Want to know how to be a famous author? Achieving commercial success as an author has a lot to do with your book, but it also has a lot to do with YOU. That’s because your book is an “extension” of you.
In other words, who you are as a person directly impacts the quality of your work as an author.
Want to know how to be a famous author?
Read this article…
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How to Be a Famous Author
Over the last 15+ years I’ve met with thousands of authors 1-on-1 (yes, thousands) as a former book agent and President/Owner of a well-known literary agency, Marketing & Licensing Manager of a well-known publisher, and Book Marketing Consultant.
Sometimes those “meetings” were 1-on-1 coaching sessions in-person, by phone, or Skype. Other times they were more formal “pitch sessions” at writers’ conferences. And, other times, they were much more casual discussions over drinks, meals, etc.
As you can imagine, that kind of experience has taught me a few things about authors. One of the things I’ve learned is that some authors are more “open” to feedback than others. Many authors think they’re coachable, but they’re not. It’s critical that you see the sometimes subtle differences below. Being uncoachable could prevent you from getting an agent and/or publisher (not to mention friends). 😉
So, let’s see how “coachable” you are.
On a scale of 0 (least) to 10 (most) how open are you to feedback from others that could help you improve your book? 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10? I can’t imagine anyone saying they’re less than a 5. It’s human nature. No one wants to be in the bottom tier of anything.
But that can’t be right.
If you know about the law of averages and bell curves (or you simply have common sense), you know that some people are going to be a 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Not you?
Okay…
Maybe you’re right.
And I hope you’re right.
To find out, check out my ten “Coachability Indicators” below and find out how coachable you really are. Give yourself one point for each indicator that applies to you.
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How to Be a Famous Author – Coachability Indicators
- You Understand (and Value) Collaboration – How to Be a Famous Author
Although you might be a brilliant author (and I hope you are), do you understand that there are other brilliant authors in the world (as well as coaches, agents, editors, and publishers) that can understand your work and help you make it better? Do you realize that’s how good books (and most good things) are made great? If you agree wholeheartedly, give yourself a point.
. - You Actively Seek Feedback – How to Be a Famous Author
It’s one thing to say you’re coachable and open to feedback; it’s something else entirely to actually take action and go out of your way to get feedback. If you’ve gone out of your way to get feedback on your book or book idea in the last 6 months (from someone qualified to give you valuable, honest, no-holds-barred feedback) give yourself a point (friends, family members, unpublished authors who want to be published, and strangers don’t count).
. - You Don’t Multi-Task When You’re Getting Feedback – How to Be a Famous Author
When you really value another person’s time and ideas, you give them your undivided attention. You’re not texting, checking email, driving your car, walking your dog, eating a meal, or going to the bathroom at the same time. I’ve had people tell me they were doing all of those things during 1-on-1 coaching sessions with me (after I told them it didn’t seem like they were fully present). Yes, I know that you can probably do two or more things at once… but that doesn’t mean you should. If you go to great lengths to make the people giving you feedback feel like they’re the only thing that matters in the world when they’re talking to you, give yourself a point.
. - You Listen – How to Be a Famous Author
Listening is more than just being silent. If you’re really listening to someone, you’re fully focused on what they’re saying and your #1 goal is trying to understand what the person means. If all you’re doing is being quiet, waiting for the other person to stop talking so you can get your point across, that’s not listening. That’s pretending to listen. Yes, you might be “hearing” the sound of the person’s voice, and some of the words coming out of their mouth, but you’re not listening. If people tell you on a regular basis that you’re a good listener and they feel like you really “get them” as a result, give yourself a point.
. - You Don’t Interrupt – How to Be a Famous Author
If you’re interrupt people while they’re trying to give you feedback, you’re not listening. You’re also not respecting them and what they’re trying to tell you. Do you always wait your turn to speak when getting feedback? If so, give yourself a point.
