Is it hard to become an author?

Here are some questions that many people ask, is it hard to become an author? Is it challenging to write a book? How much time does it take to be an author?

I have one answer to all these questions: you have to really want it. It is easy to think of successful authors like J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, and Suzanne Collins, and think, I want the success they have. It shouldn't be too hard to write a book, right?

The truth is, writing a book is not that easy, much less a good book.

Many people think the hardest hurdle when writing a book is the actual writing. While writing, coming up with a story, and getting the grammar and sentence flow perfectly is challenging, I would say the most difficult part is really what to do after you finish writing a book.

There are a couple options for new authors: they can simply put their book on Amazon, go through a traditional publishing company, or self-publish themselves.

Unless you are an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, getting an agent to sign with you is extremely difficult nowadays, even if your book is brilliant.

The truth is, most agents know the publishing company isn't going to do much marketing, and also, the agent doesn't want to do much marketing or editing as well. They are hoping for a quick cash grab. They expect the author to do most of the marketing. That's right, they expect the author to do most of the marketing.

Once many authors find this out, they become distraught and forget about their book and dream. This is unfortunate because they probably do have an excellent book. So, if you want to make it as an author, my advice is also to learn how to be a marketer and have a substantial amount of money to spend.

Now I don't say this to discourage any new writer. Instead, I say this as a motivator. Believe in your work. Believe in your work so hard that you are willing to do whatever it takes to become a New York Times bestseller, an international best-selling author, and author whose book is made into a movie. Want it and take steps every day to achieve it.

At the end of the day, if you have a brilliant idea and you genuinely believe writing is your calling, then become a writer. Just know every day should be a long sustain jog, not a sprint.

I believe anyone can be anything they want to be as long as they want it, form their identity around it, and are willing to put in the work and take the necessary steps to achieve it.

Don't ever let anyone tell you, you can't be something. Don't let anyone tell you you can't be an author. If you are reading this, then that tells me already this is something you were meant to do.

Go onward and chase your dream and never stop.