7 Attributes of Highly Successful Authors
by Bob Baker

Note from publisher Bobette Kyle: While many successful business people have enough knowledge and expertise to write a nonfiction book, they don't know the keys to becoming a successful author. Here, Bob Baker ― successful book author and the man behind FullTimeAuthor.com ―fills us in.

Here are what I consider to be the seven biggest principles, or mindsets, of the most successful authors:

1) Have Something to Say

Many prominent authors write because they have to. What drives them goes far beyond money and recognition. They write and share their words because they have a story that needs to be told, a point of view that needs to be communicated, a message they feel the world needs to hear. To be successful, you must become an evangelist for your topic.

2) Make Sure Your Vision Is Stronger Than the Rules and Obstacles You Encounter

I don’t have to tell you that there are a ton of hurdles that aspiring authors run into. Many of them are tangible (such as editing, prepress and distribution matters) while others are mental barriers (like the fear of rejection, financial struggle and anticipated prohibitive costs to enter the field). What sets apart successful authors is their almost naive, child-like ability to not buy into common myths and let their greater vision guide them around any obstructions they encounter.

3) Understand the ‘Self’ of Self-Promotion

No matter what level of success you attain, you will always be intimately involved in the promotion of your books. Struggling writers wish they could hand off the marketing work to someone else so they can concentrate only on the writing. Sure, you can hire a publicist or assistant to help with some things, but no one will ever promote you as passionately as you can. To succeed, get on friendlier terms with promotion.

4) Make the Best Use of Available Tools

There are all sorts of ways to create, market and sell books these days. There are traditional methods such as sheet-fed printers, distributors, bookstores, trade magazine reviews, bulk sales to associations, etc. And there are relatively newer options at your disposal: print-on-demand, web sites, e-zines, Amazon’s Advantage program, blogs, podcasts and more. You don’t have to use every option (and probably shouldn’t for sanity’s sake). But you should at least be aware of what’s available and choose the best new and old tools for your book topic and personality.

5) Put a Focus on Readers and Fans

What’s the number one factor that determines an author’s material success? Is isn’t the size of his publisher or the reputation of his agent. It isn’t the amount of her advance or the raving reviews she gets in the press. The only thing that matters is the number of people who purchase and read the book, and then rave about it to their friends. The most successful authors understand this and always put a priority on attracting and retaining readers ... and turning readers into fans.

6) Think of Yourself as a Personal Brand With a Clear Identity

People may at first be attracted to the title and subject matter of your book, especially when you’re a new author. But if they really enjoy what you’ve written, they will start to associate your name with the benefit you deliver through your books. Then, instead of looking for another book on your topic, your fans will seek out other books by you. Most of the top authors are known for a specific subject or genre, and once established, they crank out a series of similar books. You should consider doing the same.

7) Understand That Being a Solo Author Doesn’t Mean Working Alone

The author’s life can be a solitary one ― particularly when immersed in writing a new book. But successful authors realize that writing alone doesn’t mean they have to be lonely or feel like it’s them against the cold, cruel world. Even solo self-published authors can (and should) share ideas with other writers and assemble a team that might include editors, graphic artists, web designers, print brokers and more.

Another note from Bobette: 7 Attributes of Highly Successful Authors is an excerpt from Bob's audio- and e-book, "Self Publishing Success Secrets 101". It's a must-read for learning the ropes when self publishing. I've read the ebook (and listened to the audio lessons). The regular price of $19.95 is a steal. The introductory price of $11.95 is silly. It's worth ten times as much. Read more information or buy it from Bob Baker here: http://www.bob-baker.com/self-publish-book/ebook-audio.html

About the Author

Bob Baker is the author of "Unleash the Artist Within," "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" and "Branding Yourself Online." Get FREE access to Bob's collection of inspiring articles for writers, authors and book publishers at http://FullTimeAuthor.com/ and visit http://Bob-Baker.com/ for more info on his books.

Bob is also president of the St. Louis Publishers Association.