I have a friend who, after getting an MS in Fine Arts/ Writing, wrote a book of short stories that was published by an obscure academic publisher. He spent a decade working on the stories, getting a book deal and promoting the book through lectures and speaking engagements. Then spent the next 5 years working on a 2nd book which he hoped would help him land a tenured professorship job. The second book was never completed. His left academics after being an adjunct/contract professor for 15 years.
Another friend who is a tenured professor has published two books as well as numerous scholarly papers. When he wrote his first book, he had high hopes for it being a huge success, leading to more career opportunities, recognition and rewards. It was not. He recently wrote and published a second book that was focused outside of his academic specialty. He had hoped this book would accelerate a personal project and podcast into a movement.
Neither of my friends wrote a best seller.
Despite their best efforts, dedication and hard work, I don’t think either book sold enough to pay a royalty fee to the authors.
My first friend’s book is ranked at #1,100,000 among all books sold on Amazon. It is no longer available for purchase.
My second friend’s current book is #107,000 among all books. It is currently available.
Although I have very limited knowledge about book publishing and sales, I know that most books do not become bestsellers. Many never sell out the initial small print run. Both of my friends undoubtedly have boxes of unsold books at their homes.
That doesn’t mean their writing was a failure. Like me, I’m sure they learned a lot through writing. They discovered ideas, explored creativity and completed a difficult task. If I was them I’d feel good about achieving this milestone. I’m proud of both of them.
But writing a bestseller seems to be on par with being a famous athlete, a highly paid CEO or a superstar actor. Your chances are extremely low and will be influenced by luck, timing, connections and many other factors outside of your control.
There’s a reason why everyone knows names like JK Rowling, Steven King and Tom Clancy. It’s not just because they are good writers, it’s because they are so rare.
Just like bestsellers are.
Writing this blog is intrinsically rewarding. I’ve had a few friends suggest I publish a book focused other on my Inside Sales Dude content, my journey as a widower or my fitness advice.
No thanks. I’ve already found a rewarding path to writing a worst seller right here on my blog.