How to Become a Published Author

The joy of being a published author, seeing your work up on bookshelves, catching the eyes of readers, and inviting them into a world of your creation is your dream come true. The comfort of knowing that your work is being read and appreciated by readers everywhere is a dream shared by many. How do you get to this point in your writing career?

But what did those authors have to go through to become published authors?

Many authors share the same simple belief: write, write, write. To be published, you must prioritize your writing. Any free time that you have should be dedicated to strengthening your writing. In fact, many bestselling authors write every day.  It’s simple. If you want to become a published author, your writing must be of utmost importance to you.

Network to Find Book Publishers

Next, if you’re wondering how to become a published author, you should start looking into networking. A published author has connections. Familiarize yourself with publishers, agents, and other authors; immerse yourself in the publishing world. First, find a literary agent. They will be essential in helping you to become a published author.

Not only will an agent take on immense amounts of work for you, but they also have the expertise in navigating the publishing world. A literary agent will provide you with an abundance of services and appeal to all kinds of publishers to sell your book. If you want to become a published author, we advise that you look for a literary agent who will help you navigate the publishing industry. 

Do Your Research on How to be Published

Moreover, to become a published author, we recommend you do your research. Specifically, you will need to research which type of publishing you want. Today, there are many ways to publish your work: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. You should see which process appeals to you more. All three options are excellent paths. 

To continue with the theme of research, it’s advisable that you study current trends in publishing. Take notes on which books are popular and are currently being published. Assess your book and see how it will fit into the world of publishing, making a note of its marketability and target audience. These are all things that a publisher will be looking for.

Make a Platform For Yourself

In today’s world, you will need a platform in order to become a published author. Build up an online platform that showcases your talent and passion for your craft. You can build your platform through social media or blogging. Publishers want to know who they are taking on, so working on your platform is immensely important.

Many readers like to know who the author of their favorite book is, not just from the author blurb in the back of the book. Many readers follow authors on social media and like to see updates on sequels and future writing projects.

Edit Your Work

And lastly, don’t underestimate the power of editing! Edit to your heart’s content, so publishers may receive the best book you have to offer. Finding an editor may also be great because they will have an outside view of your book and can give you the constructive criticism you need.

At Central Park South Publishing, we work tirelessly to publish clients’ work and are always happy to take on new authors.