How to Become a Bestselling Author – As a former literary agency owner (now an author coach and consultant) I know that most authors spend plenty of time writing, and thinking about How to Get a Literary Agent.
This article is about something else, and it’s arguably one of the most important things you will need to become bestselling author.
Scroll below now to find out what it is.
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How to Become a Bestselling Author –
The Secret Sauce
I don’t know about your family,
but mine is crazy.
Certifiable.
None of my relatives (that I know about) are institutionalized, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be. And the fact that I grew up with some of those people is going to help you become a bestselling author.
Here’s the thing…
In spite of the drama I was surrounded by growing up (you probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you everything), I had one thing going for me. From the moment I was conceived (yes, in the womb) I had people around me saying:
* You’re special.
* You have a big purpose.
* You can do absolutely anything.
* You’re going to be an influential leader.
I got this constant “programming” primarily from my mother. But I also heard it during sermons at the church she dragged me to every weekend. And I heard it consistently from people who attended that church. When you’re a child and people in authority who are “older and wiser” than you say those things, with conviction, again and again, you start to believe them.
At least I did.
I ate it up like an orphan
at his first Thanksgiving dinner.
More, please.
It didn’t matter that everyone’s words were based completely on potential and possibility. Blind hope or belief. Air, basically. You might even say that the people saying those things were delusional.
Except for one little detail…
Their words worked.
Why?
Words are
energy.
Words are
affirmations.
Words have
transformative
power.
That’s one of the reasons authors are drawn to write. That’s also why I’m so careful about the words I use with you. Whether you think you’re “sensitive” or not, you are.
We all
are.
So…
* * *
How to Become a Bestselling Author – Your Mindset
Here are three things you need to remember if you want to know how to become a bestselling author. These three things will sound simple, but they’re extremely difficult to consistently implement. So, don’t just nod your head and tell yourself that you already know these things. That’s not the same thing as doing them, doing them right, and doing them each moment.
1) Be careful who you allow into your space.
Be honest with yourself about any losers you’ve allowed into your life—people that are too negative, always taking more than they give (even if it’s just energetically). I’m not obligated to ANYONE in my life unless they’ve earned it. What about you? I don’t care if someone is my blood or we have history; if they don’t treat me with respect, I’m out of there. Don’t spend time with people who don’t appreciate your positive spirit.
2) Be careful who you speak with about your books.
You might be a strong person, but everyone’s creative space is fragile. When you’re creating anything in this world, you build confidence as you go. If you talk to people during that time who are negative, skeptical, or don’t know what they’re talking about, it can mess with your head. And your work can suffer.
3) Be careful with the voices in your head.
It’s equally important that you pay attention to your own inner critic and skeptic. Keep him on a short leash. You’ll never get rid of him completely, so that shouldn’t be your goal (you’ll feel like a failure every time he comes around talking trash). What you can do, however, is kick him out of the main house in your head… and move him in to the “guest house.” You know, that little property on the far side of your mental space. You’ll still see him from time to time, but only briefly.
* * *
How to Become a Bestselling Author – Conclusion
When was the last time
someone told you:
* You’re special.
* You have a big purpose.
* You can do absolutely anything.
* You are (or you’re going to be) an influential leader.
I hope it was today, or yesterday, or just a few days ago. But I also know that you’re probably surrounded by people (especially on social media) who spend way too much time being rude, nasty, or downright depressing… under the pretense of being “real.” To those people I say balance your generous portions of “truth” with a decent sized helping of good manners.
And a dash of hope.
No matter what people say, always remember that
getting published isn’t luck, it’s a decision.
If you
believe it.
Oh…
One last thing.
If you liked this article about how to become a bestselling author,
click here to read a related article I published a while ago
called Suspension of Disbelief.
And post any comments or questions
you have for me below.
I’ll respond
personally,
– Mark
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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 Mark,
I agree with you. No one, whether it is a friend, neighbor or even a editor should treat a new writer with aggression, disrespect or unpleasantness. I tend to veer away from people who are that way, especially when I feel they don’t know what they are talking about. Thanks for the message.. As always,
Esther
Thank you Esther, and I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. We were away for a bit recently so I’m a little slow responding… but I read EVERYTHING. 🙂
Thinking of you,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks Mark, you reaffirmed my thoughts that I had relayed to my cousin, also an author, yesterday. Fantastic insight about that little man called self doubt.
🙂
Thank you…
And have a good weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, your advices energized me!
I have written a nonfiction book I wish publish. I want connection to the right literary agent or publisher, can you be of help?
The book is titled:
“Preventing Conflicts, Youths’ Crimes, Militancy and Terrorism in Nigeria (Lesson for Vulnerable Nations; Insights for Peace Advocates)”
Thank you Ilyasu,
That’s exactly what I do… so I’m happy to help if possible… and I like meaningful projects like that… but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former literary agent turned author coach. Now I help authors get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Have a wonderful day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
‘Words are energy. ‘Words have transformative power.’ To these I’d like to add:Words are mightier than swords too. Nevertheless, not all words belong, as I see it, to these categories. I think only those words that are sensible and convey the truth and thus enlighten you belong to these categories.
The three advices on ‘How to Become a Bestselling Author’seem sensible,and authors are most likely to benefit a lot by them.
Thank you Prakash, always good to bask in your positive spirit. 😉
Enjoy your day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Agree totally, Mark. Writing a book is a leap of faith that can be crushed by negative vibes. Remember the tank mechanic named Moriarty from Kelly’s Heroes? Donald Sutherland’s character kept asking him to forget his negative vibes. Years later I still apply that lesson. And now you’re teaching me how to do it with getting published.
Love, Somraj
TantraATahoe.com
🙂
Don’t know
Moriarty.
But…
Thank you.
And…
Here’s to annihilating
negative vibes.
Happy Friday!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com