Today I want to share a step-by-step guide to publishing a bestselling book. There are just 6 steps, and I will be clear about each one. As a model for this guide, I am going to use one of all-time favorite stories of creative success. Please bear with me here… I want to use the story of Meat Loaf’s 1977 album “Bat Out of Hell” as a guide. Why? Because this story is one of my all-time favorite stories of a creator who persisted through rejection to find massive success on their own terms.
Not worrying about fitting in is such good advice - if you hang out in any writer/writing dedicated space for more than five minutes you'll always hear someone comment about fashionability and trends and then five minutes later there'll be another comment (usually from a lit agent) about wanting something completely fresh, brand new, never been seen before, oh but not too wacky or weird because, you know, it's got to sell like hotcakes, guaranteed.... Trying to fit in with a spectrum of expert-advice that wide and deep is hard (so hats off to anyone who sets out to do that and does it), but for me, I can only focus on the type of stories I'm capable of writing. Everything else is just distracting noise. :)
This is a fun read. I'm a Todd R fan going back so far I saw his Glass Guitar act in concert. And I love Meat Loaf, although I haven't listened to Bat Out of Hell in a very long time. I wondered where you were going with the comparison, and you pulled it off. I, too, am starting on the next round of queries, and the "try, try again" mantra is a good one to have in mind. Getting an audience for my work is out there somewhere. I'll find it. Thanks for the encouragement, and for the walk down memory lane.
This post came just when I needed it, especially the story about Janae Marks. I'm just about to hit the 40-query mark. I've had several full manuscript requests, but I still found myself feeling burnt out the other day and wondering whether I should continue. I needed this post!
This was so interesting, both your points as well as the Meat Loaf history! This showed me many things I could've handled better with my first (and only to date) self published novel. When #2 is ready, I will be following these tips. Thanks for a well thought out, fun and helpful read!
Fantastic words of wisdom here, Dan! It's an encouragement to continue learning that focusing on our work and believing in it fiercely is top priority.
A 6-Step Guide to Publishing a Bestselling Book
Not worrying about fitting in is such good advice - if you hang out in any writer/writing dedicated space for more than five minutes you'll always hear someone comment about fashionability and trends and then five minutes later there'll be another comment (usually from a lit agent) about wanting something completely fresh, brand new, never been seen before, oh but not too wacky or weird because, you know, it's got to sell like hotcakes, guaranteed.... Trying to fit in with a spectrum of expert-advice that wide and deep is hard (so hats off to anyone who sets out to do that and does it), but for me, I can only focus on the type of stories I'm capable of writing. Everything else is just distracting noise. :)
Meatloaf and Jim Steinham were a terrific combination. As a fan, I approve of this column.
It’s also wonderful advice. Especially the part about getting used to rejection and sticking with something you believe in. Thanks for writing it
This is a fun read. I'm a Todd R fan going back so far I saw his Glass Guitar act in concert. And I love Meat Loaf, although I haven't listened to Bat Out of Hell in a very long time. I wondered where you were going with the comparison, and you pulled it off. I, too, am starting on the next round of queries, and the "try, try again" mantra is a good one to have in mind. Getting an audience for my work is out there somewhere. I'll find it. Thanks for the encouragement, and for the walk down memory lane.
This post came just when I needed it, especially the story about Janae Marks. I'm just about to hit the 40-query mark. I've had several full manuscript requests, but I still found myself feeling burnt out the other day and wondering whether I should continue. I needed this post!
This was so interesting, both your points as well as the Meat Loaf history! This showed me many things I could've handled better with my first (and only to date) self published novel. When #2 is ready, I will be following these tips. Thanks for a well thought out, fun and helpful read!
Fantastic words of wisdom here, Dan! It's an encouragement to continue learning that focusing on our work and believing in it fiercely is top priority.
Your energy came right off the page. Thank you for the inspiration. I love rock n roll history too.
Publishing & rock n roll history is 100% my sweet spot. Loved this piece so much! 🤘🏽
Thanks Dan!