What Makes You A Real Author?

(Let’s start with what is NOT required to be a real, legitimate author.)

Here are the things most people think make you a real author. Hint: the rules have changed. These things don’t make you legit!

🚫 Traditional Publisher

The old-school stigma around self-publishing (with a garage full of books) can lead people to believe that only traditionally published authors are “real.” However, self-published authors can also produce quality work and have dedicated audiences.

🚫 Sales Rank On Amazon

High sales numbers on Amazon don’t inherently measure bottom line success. I know people who have made a killing with their books (myself included) who never made it in the front door of a NY publisher.

🚫 Having an Agent

Having a literary agent is often seen as a sign of being a legitimate author. However, many great writers work independently (and keep the fee most agents don’t earn)!

🚫 Being Part of the “Literary Community”

As Groucho Marks said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member!” Some believe that attending writing conferences, workshops, or being part of social writing circles makes someone more legitimate. Real authors don’t have time for that crap (say I with a snarky grin).

🚫 Awards and Recognition

Winning literary prizes can be prestigious, but most are fake and don’t matter. I prefer the REWARDS that come from book sales and back-end sales from my book funnels. You can’t spend awards, but rewards in the form of sales keep gas in the car and food in the pantry!

🚫 Academic Credentials

Holding advanced degrees (or any degree) in writing, literature, or a professional field can enhance skills, but creativity, storytelling ability, and real-world value often come from life experiences rather than formal education. (In your face Dean of the business school at William & Mary who kicked me out!)

So what makes you a real author?

Being a “real author” goes beyond the superficial stuff listed above. Here are some keys that can make anyone a genuine author:

✔ Understanding Your Audience

A real author considers their audience’s needs and interests. This awareness helps them create content that resonates and engages readers deeply. A real author is all about service to the readers.

✔ Authenticity and Voice

Developing a unique voice and perspective is crucial… but having the courage to SHARE that unique voice is everything. Authenticity in writing fosters a connection with readers, making them feel understood, appreciated, and engaged.

✔ Commitment To Results

Along with authenticity, a real author helps their readers get results. You don’t teach what you don’t know and you don’t lead where you don’t go. What matters more than style or writing skill is simply helping people get the results you promise.

✔ Openness to Feedback

A real author demonstrates the willingness to receive constructive criticism and improve. Real authors actively seek feedback from peers and readers to hone their craft.

✔ Ability to Adapt

Real authors are flexible and willing to explore new ways to help their readers get results. Getting locked into yesterday shuts you down for helping people tomorrow. The world changes and real authors change with it while holding their readers at the forefront.

✔ Living Your Purpose

Real authors write and create with a sense of purpose, whether it’s to entertain, educate, inspire, or provoke thought. Their writing always reflects their values, experiences, and the messages they want to convey. Your purpose creates value for your readers.

Ultimately, being a “real author” is less about external validation like sales, awards, and recognition by others and more about a combination of passion and dedication to serve your audience. That’s what creates the rewards a real author seeks.

The world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter author—it needs you.

Your voice, your story, and your unique perspective matter. In the WriteYourBook.AI Challenge, we’ll show you how to turn your passion into purpose-driven writing that truly resonates.

🚀 Get on the early bird list today and be the first to know when the next challenge begins. The future real author in you is ready to shine!

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