. - You Repeat Things – How to Be a Famous Author
When someone is giving you feedback, do you repeat some of the things they’re saying back to them, to make sure you’re understanding them correctly? You might repeat what the person said verbatim (exactly). Or, even better, you might paraphrase what the person said by saying the same thing with different words. That makes it even more likely you’ll get the gist of what the person is trying to communicate. If you frequently repeat things back to the people giving you feedback, to make sure you’re “getting it,” give yourself a point.
. - You Ask Clarification Questions – How to Be a Famous Author
When someone gives you feedback about your writing, what do you do first? Do you “get defensive” and immediately explain why you did what you did. Or, do you ask the person to elaborate… give you more details about what they’re thinking and/or feeling? If you’re the type of person that (9 times out of 10) asks questions first, instead of defending your position, give yourself a point.
. - You Trust – How to Be a Famous Author
If you believe that the feedback you’re about to get from someone is going to be valuable, you’re coachable. If you’re mostly nervous or skeptical about the feedback you’re going to get, you’re not coachable. Now, I’m not saying you should be 100% trusting of everyone all the time; I am saying you should be more relaxed than nervous, especially if the person you’re about to get feedback from is qualified to give you feedback. I know this can be difficult, especially if you’ve been “burned” by someone else in the past. But the more you can trust the person giving you feedback, the more you’ll get out of it. If you always give qualified people your trust (the benefit of the doubt) going into discussions about your work, give yourself a point.
. - You’re Professional – How to Be a Famous Author
It’s normal to feel vulnerable, hurt, or even angry when someone critiques you or your work. After all, the person giving you feedback doesn’t know everything you know (they can’t possibly see the whole picture). And yet, they’re making what might seem like “snap judgments.” When you find yourself feeling frustrated about this, what do you do? Do you cry in front of the person? Do you take an emotional dump on the person who’s trying to help you? Do you lash out by raising your voice, getting snippy, using profanity, insulting the person, challenging their ability, or questioning their intentions? If you keep it calm and professional when qualified people start giving you suggestions, or challenging some of the decisions you’ve made as an author, give yourself a point.
. - You Take Time to Respond – How to Be a Famous Author
Sometimes, after you listen carefully to feedback, you might still disagree with the other person’s perspective. That’s normal, but how do you respond when that happens? Do you discount the person’s opinion and/or tell them they’re wrong? Or, do you tell the person you want to stay open, so you’d like to take more time to think about what they said? If that’s something you say to people, give yourself a point in this area.
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Calculating Your Results – How to Be a Famous Author
So, how’d you do?
Add up all your points.
How many did you get???
Don’t feel bad if you’re not a 10, 9, 8, or 7.
Or even a 6 or 5…
Being coachable isn’t easy, but it is important.
By the way, of course you should disagree with people giving you feedback from time to time. I’m not telling you to be a yes-(w0)man or a doormat. Express yourself. Just make sure you listen (and I mean really listen), first. The people giving you feedback might be just as sensitive as you. They might have big egos, and little time. And I can guarantee you they don’t want to “fight” for the right to help you (even if you’re paying them).
So, do your best to be coachable. Otherwise, the people trying to help you will start to pull back. Their enthusiasm will start to wane.
And they’ll start giving you less feedback.
Yes, getting feedback can be difficult.
But I promise you this…
Not getting published is worse.
Want to know how to be a famous author?
Be coachable…
And click to see more articles
about how to be a famous author.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Hi Coach, good article. By now I am sure that you know how valuable your advice is to me. As a “newby” I have learned so much from you over the last couple of years. Before meeting you, I didn’t even have a starting point. Now, it’s hard to believe that there really might be a final chapter in sight. All thanks to you, your patience, and your good advice. Oh,and lots of note taking when we do talk. With all that said, I did score well on being coachable.
Hi Vickie, thank you so much… it’s an honor working with you and I’m looking forward to helping you get your work out there when it’s ready.
Until then have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
You continue to amaze me with the insights and wisdom you share with us. I don’t know how old you are but you are far wiser than your years.
On top of that you have a wonderfully active mind. Good on ya!
