writing a standalone at $6.99. And she’s probably correct; I could definitely make more money that way.
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But here’s the problem, I don’t write series. I tried, and I felt bored out of my brain. Does that mean I won’t ever write a series? No. But so far, I have more fun writing standalones that let me dive into different worlds and characters rather than sticking with one. Does this mean I’m not a serious author (stab to the heart)? No. It just means it may take me a little longer to make a living at my writing than her. And if I'm spending countless hours, years, and money writing books, then I have to be passionate about my stories.

I Love Books

​What advice can I give you?

Maybe my journey as an author is inspiring to you, or maybe you'll read this post and choose differently than I have.​

​At some point, you’ll have to ask yourself what kind of author do you want to be? All I can say is, do what makes you happy. Writing is hard, and it’s definitely not always fun, but if you’re passionate and take the necessary steps to publish your work, then you’re a success in my book. 

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About Me

I wrote my first book in 2008. Now, I'm the author of 5 books and owner of Yaupon Berry Press. I'm passionate about the Oxford comma and love a well-structured plot.
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My most recent book, A Wordy Woman's Guide, was created with a tenacious spirit and an enormous vision to offer resources that empower aspiring authors.

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