Most first-time authors believe that once they publish a book, the hard part is over. That somehow, if the book is good enough, it will naturally find its way into the hands of readers, gain traction, and maybe—just maybe—hit a bestseller list.
Let me be clear: that is not how the publishing world works.
I’ve worked behind the scenes on hundreds of book launches, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because an author takes ownership of their book’s marketing and visibility. No one—**not your publisher, not an agent, not even a big-name PR firm—**will care about your book’s success more than you do.
The good news? You can take control and position your book for long-term Impact and revenue. But first, you need to know the truth about book launches—because most authors get this completely wrong.
1. A Publishing Deal Doesn’t Mean Bestseller Status
I see so many authors put all their energy into landing a book deal, thinking that once a publisher picks them up, they’re set. They assume the publisher will handle the marketing, drive the sales, and push the book onto the bestseller lists.
That is not how it works.
Publishers prioritize authors who already have an audience. Why? Because they know books sell when readers feel a connection with the author—not just because the book is good.
If you don’t have an engaged audience before you publish, the marketing is on you. No publisher is going to magically make people care about your book.
So, if you’re in the early stages, ask yourself:
- Do I have a strong, engaged community?
- Am I consistently showing up with valuable content?
- Have I built relationships with people who can support my launch?
If not, start now.
2. Bestseller Lists Are More Strategic Than You Think
Most authors assume that hitting a bestseller list is about selling the most books. But the reality is—it’s not just about total sales.
Bestseller lists are based on a combination of factors:
- Where the books are sold (Amazon? Bookstores? A mix?)
- How quickly those sales happen (spread out sales won’t help you)
- Which categories your book ranks in (some are more competitive than others)
I’ve seen books sell thousands of copies and never hit a list. I’ve also seen books sell 3,000 copies in the right places and land a top spot. It’s about strategy, not luck.
This is why planning your book launch months in advance is critical. You need to orchestrate sales so they hit in a specific window and trigger the algorithms in your favor.
3. Your Marketing is YOUR Responsibility
This is the hardest pill for most authors to swallow. They want to believe that if they write a great book, readers will just find it.
That’s not reality.
If you don’t market your book, it will disappear.
Marketing is not optional—it’s an essential part of your success. And it doesn’t have to be exhausting or inauthentic. The best book marketing comes from strategic relationship-building and consistently showing up in a way that serves your audience.
Here’s what you need to be doing:
✔ Speaking at events and on podcasts
✔ Building meaningful partnerships
✔ Creating social content that draws people in
✔ Engaging with your audience consistently
This isn’t about being “salesy.” It’s about visibility. If people don’t know your book exists, they can’t buy it.
So, ask yourself: How am I showing up to share my message?
If you’re hiding, your book will too.
4. Authentic Relationships Move More Books Than Perfect Writing
I see so many authors obsess over perfecting every word of their book, convinced that if they just make it “good enough”, it will sell itself.
It won’t.
Readers don’t just buy books because they’re perfectly written. They buy books because they get a chance to connect with the author and their message.
People buy from people they trust. That’s why relationships matter more than anything else. When you build genuine connections, those people become your biggest champions—recommending your book, sharing it with their networks, and helping spread your message.
So instead of spending months obsessing over tiny edits, shift your focus to connection and engagement. That’s what will sell more books in the long run.
5. Your Book Is More Than a Product—It’s a Business and Legacy Tool
This is the biggest mindset shift most authors need to make.
Your book is not just a book. It’s an asset—a business tool that can create long-term opportunities if you know how to use it.
Aligned authors don’t rely on book royalties. They use their books to:
💡 Establish themselves as thought leaders
💡 Land high-profile speaking opportunities
💡 Attract clients and grow their businesses
💡 Expand their reach far beyond launch week
Your book is the door opener. But you have to be ready to walk through that door and build something bigger.
If you treat your book like a one-and-done project, you’re missing out on the real opportunity.
You Can’t Leave This to Chance
If you want your book to succeed, you can’t sit back and hope it takes off. You have to own your launch, your marketing, and your long-term strategy.
This is why I created the Infinite Impact Book Toolkit—so you don’t have to guess your way through this process. I’ll walk you through how to turn your book into a powerful tool for your business, Impact, and legacy.
📘 Get the Infinite Impact Book Toolkit here:
👉 www.InfiniteImpactBook.com/Toolkit
If your book has a message that matters, let’s make sure it reaches the people who need it.
Are you ready to take control of your book’s success?
Because no one will care about it more than you do.