Thank you Branton, 45 and still learning. 🙂
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Yes to all points on coachability; I have gone through all those paces. As noted previously, I received lovely feedback from a couple of agents who nevertheless, will not represent me because they “don’t represent literary fiction” or, although “transported” don’t represent my kind of writing (?). Otherwise, no comment and no agent wants the ms. As to knocking on all those doors: yes, you can keep knocking (and I do), even if no one is home. Ever. Death may answer sooner than an agent.
Hi Jenny,
I hope you decide to stick it out. I know you’ve likely heard this before but it usually takes many nos to get the yes. And you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing something in your pitch materials (query letter, synopsis, first 50 pages, etc.).
My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
So stay with it…
And, if you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And, as you likely already know, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and wish you well.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This is very interesting, Mark. It reminds me very much of some Adaptive Schools training I have received as an educator; you should check it out.
Thank you Timothy, on both counts…
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thumbs up! Always Great info!
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great info Mark I really do want to work with you but do not have the money at this time. Any suggestions? I am writing three books in at least two different genres, One is a middle or upper elementary grade book a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson type story told by the boys cat,called “the Cymon Files” The other is a Christian/fantasy adult Novel.a modern day story loosely based on the book of Job & parts of Genesis.
Hi Cheryl, use all the info on my websites to the best of your ability… listed here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
There’s a lot of information there.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I got 9 out of 10. That’s good, because I gave myself a 7 initially, lol. The one thing I couldn’t give myself a point for was not trying to explain why I can’t remove a seemingly unimportant occurrence from my book… usually because it is important later. Or, as you said, “get defensive about why I did what I did.” lol
Well done, and sometimes it’s good to explain. 🙂
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark:
I recognize that I’m just a 7 but I aim to try hard to overcome my faults, because I do go out of my way to seek the advice of others. When others critique my work, I concentrate on what they are saying and I take notes. While I don’t always succeed, I do try to keep my trap shut.
Josh
Hi Josh, 7 out of 10 ain’t bad. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’m definitively a 10. I can say that honestly. I like who I am as a person and what I stand for. Critiques and coaching are professional, not personal. It’s meant to help, not beat you down. We all need to learn and grow. Even as a kid, I cared more about who I was as a person than what I did when I grew up. With that said, I don’t want to be famous! I just want my writing to be! I’m a quiet, little homebody. I want to be like Lemony Snickett – no one knew who he really was. Can I?
Hi Jack, glad to hear it. Sometimes coaches and consultants aren’t professional or good at what they do. Finding good ones makes it a lot easier to trust and take feedback. Regarding your question, think of it more as making your writing famous. You don’t have to be in the limelight or do lots of speaking. You can promote in other ways that are more private and low-key. Mark
In an earlier comment, I said I wanted to write my MG novels under a pseudonym. Story comes first but I haven’t neglected raising the stakes, high concept, marketing opps, and even merchandising to make the most of being published. The type of pseudonym I’m considering is along the lines of Lemony Snicket, giving myself a name according to what I want readers to feel when they think of it and read my books. All social media would be set up this way. Would love your thoughts on this idea.
Hi Jack, good idea… but no matter what name you use… the most important thing to do is start building your following as early as possible… on way or another… whether it’s through social media or a website/blog or speaking or 100 other ways. Mark
Hi Mark,
It would be a wonderful reminder if one could copy your suggestions on how to be a famous author or have the e-mail to the people you work with to tack the ten ideas to a personal bulletin-board. This is why I am overwhelmed that you took me on as a client and have faith in my work. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Dorlies, I can’t say it enough… I am so grateful for coaching clients like you… who “get it.” You’re willing to do the work. You’re kind. And you’re coachable. It also helps that you’re a good writer. 😉 Thanks for being you. Stay patient and keep believing. You’re off to a good start and more will come. Talk soon. By the way, I’ve been sick… got antibiotics last week (so that’s why I’m so slow responding). Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Mark
Great article and I scored a 10! I’m open to feedback and that’s because I acknowledge my own ignorance of the industry and writing techniques and everything. And I know I won’t get anywhere if I’m stubborn or egoistic about my writing. I think a lot of defensiveness comes from big egos and insecurities of authors.
