Success as a Writer Isn’t What You Think

Lessons on craft, growth, and why finishing your book is already a victory

Since I started working on my novel in 2018, I have read several books on writing, grammar, fiction, novel structure, dialogue, and other skills to help me become a better writer. I took this so seriously that I became a copyeditor.

There are the usual suspects—the best-known books on writing, such as The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White, On Writing by Stephen King, Story by Robert McKee, and On Moral Fiction by John Gardner.

I love reading books about writing because they keep me on my toes. I refresh information I already know, I’m reminded of what I had forgotten, and I learn something new. Sometimes that changes everything in the project I’m working on. I find that the more I read, the more likely I am to retain the information I learn. I strive to be a better writer and aim for every piece to be more polished than the last.

Ultimately, reading about writing strengthens my story and helps to clarify a concept or scene I was struggling with. For example, in my current work-in-progress, I have three characters who will be included in the narration or point of view. Each character has their own story arc. The most recent book I read, The Write Structure, helped me determine how to create a separate story arc for each.

The author provides seven elements that are instrumental in a good story. He explains each one, and through examples, clarifies why he has identified this element as crucial to the story’s success. I found the book to be thought-provoking and practical.

Will Write for Food: Pursue Your Passion and Bring Home the Dough, Writing Recipes, Cookbooks, Blogs, and More by Dianne Jacob is about food writing, but it’s applicable to other areas as well. It’s applicable to all good writing and provides a variety of writing exercises. It also explains the basics of finding an agent and the different publishing options. I have already taken back my previously published books from my publishers, and I am working on publishing the second editions on my own, but this is a great resource for someone who hasn’t decided on their publishing path.

Finally, success as an author is measured in different ways. Of course, we all seek to sell books, but that isn’t the ultimate measure of success, nor is it consistent for all authors. Zibby Owens, author of Blank, as well as podcaster, publisher, and bookstore owner, said:

“True success isn’t measurable. True success is looking a reader in the eye and accepting their kind words about your book. True success is being in a room of people who all value the art you produce and are cheering you on. True success is not giving up, withstanding countless rejections, and finally doing it, that thing that’s been nagging at you forever. True success is trying. Again and again.

I want to send every reader a thank you note. And I do, when they email or DM me! I am that grateful. I think, perhaps, we all should be? Less than 10% of books sell more than 1,000 copies. But 100% of books mean the author actually did it. Let’s celebrate that. We could all be happier and create even better books next time. So if you’re an author and have experienced any of the above, rejoice in your success where it matters. And readers, help authors feel that fabulous feeling. Pride.”

I thought that was a beautiful and refreshing message, because there aren’t many people in the industry who talk about the importance of simply doing it. Writing and publishing a book requires perseverance, dedication, and effort, and getting a book out into the world is success enough.