Is It Worth Writing a Book in Hope of Popularity?

Depends on how you define 'hopes' — any hope at all sure. Because it won’t become popular if you don’t write and publish it. But that’s essentially the same as saying, 'You can’t win the lottery if you don’t play.' Publishing a book that becomes popular is akin to winning a lottery, after all. And what does 'popular' even mean?

According to 15x international bestselling author Seth Godin, 'More than 99 percent of the people in the U.S. have never read one of my books.' Keep in mind he’s one of the most sought-after professional speakers, and his blog ranks among the top ten in business and marketing globally.

Long Shot to Popularity

Another significant point to clarify: engaging in any endeavor with the hope of becoming popular is an incredibly long shot. Consider all the bands, product-makers, inventors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, actors, stage performers, public speakers, YouTubers, and others who pursue things that could lead to popularity. Literally millions and millions of people do this every year. How many ever genuinely become popular? So very few.

It is nearly impossible to make it happen. As Gene Simmons of KISS wisely said, 'The only way to success is to work your ass off and hope the stars align.' Hard work and hope are the key ingredients. And to quote Seth Godin again, 'It might work. It might not work.'

So now it comes down to you… is it worth it?

Path to Popularity

The only true path to book popularity lies through a combination of good reviews, celebrity endorsement, and savvy marketing. Getting on shows like Good Morning America, Today, and The Colbert Show also helps, although it doesn’t guarantee popularity. Controversy and a motion picture deal can also play a role, but they are not prerequisites for success.

Examples of Success

Yes, pretty much everyone who has ever written and published a book has hoped for popularity. Of course, millions of them won’t. But when a well-written book accompanied by sharp marketing can lead to success. John Grisham sold his books at fairs, festivals, and book clubs until a big publisher took notice. Stephanie Meyer did the same by attending book clubs relentlessly.

These success stories highlight the importance of perseverance and strategic promotion in the publishing world, even when the odds are heavily stacked against you.