Three weeks back you asked when my memoir will be out. A long time away – still editing down to 800 pages. I’ll let you know if I get an agent in future. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Saw Lian, that is great to hear. I’m learning more and more that an author’s ability to trust other people and use those people to help them improve their work and/or positioning is huge. Having gotten to know you a bit through my blog I know that you’re always seeking outside information to make sure you’re doing the best job that you can. I admire that. Keep us all posted on your progress. You have lots of people here cheering you on. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Phew; I barely made a five – I reckon I need to change my mindset to get published. Thanks Mark that really gave me something to think about.
Perhaps I’m a little too protective of my manuscripts or maybe lack the trust that’s needed when help is on offer. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Brian, first of all thanks for being honest. Second, it’s funny, part of me wonders if you don’t actually rate higher… because you’re willing to admit it. Maybe you’re a little more coachable than you realize. Either way, I appreciate you posting and I’m glad you found the article helpful. All my best. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
I think I scored an 8 & will share a recent story related to being “coachable”. A publisher was interested in one of my picture books, but recommended I “take another look” at it using a storyboard approach. I took her up on it and plastered a wall with rewrites of each verse. After about a month, it went from my shortest (370 words) to one of my longest (950) manuscripts.
So, I proudly gave her what was a brand new tale and… her editors liked the original better (as did she eventually)! | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Derick, I love that you shared that story. Sometimes when we’re coachable, we don’t know where it’s going. The things we sometimes resist are simply there to lead us to something else… but we can’t get there unless we surrender to the discomfort of the original issue. Hmm. A possible article down the road. Anyway, thanks again for sharing this and have a great week! Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
dunno. no person to answer you. am better coach than writer.love to work w/students to improve writing. loveripping things apart and rewrite them. being famous writer not ambition for me. being a good writer perhaps. craft is more important to me than fame.So fail.
am person who can only do one thing at time.can’t even listen to “ah ivh fuh;’s” w/ Janowitz and work.Is impossible. world stops while I sing.
if I shoot a bug, it’s the only bug in world.not passion; its just mindset.discipline. | How to Be a Famous Author
Kinsky was infuriated w/me once. Dunno why. She picked up the score off her 9ft Boesendorfer and threw it at my head. I ducked, finished the phrase, picked up the score, went back to my stand to continue rehearsal. She continued a stream of abuse. I waited for further instructions. When she was finished she stared at me, accepted the music and we continued. Everything happens, but if you want to sing, you must only concentrate on the singing, nothing else. Your job is just sing no matter what. | How to Be a Famous Author
So I think I fail. I am not interested in fame, because always better singer than writer. Craftsmanship, skill only comes from hours of self-criticism. So ciao… life hands person sh1t, but it’s your job to make something good or constructive out of the ingredients. You can make something mediocre, bad or good– so it’s your choice. Something good means relentless criticism, nit-picking, deleting and trashing mediocre to bad.
bad line of day: rug gets clean through beating.
ciao. many thnx | How to Be a Famous Author
I have to say pogo, my favorite part of everything you said was “a rug gets clean through beating.” I am definitely going to have to use that sometime… probably when one of my author clients is whining. Ha ha ha. Good hearing from you. I’ve been thinking about you. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
I’m coachable according to your criteria. Maybe you ad persistent…I tend to fall back on the persistence scale. Wriing the books s easy…querying and waiting for rejection is hard. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Laura, you’re completely coachable… a pro. Persistence is a different thing entirely. At least for the sake of this discussion. Not a week goes by that I don’t think about you. Keep those queries going because you’re not just a coachable author… you’re a GREAT author. Thanks for dropping me a line, and keep me posted! Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
WHT thank you, Mark! | How to Be a Famous Author
Okay Laura, so I must admit, I have no idea what WHT means. So you’ll have to spell it out for me. Woman Happily Tickled? Wonderful Heart Thoughts? Since you write books for younger readers you’re more connected to the latest lingo. You’re probably spending more time on social media than I am as well. So clue me in. I feel like the uncool kid that didn’t get the joke. 😉 Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
LOL. I meant Why. Typo. Bt I like the idea of it being slang for Wonderful Heart Thoughts.:) | How to Be a Famous Author
There are two types of authors in my Universe, those I look forward to reading and those that I don’t. In short, you’ve paid your dues so your stories are solid… and so is your copy. Takes a while for an author to master both, so most don’t. That’s why I keep telling you to get your work on there. I’m not a Laura Moe cheerleader, but a BELIEVER. 😉 Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Mark,
I agree with your comments. My total would be a nine.
