Why Most Aspiring Authors Fail

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When it comes to publishing advice on my channel, I’m all about offering perspective. The truth is that many authors feel like a failure or feel disappointed in their publishing journey; that goes for whether they have self-published or traditionally published but haven't seen the sales they hoped to. That said, staying persistent and dedicated throughout the book publishing process can help you achieve great success. If you’re an aspiring author who has been losing hope, use the guidelines in this video to better see yourself and your book's future potential.
 
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WHY MOST ASPIRING AUTHORS FAIL:
02:46 – Their goal is undefined
05:10 – They don’t read widely in their genre
06:54 – Their manuscript isn’t ready
08:43 – They don’t know how to pitch the book
10:04 – They don’t realize how random publishing is
 
ABOUT ME: 
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
 
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[TheEccentricRaven]

There's also the mistake of not even reading that much at all. I once read a quote from an editor who said she suspects most of the books she rejects are by authors who don’t read enough. There’s so much you can learn about how to be a good writer just from reading.

[cjpreach]

A great list, Alyssa!
WHY MOST ASPIRING AUTHORS FAIL:
02:46 – Their goal is undefined
05:10 – They don’t read widely in their genre
06:54 – Their manuscript isn’t ready
08:43 – They don’t know how to pitch the book
10:04 – They don’t realize how random publishing is

[SleepParty]

My story will be published one day. Not because of connections. Not because of random luck. But because I believe in the story. I'm not glazing myself, but truly, the story is so good that I can't wait for people to read it.

[johnparnham]

I self-published my first book. It didn't sell well. I am on my second book and it's a lot better than the first. I haven't given up on the first. It needs a new cover and some restructuring. But my second is undergoing its editing phase and will go on for copy editing soon. I am investing in the second book. and intend to write more. I write middle grade and in some ways, it's a difficult market because you can't market directly to your target audience. I am determined not to give up. The ideas keep coming and when I retire which is less than two years, I will have the time to go full-time.. Onwards and upwards.

[geraltofbolivia]

I honestly just want to write a book to say that I DID IT. The self satisfaction of actually accomplishing that goal is worth more than gold to me.

[mrplatink]

Thank you for the tough love! I have edited my manuscript down to 120k (Adult Fantasy debut) updated my query, synopsis, pitch, and comps, and I am NOT giving up!

[samuelcollie]

Thank you. I am an older first time author. I've written the book, it's in Beta Reader's hands now. One of my Beta readers has edited a work of fiction. Another is a retired FBI agent who has helped me with many quesitons. It's a crime genre book. I am a complete novice when it comes to query letters etc.

[mrsmax]

I'm just dipping my toes into the querying process and it's honestly terrifying. I love my novel. But will anybody else? More importantly, will it make any money? I really appreciate what you said about reading in your genre. Not only is reading fun, but it's crucial to see what trad publishers are looking for in terms of style, pacing, etc.

I have no delusions of grandeur concerning my novel, but I feel like I owe it to myself - all the hard work I put into writing, re-writing/editing, finding decent critique partners, etc. - to put it out there and see how far it can go. If it fails, it fails. I can try again.

[micapetru]

I published a short story collection. The results in terms of sales and finding an audience were dismal. I thought of giving up, but then rescinded this course of action. Why? Well, I had this nugget of a story that kept on bouncing in my mind. So, I looked into why I failed and how could I make things work for me. Currently my WIP is a horror novel in the style of 80s horror movies, the nugget of a story. I don't have any high expectations, but then again I try to be as professional as I can be. I'm sure I will learn some stuff from this experience to improve my future work.

[joevaldez]

100% agree with these points, Alyssa, and love how you list them in chronological order. Manuscript not being ready is critical. I actually consider a draft to be starting over with a blank page--edits are simply revisions to me, not a new draft--and have found when I write two or three drafts, throwing out 25% to 50% of the original manuscript, the quality makes big leaps. That doesn't happen if I edit an original draft. Superficial stuff gets fixed, but the deeper flaws will remain.

