Laina Turner, Author
L.C. Turner, Author

Top 5 Steps to Making a Living As An Author

Hi, I’m so glad you stopped by!

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Do you like fiction novels? Then you’re in the right place. I not only write them but I also LOVE helping other authors realize their dreams.

I now have over 50 fiction books published, not counting the boxed sets.

Being an author is seriously the BEST and one of the most DIFFICULT jobs on the planet.

But it’s so worth it! I promise you!

Regardless of whether you’re a reader looking for a new book or aspiring author ready to get published you are in the right place, I’ve got something for you!

If you’re ready to:

  • Ignore the self-publishing naysayers.
  • Take the first step to writing YOUR book.
  • Be proud of your writing and shamelessly self-promote.
  • Work your a** off.

And the most important step???? Be ready to scream at the top of your lungs, I’M A WRITER!!!!!!!

Then keep reading.

Top 5 Steps to Making a Living As An Author

Step #1 Be ready to admit you’re a writer

I get asked all the time how long I’ve been writing stories. My earliest memory is 2nd grade and throughout grade school and junior high I wrote stuff all the time. Then my priorities shifted and over the next many (too many) years I didn’t write, I just thought about it all the time. It never stopped being a dream to support myself as an author, I just never felt the time was right to pursue it.

Top 5 Steps to Making a Living As An Author

Then one day in my 30’s I realized that much like trying to decide the right time to have a baby there was never going to be the “right” time, and I wasn’t getting any younger, so shouldn’t let anything stop me from pursuing my dreams.

But STILL…

Even after I started making money with my books I felt guilty saying I was a writer.

I was earning money so by default that makes me a professional. It was all in my head. I somehow felt I wasn’t worthy.

That head trash held me back for a long time. You have to face your fear and proudly tell people you’re a writer.

If you’re writing, you’re a writer!

Step #2 Be Able to Handle Criticism

The thing about writing is it’s close and personal and therefore it can be difficult to share with people much less to hear their feedback. The first few times I had a reader comment on Amazon that my book sucked (and yes it happens. Even big name author’s get negative reviews) I wanted to take it down and crawl into a hole. But as much as it hurts its life. Not everyone in the world is going to love my book as much as I do and let’s face it. There are a lot of negative people out there who negatively comment just to be mean.

Yeah, mean people suck.

I rarely look at random comments anymore. I rely on feedback from my street team and my inner circle of friends and fellow authors to give me CONSTRUCTIVE criticism that will make me a better writer not just tear me down.

Step #3 Be In It For The Long Haul

Being an author isn’t a get rich quick path. Most self-published authors who’ve made it big did so after years and years of work and just made it look like an overnight success.

The key to financial success at this gig is to write, publish, write, publish, write….you get the picture. Being a one-hit wonder isn’t impossible but it’s not very probable either. I didn’t start to see traction in sales until I got to my 3rd book. It shows readers you are here to stay and as new readers find you and see you have written more than one it increases your chances of them purchasing them all.

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Step #4 Writing is only half the battle. You MUST market

I went to a writers conference years ago and heard one of the speakers say, “many awesome writers never sell anything because they don’t market themselves and many mediocre authors make a living at this because they’re good at marketing.”

That statement is so true. While social media makes it easier for people to get noticed these days you have to have a platform and be constantly promoting yourself and your work. It’s a never-ending cycle.

I’ve known many talented authors who’ve given up because they just get frustrated with the marketing aspect. It’s hard to keep on top of. I’m not going to lie but if you want this…I mean REALLY want this. You have no choice but to jump on the social media bandwagon!

Step #5 Write, write, and write some more.

I look back sometimes and wish I hadn’t waited so long to pursue my dream. I’m living it now and I could have been living it so much sooner had I not put it off. Maybe. I do believe that timing is everything and who knows what might have happened. All I know now is that I’m living the dream now. It’s hard work, but so worth it.

Are you living YOUR dream? If not what are you waiting for?

Unlock Your Writing Potential
Discover Value-Driven Coaching!
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