I have finished the first draft and my initial edit of my manuscript. It is now in the hands of my editor. However, as you said, we look for feedback. I have forward a sample of my work to other writers hoping for feedback. Besides, I believe we learn from expereince, but it doesn’t have to be our experience. I can learn from others.
Take care and God Bless,
Jan O’Kane | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Jan, congratulations on getting a high score… and for having your manuscript in the hands of an editor as I write this. There are so many good reasons to get help from qualified experts, including the simple fact that it lets us reach our goals much faster and easier. Do keep me posted on your progress. I’m looking forward to helping you celebrate when you’re done. Thanks for leaving a comment and have a great week! Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Mark,
I scored a 9 too. The one thing I didn’t give myself a point for was interrupting, because sometimes I want to cut in and say something, although hopefully that doesn’t happen too much. You haven’t been hearing from me because I was told my someone I trust a lot that I was letting my “deadline” become too much of an axe hanging over my head. I’m working very hard at making this the book it wants to be. Hope to be done by late May. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Ellen, you’re a pleasure to work with so don’t give this article a thought. I am glad you posted a note for me… been thinking about you. Funny you mentioned the negative deadline effect. I just had that same conversation with another author. I think I need to write an article about that. Do whatever you need to do to keep producing consistently. Then you’ll know you’re in the right flow. Talk soon and have a great week. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi mark. I am happy to say that I scored a 9 out of 10.. I have not yet, let a qualified person critique my book. I am waiting to let YOU do that. I promise I will be contacting you soon-a few minor setbacks. | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Juanita, I’m happy to hear you got a good score as well. I’m guessing all the people that got low scores didn’t leave comments. Ha ha ha. Then again, I’m also guessing that the people who aren’t coachable think they ARE coachable. Not you, I am sure. 🙂 And no rush on following up with me. I will be here when you’re ready. Just know that I’m looking forward to it. Have a great week and thanks for posting. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
At the beginning I thought I was maybe a 5-8. At the end, I was 10. I know that I’m coachable by someone whom I see as an equal or knows more than I do (I’m not pompous enough to believe I have nothing to learn. I have A LOT to learn). I’m less coachable by people who don’t know as much as I do. At that point I go for “feel” opinions, etc, instead of technical. They could still have a useful outlook. Gushers don’t do me any good; there’s nothing to be learned from ALL positives. LOL | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Becca, I would have pegged you for a high score. I’m trying to figure out ways to vet people that DON’Tt have a high score. If I can figure it out before someone starts working with me, it’s 10x easier. I don’t mind hard work, but I don’t like having to “sell someone” or “beat them up” on every little thing to help them improve their work. It’s exhausting. Thanks for posting and I hope you had some time to play this weekend… not just work! Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
I’m not sure where I rate, but I know I can’t get anywhere thinking I’m the end-all, be-all author. I’ve known a few. Of course songs of their praise play loudly between their ears which so happens to be where what they believe is true. The reason is a lot to do with what you said above. Some authors will ask for feedback and then argue. I don’t argue out loud, I do it in my head when I read back over my piece. I do this so I can make it better. Sometimes my editor won’t get a line, and I’m thinking how do you not get it? Not in a mean way, but I’m dumbfounded. So I’ll reread the crap out of the line, rewrite it a few dozen times, and then when it’s better I compare and then I see why. I always thank proof/beta readers, and my editors. No matter what they are helping me. I only pick people I know can help me and not someone who has no clue. Now for feedback in general that has nothing to do with editing knowledge (I have a very basic understanding of editing, so I’m included), | How to Be a Famous Author
