Can Anyone Become A Published Author of a Book

Becoming an author is a life goal that many share, whether books are a way to leave your mark on the world or you hope to quit your day job. We all have some specific story or piece of knowledge that we want to share through the stories we leave behind. 

Becoming an author is a great ambition and can carry a fair amount of prestige, but can anyone become a published author of a book?

Here is what you need to know:

The Difference Between a Writer and Author 

First, do you already consider yourself a writer?

If not, start writing!

If you consider yourself a writer, you should know there is a slight difference between a writer and an author. Most people will say that an author is simply one who has published a book.

However, although that is the technical definition, let us take it further.

Is writing just a hobby for you?

That is one of the most significant differences between a writer and an author. If writing is a hobby, you may be less inclined to do all the work required to become an author.

For example, if you want to be a fiction writer, is your story well researched? Have you included all the elements of fiction? Have you spent time in your character’s heads, even outside of the writing process?  

It takes thousands and thousands of hours of work to achieve mastery of a subject. So, if you are writing because you have fun doing it, keep going.

Enjoy writing for its own sake. 

However, if you want your writing to be a stepping stone to establishing yourself as an author, then keep reading: 

What Every Author Must Have 

Before I get into how to become an author, it is essential to understand what it takes to become an author:

• A Good Idea – What is your story about? If you are not a fiction writer, does your nonfiction fit a specific niche? You do not have to have a completely original idea, whether you are a fiction or nonfiction writer, but you have to bring something new. If you want to become an author and dedicate a book to the story or topic, it should be one people interested in reading.

• Passion – Do you love writing? I mean, love writing? Because you will have to do it often, especially when it comes to editing. Writing can be solitary, repetitive, and mind-numbing, but if you have passion for it, it doesn’t entirely feel like work.

• Dedication – There are times when you may have writer’s block. There are also times when you need to force yourself to write. To become an author, you must have a strong sense of dedication because deadlines will become par for the course whether you or your publisher set them.

 Of course, this is not a definitive list.

For instance, I would be lying if I said there were no upfront costs.

Could you technically become an author for free?

Yes, but having funds set aside definitely helps.

For instance, if you decide to self-publish or go with a vanity publisher, you need costs delegated for editing, cover design, marketing, etc.

Although traditional publishers cover most expenses, you may incur costs for attending book events, for some aspects of marketing, or simply the time it takes to write the book – if you are working two or three jobs, it may be challenging. 

So many individual aspects go into becoming an author. 

Self-Publishing Versus Traditional Publishing 

If you decide that you want to become an author, you need to decide whether to self-publish or go the traditional publishing route.  

Self-publishing, also known as indie or independent publishing, means that you do everything yourself. Or you pay a vanity press/publisher to do it all for you.

Be careful of vanity presses as they can sometimes be predatory. Not all of them, of course.

In any case, to self-publish, you are responsible for formatting and editing your manuscript and creating the book cover. You can publish on many platforms, with the most common being Kindle Direct Publishing. 

Traditional publishing means you approach the publishing house or have a literary agent represent you. They handle all aspects of the booking process, except for the initial creation. That means editing, formatting, book cover design, publication, distribution, and marketing (book events, social media ads, etc.). 

There are many different reasons why someone might choose one over the other, and we will go over some of the processes involved in both in the next section.  

Although I have had short stories traditionally published, I did not enjoy the experience.

I prefer self-publishing because it gives me freedom and complete creative control. Not having to share royalties is also lovely.

However, some people prefer allowing a literary agent/publishing house to handle all hard work. 

Do what is right for you! 

Becoming A “Real” Author  

There are some that would not consider someone an author if they are not traditionally published. Then, there are others that would not consider someone an author unless they are both traditionally published and hold a degree in writing.

In fact, some people do not consider Stephen King a “real” author because he publishes horror.

Other naysayers do not consider comic book or picture book writers “real” authors because of the medium they produce their stories.

The same is said for eBooks, audiobooks, etc. 

There is simply no true definition of an author that will fit everyone’s perception.

So, the short answer to this question is that anyone can become an author, but it takes hard work, a great idea, and the means to publish, but when you do, you should expect criticism. 

If you keep moving forward and publish what you want to despite, you should be free to call yourself an author. 

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