Author’s Advice

If you would’ve asked me 20 years ago did I know I’d become a writer and an author, I would’ve said “nope, ain’t happening”. As fate would have it I did become an author and I can honestly say I’m loving it so far. It really does feel good to be a writer. I’ve learned a lot on this journey and I feel like with even me being as new to this world as I am, there’s some wisdom I need to share with every other aspiring author.

Effort Determines End Results

Everyone has a goal and everybody’s out for something. When you’re working on a project make sure you take your time and give it your all. Don’t be in such a rush to get published that you either put out something half-baked or has little to no effort at all. My first book was only 36 pages and yet it took me a whole year to write it. Since it’s release back in November of 2025 my book was very well received and in my opinion it’s because I spent so much time making sure it was done right. Though I wanted my book to be completed asap I still had to take my time to make sure it was the right quality. So take your time, trust the process and don’t try to rush the process. Your effort will determine your end result.

Appreciate the small Victory

Of course every aspiring author wants their work to be successful. We want our books to be hits and we wanna reach countless readers, nevertheless it’s not gonna start that way for most of us. I was told in the beginning that I shouldn’t expect my book to sell more than a mere handful of copies. When I was a kid I once heard the rapper Master P comment on music record sales stating that most rappers wanna sell a million records, but what they don’t get is you have to sell five or six records first. Coupled with the expectation I was given by other published authors and publishers, I made it a goal to myself that if I could just sell eight copies on my first book then I’ve done well. I didn’t wanna set the bar too high because I didn’t wanna set myself up for disappointment. Much to my surprise I’ve actually sold nearly 60 copies of my first book and I feel like a rockstar because I didn’t expect to get even that far. I say this because I think it’s important to appreciate the little success you have in order for you to obtain more.

Never Stop Promoting Yourself

No matter how well your book has done or has not done, never stop promoting your work by any means necessary. Whether it’s the right time for you book to be popular or the wrong time to go unnoticed, your book can speak the loudest volumes at any given time, so all the time is the right time to let the presence of your work be known. Whether it’s a post on social media or a story published here on Vocal, never stop letting your work be the words of the day. Keep spreading the word, keep telling your friends.

So here is some advice from a new author. Keep working hard and diligent because the quality of your book depends on it. Be humble enough to accept the little victories and in doing so you’ll have greater success. From there, never stop spreading the word about your words. Best of wishes to you my fellow author.