I ask for the feedback, I should welcome it. | How to Be a Famous Author
I can tell you’ve never asked for a final draft read over/edit from me. LOL You’d not speak to me for days, I’m sure. I’m sure Greg is just as hard on you though. Remember that when people actually take the time to help make your work better, that they believe in you and want you to shine your brightest to the world. 🙂 | How to Be a Famous Author
Gregory was thorough, it was my first time being edited. My mind was blown, and lets say I ate more then one humble pie that die. I paid an editor that worked with Michael S Gardner (Mike referred him) and I’m still working on edits, lol. And I caught a few things he missed. But that was also my first finished MS. I’m sure I’d still have a ton of red ink, most writers do, that’s the name of the game. I catch mistakes once in a while from some really good authors. It happens. And I wouldn’t talk because I’d be busy fixing the MS according to your instructions. lol I wouldn’t hate you, you’re an editor. That’s your job. | How to Be a Famous Author
Growing up, I’d take criticism hard mainly because the way my father would offer it. It rarely felt constructive and more of a personal attack. But that also goes with some other stuff. As I got older and started reading up on the writer business, I started to see how it works. And I’ve had several editors, some not pro, others are, help me out, so I know how it goes. And I know it will be worse the better I want to be. This is why I hope Adam has the patients of a god with me for taking so long to finish up on my novella. My first finished MS so it needed a lot of clean up. | How to Be a Famous Author
This 500 character limit is killing me, lol. Talk too much for it :^P | How to Be a Famous Author
You pulled off a Drabble, you can do the 500! :p
I would prolly learn a lot from Gregory – he has more experience than I do.
As far as never catching everything goes… Nurse Blood went through a couple comp edits and a paper edit by me, and then three other people. There are still mistakes! *growl* I’m reading it again to catch a few more of the stragglers. | How to Be a Famous Author
Yeah and I worked my ass off to get that drabble just right, lol. But it was a lot of fun. I never edited so few words so fiercely before. Yeah those mistakes are sneaky ninjas. And that’s the thing, even editors need editors for their work. And you’re willing to bow to that. That’s what we writers do when we want to succeed and have books out that we can honestly brag about. | How to Be a Famous Author
I’m glad you’re that kind of guy… I often give advice when I haven’t even been asked. But I think you already picked up on that during our last phone call. Ha ha ha. You’re a good sport. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Dale, I also grew up in an environment with 10 critical comments for every 1 positive. The good that came out of it is I learned how to be independent. The bad news is that I learned how to be independent. 😉 Just ask my wife. I give my coaches (like my SEO coach) a bit of a hard time sometimes by questioning everything, but I can’t help it. I want to understand how everything works. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
The 500 character limit is by design. Is that evil of me? Many benefits. Forces everyone to be more concise (including me). Well, almost everyone… since you just divide your long comments into multiple shorter comments. I don’t mind because more comments means better SEO ranking. Ha ha ha. Sometimes I combine them after the fact to make it easier for other people to read them. Thanks for posting! 😉 Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
Hi Dale! I’m amazed some authors ask for advice (or pay for it) then ignore it. I feel for those people. At times I wonder if I’m a poor communicator, then I think about my other clients that are compliant (for the most part) and I realize that’s not it. Possible causes of being uncoachable? Fear. Lack of confidence. No skill set to implement the ideas and strategies. Ego. Trust issues. Etc. But we’ve got to suck it up… we all need feedback. Mark | How to Be a Famous Author
It’s okay to be eveil, some of my best friends are evil :^D My thing is I want to succeed. And being uncoachable will ruin that. And really it lessens the quality of the MS.