If volume is your goal, you may write a lot of crap and get nowhere. I know plenty of self-published authors who have several books out there but are struggling for sales. They pump out some very sorry books every year just because some industry expert told them to “publish a book a year to build an author presence.” This is a sales tactic not a way to build a career as a fine author.

I’ve got one book out, a second ready to launch and lots of short stories published in literary journals and ezines; I do a weekly short story blog on 19th century authors, which I really enjoy, and tweet about it.

We writers need to follow our hearts honestly and keep writing, keep motivated, keep polishing our craft; get a good editor, and keep putting our work books out there as we build our careers.

However, some aspects have proven harder than I expected. I thought I would be great at just writing every day and having lots of time for more exercise, time with friends, etc. What I found out is…writing is just a regular job that I do at home instead of an office!

I write children’s books, so they only sell for 99 cents. Since Amazon takes 64 cents of that, it takes a lot of sales to make a living wage. I have over 200 books up (that’s sounds like a lot but they are children’s books and are shorter; I’ve also been writing for 10 years). Even with that many books up, I’m barely making a living wage. I still need more volume, and more best sellers.

It’s not going to come easy, folks, especially when Amazon wants such a big piece of the pie. It is possible, though, and IT’S GREAT!!!

Caitlind Alexander
Over 200 e-books for kids.

Yes, I have read about everyone comments about trying to make a living writing books and I agree it’s really hard and considering the fact there are so many books out there. I have wrote 13 thirteen Christians books I made a little of bit royalties, but I could say I was happy that I made a few sales than none at all; even though I’m not going to rely on writing books to supply my living. But, I enjoy writing books it’s relaxing after all. I also written my first novel as well called: “Her Dark Desire: Deadly Passions and Consequences: A Romantic Suspense Novel it’s available on http://www.amazon.com.
But for all the authors that dream of making that bestseller keep dreaming and think big. But don’t quit your day job.
Just enjoy writing your books and hope and pray that somebody would find interest in reading your books.