6 Things You Should Not Do To Become A Very Successful Novelist

Let’s start with the painful truth. I’m not a very successful novelist. Moderately successful, yes. 

But successful enough to send the day job (copywriting) packing off into the sunset with a raw behind? Nope.

 

So here’s what I’ve learned in over a decade of not being a particularly successful novelist. A list of 6 quick and easy things you should not do unless you want to risk being in roughly the same place you are now ten years down the line.

 

DON’T NOT CHEAT WHEN IT COMES TO REVIEWS

I’ve never bought a single review from those ‘suppliers’ who offer to wax lyrical about your book, despite only ever reading the blurb (if that). And look where that honest approach has got me. (By the way, the genuine reviews I have got have been very helpful.)

 

DON’T BELIEVE THE MYTH THAT HARD WORK WILL GET YOU REWARDS IN THE END

I’ve put in plenty of hard work, late nights, eye strains, cramps in the bottom, etc, and none of it has paid off to any great degree yet. So maybe slacking off and using more comfortable chairs is the answer.

 

DON’T NOT GIVE UP

These are all awkward double negatives, I know, but it’s the only way to get my message across. I’ve not given up. I’ve kept on writing, but still that breakthrough eludes.

 

DON’T NOT STOP SUBMITTING TO AGENTS TO PUBLISHERS

I’ve not stopped submitting work to agents and publishers and I still get rejected, or ignored. No biggie.

 

DON’T NOT FEEL DOOM AND GLOOM OR WONDER IF IT’S WORTH IT

I’ve never felt down about the rejections or non-replies. It’s par for the course. But is this positive, never say die attitude getting me anywhere? Absolutely not.

 

DON’T NOT PUT LINKS TO YOUR BOOKS WHEREVER YOU CAN

I’ve resisted the temptation to put a link to my best seller here. You’re here to read, not to buy. But maybe you should consider putting links to your books wherever you can. I wish you luck!