What happens if you don't become a bestseller?

The thing is, making generalized pronouncements about the quality of someone's writing based on their reason for writing is pretty unreliable logic. Mainly because you can't possibly know what someone's motivation is unless they specifically state it - so you may be fooled into thinking you're reading a fantastic book when you're actually reading a bit of tripe by some money-grubbing huckster.

 

bad AIDS basically

 

Are we saying that we should be giving your grand proclamations about writing more credence than the words of great writers through the centuries? Really? You're big on asking for proof from others and wanting to know how they know, but how do YOU know? What proof can you supply?

I enjoy writing, but I do it for money. If I didn't get paid, I'd probably quit, or at at least lower my output dramatically. There are lots of OTHER things out there that I enjoy as well, and if there was no money involved I'd probably spread my enjoyment out over a lot more activities.

Does this make my writing empty and soulless? Neither my publishers nor my readers have complained.

 

I think wanting to write a bestseller is an admirable goal but I don't think that should be your sole reason for writing. Chances are you won't make much. Are you just writing because you want to make a lot of money? Why not choose some other profession that doesn't depend on the like or dislike of your readers?

 

I have three books planned. Considering the time it takes to write one, that should take me well into retirement from writing.

I want the first book in my duology to be good enough people who read it want to read the second one. It's a duology. I would consider giving the first book away to thousands of people if those people were interested in reading it. I'm not looking for a profit with that first book, just recognition and the platform to share a story I want to tell. If it is successful, I will want to sell the second book.

The story is good enough, I'm confident of that much. Whether I can pull off writing it with sufficient skill to tell the story well remains to be seen.

Making money is not my goal. I am relieved of that burden owing to my already having lived out most of my working life. But if I write the book and "no one comes", I will be disappointed.

 

I just want to tell a story. Maybe make someone laugh or think, while I'm at it.

 

I've been questioning my own motivations for writing lately. I asked myself, 'would I keep writing even if I sell hardly any books, and can't make a living off it?' I've found that the answer is yes, without a doubt. Ideally, I would love to make a living from writing. If I can't, I'll still write. I have also compared it to music, in that, if I'm in a band, while you love playing music, you ultimately want to spread your music to as many people as possible. Not necessarily for fame, but simply for the satisfaction of knowing people enjoy something you have created. I feel the same with my writing. I don't give a damn about a famous life, but I would love for the stories I create to be seen by as many as possible, simply because I am giving them something to enjoy.

 

Hmmm,... I strive for becoming a bestseller because that's my goal. I will try my best to achieve it until I find out that my not becoming a best seller is not my fault, it's the reader's fault...

 

From what I've read and heard from authors and editors, most of the authors whose books you see on the shelf at B&N don't make enough from writing to support themselves. I don't think getting to the point where you can is a bad goal, but if you go into it with the expectation of becoming financially independent from writing you're more likely to be disappointed or become disillusioned.

Here is an article on writers earnings from a couple of years ago:

http://m.huffpost.com/uk/entry/3136859

 

I read books that are not bestsellers. I like that so I guess if I didn't write a bestseller it'd be fine. I'd just be happy to have a book published and to have readers and fans
Still a long way until that though