The Difference Between Published Authors and Working Authors

For most of the aspiring writers I meet, the dream of seeing their name on the cover of a book is the ultimate goal. The idea of being a published author often evokes images of book signings, fan mail, and the satisfaction of holding your creation in your hands. However, there's a crucial distinction that needs to be made: being a published author is not the same as being a working author.?

1. The Published Author: A Milestone, Not the Destination?

Being a published author is a significant achievement. It means that your work has made it through the grueling process of writing, editing, and perhaps navigating the publishing world. Whether through traditional, hybrid or self-publishing, getting your book into the world is no small feat.?

But publication is just a milestone, not the final destination. A published book does not automatically lead to a sustainable writing career. While having a book in print is an important step, it’s only the beginning of the journey.?

2. The Working Author: Building a Career?

A working author, on the other hand, is someone who has transitioned from merely having a book published to sustaining a career through writing. This involves consistently producing new content, whether it's books, articles, short stories, or other forms of written work. A working author understands that success in the literary world is not just about publishing a single book but about maintaining momentum and continually engaging with their audience.?

3. The Reality of a Working Author?

Being a working author means treating writing as both an art and a business. It involves understanding the market, building a brand, and actively promoting your work. A working author is constantly learning and adapting, whether it’s through mastering the latest marketing strategies, expanding their writing skills, or exploring new genres and mediums.?

In contrast to the occasional or one-time author, a working author is dedicated to writing as a career. This often means juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and even different income streams, such as freelance writing, teaching, or speaking engagements. The work never stops; there’s always another project to complete, a new idea to develop, or a manuscript to revise.?

4. Marketing and Audience Engagement?

A key difference between being a published author and a working author lies in the approach to marketing and audience engagement. A published author might rely on the initial buzz of a book launch, but a working author knows that long-term success requires ongoing effort. This includes maintaining an active online presence, connecting with readers through social media, and consistently finding new ways to reach and grow their audience.?

Working authors often have to be their own marketers, publicists, and salespeople, especially in the early stages of their careers. They understand the importance of building a platform, developing an email list, and creating a brand that resonates with readers.?

5. Continuous Improvement and Growth?

A working author is committed to continuous improvement. They seek out feedback, participate in workshops, and stay informed about industry trends. They understand that the writing landscape is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant, they must evolve too.?

Unlike the published author who might view the completion of a book as the end of the journey, a working author sees it as a stepping stone. Every book is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine their craft. They are in it for the long haul, committed to building a body of work that reflects their growth as a writer.

While being a published author is a noteworthy achievement, it’s just the beginning of the journey. To transition from being a published author to a working author requires dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to treat writing as a career. It’s about more than just writing a book; it’s about building a sustainable career that allows you to continue doing what you love—writing.

If your goal is to be a working author, then embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it. Understand that the journey doesn’t end with publication; it’s only just beginning.