My kids are constantly boasting about how I’m a famous
author. I just laugh at them and say yep, that’s me the Famous Author Mom.
What makes us famous or even infamous? What makes anyone
famous? Is it the amount of money you make—probably not. There are lots of billionaires.
I don’t know them from Joe Schmo at the convenience store. How about what you drive or your wearing Brand
name clothing – these things will probably get you noticed. We all know just because
we own expensive items does not mean we can afford them. Being on all of the talk shows and having a
billion YouTube followers? – Yeah, not so much.
To me – in my ever so humble opinion—being famous is about
two things. Confidence and determination.
In a previous post – To blog or not to blog – we talked
about marketing and how you are not selling books anymore you are selling
yourself. It is a harsh truth. We all know Best Seller, and Award-Winning means
nothing when it comes to selling books. Yes, it helps, it shows your marketing
skills, but we have famous books – one comes to mind in particular—that were worldwide
best sellers, had movies made based on them and the book, well, sucked. There are two reasons for this – the Big 5 is
one of them. We all know money = success. If you have the money to splash TV
ads, print media and buy your way onto the best-seller list, you will have a profitable
book.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discounting any authors
abilities and deserved success. There are a ton of authors that succeeded and
deserve every accolade they get.
To the world an author’s success is based on volume. How
many books have you sold? Well, that is none of their business, to be frank. No
one but you and your publisher knows those numbers. That – my friends is a good thing. Use it, do
not let your sales or lack thereof stifle your writing or make your doubt your
talent. Being famous is a state of mind. The perfect example of this is the
Kardashians. Seriously, think about it.
They were nothing, but they became famous because of their confidence in
themselves and what they have to offer the world. And money – lots of money.
Let me put it this way – if you reached the top of the pile
and your books were selling like hotcakes on a summer griddle would that change
the way you write? Would it change the way you perceive your writing? Your
goals? Your ability to continue to get better, hon your craft? Would you feel
more creative freedom? Would it change the way you market your books?
The world – via book sales is telling you – wow you are
awesome and famous!
What does it mean?
Reality? It means nothing. Not really.
So why not act like you are famous now? You are. You are a published
author! Do the work, hon your craft, edit until your eyes bleed, and market
like you are on speed. You are already famous. Use it, leverage it – write like
it. Don’t hold back, let the words and ideas fly. What have you got to lose?
Absolutely nothing, right? You can only gain. Gain experience, and visibility
which equals book sales.
Okay so don’t go nuts and start yelling “do you not know who
I am?” when the barista screws up your coffee. But do walk into a room of other
authors proud. Talk about your book on social media. Brag about your book at
parties and events. List your self as Published Author on your resume, business
cards and emails.
The point to his whole post is –
You have just as much to offer as the Kardashians (or
whomever you want) if not more. Scream it at the top of your lungs and keep
working because you are already famous, the world just doesn’t know it yet.
This post was partially inspired by an amazing book I read a
few years ago – Write
Like You are Already Famous by a good friend of mine, M. LeMont. This post
is also inspired by my fellow authors who while sitting in a dim room pound out
millions of words every year. Keep going.
Come Find Me!
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