The Misconception of Authoring Bestsellers: The Focus Stays on Writing, Not Popularity

When many aspiring writers set out to craft their next manuscript, there's a common misconception that the goal is to write a "populist" book that will achieve bestseller status. However, it's essential to understand that the goal of writing should remain centered on the craft itself, rather than the potential for fame or popularity. In this article, we will explore why focusing on writing, rather than predicting or achieving popularity, is the most reliable path to a fulfilling and successful writing career.

Writing: The Core of Success

Writing a book is a deeply personal and artistic endeavor. It requires a clear understanding of the writer's voice, compelling characters, engaging plot, and a consistent narrative thread. While it is often tempting to believe that a book must be certain to “sell” in order to justify the time and effort invested, this mindset can actually hinder the creative process and result in books that fail to resonate with readers.

Historically, even sequels to popular books sometimes fall flat, as evidenced by the myriad of novels that flopped on their release despite promising accolades and buzz. This serves as a reminder that there is a significant difference between a promising manuscript and a bestseller. The writing process is inherently unpredictable, and it is crucial to focus on crafting a book that you will be proud to put into the world rather than trying to cater to market trends or reader expectations.

Popular Books and Their Trajectories

Popular books are often the result of elements that may be difficult to replicate or predict. These elements include market conditions, marketing strategies, timely themes, and cultural phenomena that align with the book's content. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the author and often occur post-publication. Therefore, it is a fallacy to believe that a book can be written to be “popular” before or even while it is being drafted.

For example, The Harry Potter series is often cited as a case study for successful book marketing, with J.K. Rowling's early drafts and the subsequent films playing a critical role in its massive success. However, the first book was not written with the intention of becoming a global phenomenon. It was a book she wrote because she loved the idea of magic and wanted to share her stories with others. The subsequent popularity was a result of a perfect storm of factors, many of which were out of her control.

Shifting Focus: Writing a Book That Matters

Instead of focusing on achieving popularity, writers should aim to create a work that is deeply meaningful and resonant. This means investing time in understanding your craft, honing your storytelling skills, and crafting a compelling narrative. By doing so, you increase the chances of creating a book that not only finds its audience but also stands the test of time.

Here are some key steps authors can take to improve the quality of their writing:

Develop a strong writing routine to ensure consistent progress. Engage in constructive critique to refine your work. Read widely and explore different genres to expand your storytelling abilities. Understand the target audience and what they might be seeking in a book. Bear in mind that self-publishing platforms also offer great opportunities to reach readers regardless of traditional publishing success.

Ultimately, while the potential for your book to become a bestseller is always exciting, the joy of the writing process and the satisfaction of creating something unique and meaningful should be the primary drivers for your work. Focusing on these elements will not only enhance the quality of your writing but also make the journey more rewarding and fulfilling.