It’s rare that I hear the author blame the real culprit: themselves. It’s hard to admit but it’s the first step toward selling more books and understanding who bears the true responsibility for selling books – the author.

The successful writers continue to learn and grow in their craft – and also to grow their audience or tribe or platform.

As a book author, it’s your responsibility to cast a vision for your book about the length and appearance before you pitch the idea to a publisher.

No book or magazine article is for “everyone” so know your audience, then target them with your writing.

No book or magazine article is for "everyone" so know your audience, then target them with your writing.

Hook your editor with a strong opening sentence to bring attention to your writing.

You have to consistently work at building your audience or platform.

Publishing in magazine is an under-used route for authors to reach readers. As a former magazine editor, I understand the power of reaching the audience…With one article, I have reached millions of people.

Sell through multiple channels. Readers like plenty of choice when they go to purchase their books. Your book should be available in a variety of formats such as every type of Ebook paperback, hardcover and audiobook.

Book buying studies have proven a reader has to hear about your book multiple times before they reach into their wallet and purchase a book. The number of exposures to your book is somewhere between six and twelve times before you collect a sale. A key part of your platform building process as an author is to give readers multiple exposures to your book and the availability.