7 Tips From Successful Self-Published Authors

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What do successful self-published authors do differently? They write every day, write books people want to read, turn a book that works into a series, pay for an editor and a cover designer, give away a free book to gather readers, and look after their fans. Here are the seven tips I have gathered from successful authors and from my own 230 books.

1. Write every day

Everything depends on this step. Dedicate a set amount of time to writing, or write a set number of words, every day. Everything else comes after that habit.

2. Write what you love and what people want

Find the balance. Writing what you love is inspiring but may leave readers out. Writing only what sells may mean you never finish it.

Start by knowing who you want as readers. They are people who already read the genre and the stories you like. Then look at the mainstream books in that genre. Then ask yourself what story you want people to know. Combine all three into one point, make an outline and review it. If it sounds bad or awkward, set it aside and write a new one. Keep the old outlines and look at them from time to time, because they may be better than you thought. For non-fiction, I explain how to choose in winning topic for your first ebook.

3. Stay inspired

Skipping a day of work delays your success by a day. Whether writer’s block is real or not, you can prevent it by staying inspired. Inspiration comes from daily life, advice from a mentor, words from people you look up to, or a conversation with your partner. It can come in the toilet too.

4. Turn your book into a series

If a book works, build on it. A series is more profitable, more doable and more enjoyable than a string of standalone books, and readers become loyal to you. The characters they love come back, the world they want to be in is explored again, and the questions left hanging get answered. For getting known authors to notice your book, see how to get rated by renowned authors.

The numbers on reader loyalty are clear. In a Written Word Media survey of nearly 3,000 readers, 80% of readers who enjoyed an author’s first book said they would go on to read other books by that author (Written Word Media, 03-Feb-26). The survey is self-reported, but it fits what I see: a good first book sells the next one.

5. Do you need a proofreader, editor and cover designer?

Yes. You will make mistakes and not see them, however many times you read the manuscript. Even successful authors made many mistakes before they succeeded. Editors cost money, but compare that cost to the embarrassment of an error-ridden book.

Most indie authors already do this. In a 2021 Written Word Media survey of just over 1,000 authors (self-reported), over 62% used a professional editor and 53% worked with a design professional, and 69% spent less than $250 per cover (Written Word Media, 15-Nov-21). A cover designer is a must. If an editor decides your ebook is trash after a few paragraphs, readers will think it is trash from the cover.

6. Should you write a free book?

Yes, one or two. A free book is a hook. Nobody takes a chance on a thick book with a big price tag from an unknown author, but people love free stuff. Look at the free books on Amazon and Kobo and see how often they are downloaded. If readers like what they read, they follow you and wait for your next book, and they will pay for it.

Free books can also get email addresses or ask readers to follow you on social media. A free reader magnet, like my own free 12-step checklist, is a good example. If you publish under a pen name, see whether you can use an alias on KDP.

7. Interact with fans and the writing community

Readers become fans who market your books by word of mouth and talk about you online. Answer their messages, comments and fan letters. That keeps their loyalty and will bring you joy.

Mingle with other writers too, and keep in touch with successful authors if you can. They might introduce you to a fair distributor, or a good and inexpensive editor or proofreader. Someone who has done it can also act as a mentor, as I explain in finding an Amazon KDP mentor.

If you would like help putting these tips into action, book a free 25-minute discovery call.

~ Chris Baird

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