Sunday, January 2, 2011

Instant Gratification

The term instant gratification gets caught in my craw big time. Let’s keep this blog in context; I am not referring to the lifestyle of young men on the prowl for women. Although that subject would be fun to write about, I am past the age where I give a crap about young men and women and their sexual problems. I leave this subject to Dr. Phil. I am referring to newbie authors expecting their books to be best sellers without a monumental struggle.

There is no instant anything when it comes to being a new and unknown author. While you are working yourself to death trying to promote your book, understand that you are among millions of other new authors doing the very same thing. Hold on, not all is lost! Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman in the World, wrote that you only need to be one iota above mediocrity to succeed in this world. If life has taught me one thing, it is that the preceding statement has much truth to it.

Let’s start with the premise that you have written a fast paced, interesting and dramatic novel. Not all books are created equal, but if your book is well received by family, friends and strangers you meet at book signings, it is a safe bet you have a winner. Personally, I believe if you took the time to actually research and write a book, you deserve a shot at best selling stardom. The good news is that you can take great pride and consolation in the fact that you wrote it in the first place. The reality of the publishing scene dictates that you will need to promote it for the rest of your natural born life. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and one book does not an author make. Get cracking on the second book right after the first one. You need to build credibility for readers to take notice. After your second book, you will take great pleasure in discovering the first one wasn’t a fluke. I know I did.

About the mediocre thing, how many times in your life have you seen someone get promoted who couldn’t hold a candle to your abilities? The reason that happened was because you had no control over the politics of the promotion. As an author, you are in control of promotions, literally! Take the time to make every word you write be the very best you can produce. In today’s world, if you only use half your brain, you will still be a quarter ahead of everyone else. When you see someone walk into a crowded room and their presence demands notice, you have just witnessed one who is a tad above mediocrity. Emulate that person and you and your books will go far.

Write on,

Mittster

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