[dirkbruere]

Success or failure is defined by the author. Of course, we all have hope but we should all be realistic about our expectations.

[bossalina]

I completely understand why some authors revise their work multiple times because I’m the exact same way. I have at least 5 different drafts of the current novel I’m writing, which coincidentally is my first book I plan to finish soon. With that being said, I really appreciate all of the tips in your videos. So far, it’s helped me to realize I am on the right track of where I envision myself as an author. They have also helped me to see where I need work. Thank you very much!

[mlpapc]

I wrote several books but didn't make much money from them. I still work at the 330 to 12 midnight shift and listen to positive books on YouTube about aspiring authors and not to give up. I will keep pushing for the moment, but eventually I will give it up and stop writing and then I feel something will happen. I have to let it go to show I love it.

[UrbanSwagger]

Your videos are like weekly B12 shots, boosting my enthusiasm and confidence in writing.

[wicjjxf]

Hello Ms. Matesic and Happy 2024! I enjoyed this video as I do all of your videos. I have a 69, 800-word lighthearted fiction thriller with around ninety outstanding queries from late November 2023 to present. I have also received eighteen rejects thus far. This is the second attempt for my manuscript as I sent it out in late 2017 but with only 58k words. I enjoy doing the research for my characters regarding either their profession or their circumstance. I have learned much about birds, indigenous mysticism, and several different states which I've never visited. My reason for undertaking storytelling is to provide a modest supplement to my retirement income. My question to you is "Will an agent be curious enough to request my manuscript because the word count is within the range for publishers even if the novel is only mediocre?" I ask because I have watched many, many movies on cable TV and wonder how they ever got funding because they were so bad. Same with book publishing. I think that the same is true with book publishers in that they must turn out a certain number of pulp-fiction, if for no other reason, then to show the stockholders that they are working hard to get a BEST seller.
Alrighty then, keep up the good Write!

[lukesmith]

I read voraciously but not as consciously as I should. Your video served as a wake-up call. I looked up the GoodReads list and have already started reading one. It's inspired me AND given me a lead for an agent when I'm ready to start submitting for my WIP. Thanks for all you do

[derricklafayette]

I have a book coming out from a small press. I'm super excited to have bridged that gap and want to go further into the big houses. These videos are awesome.

[catherinesnow]

My first book was a selfpublishing project that didnt sell really good cause tbh I didn't know what I could or should do in order to make it successful. My second book was published by a small publisher and it went really well given the fact that no one knew me. The third one will also be published there in September as well as another book in 2024 while my debut will be re-released this time by a small publisher (as well as the two following books in that series). I might not be the most successful new author, but I'll work towards my goal while honing my skills and that's what the whole thing is about for me. 🥰 learning and trusting the process

[redamerikan]

2 recommend requests & 2 deeper Qs

1. Do you have a book recommendation for utopian* future fiction that’s firmly rooted on earth (though looking toward the stars)? Even more narrowly in a democratic socialist direction?
I’m probably missing something obvious.

2. Do you have a book recommendation for storytelling that gives chronological vignettes progressing toward a greater end?

3. I’m currently an unemployed architect that has a vision for the future. I have a lot of non-fiction material in mind (if not all on paper) amounting to a handbook for a path forward for the world. I also have never authored a book, but I know that reaching people in their hearts requires stories. I’m a good storyteller, and am totally willing to go for writing the novel myself, but I’ve never really been tested in storytelling.
Should I consider working with a proven fiction writer, and how is that possible without having a book deal? Would it be better to try to find such a person in advance of a query letter?

4. Have you ever heard of anyone successfully* using ChatGPT as a ghost writer helping explore directions for the story?

Thanks in advance.

[jonathandavidshepard]

Thank you for clarifying the fears. It's easier to conquer what you can see clearly.