They Almost Gave Up Writing… Then They Became #1 Bestsellers

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When you put your heart and soul into your work and it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, it can feel totally defeating. Today, I want to share two inspiring stories of authors who were in that exact boat — but were able to stick with it, turn things around and even achieve bestseller status. I hope their stories encourage you to keep pursuing your creative passion and trust the process!
 
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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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[cjpreach]

My first book had an audience of ONE. A 10-year-old boy who loved it. He shared the same age, interests and first name of my Lead character. The story was not well-written, as I learned from a critique by a professional writer. But the boy's mother told me that, due to a learning disability, this was the first book her son had read from cover to cover. So my poorly-written book was a life-changing breakthrough for one, very good kid. The time and effort was worth it, IMO.

[TheEccentricRaven]

I've heard so many stories of writers who never gave up, it's a reminder to me to never give up.

[ariabrooks]

This was so beautiful 😭🥰💗 I love seeing there are still kind people out there 🙏😊✨

[WhirledPublishing]

This phenomena of giving up - to become successful - occurs in many other careers - including professional singers, professional musicians, championship ice skaters - Nikola Tesla gave up to became a ditch digger for a while ... and so on.

[kevins]

Well I don't know any tic-tockers, but as I'm querying my debut book at age 52 right now, I'll still choose to be heartened by these stories.

[jimgilbert]

Thank you for a fresh injection of hope, Alyssa.

My first two books were published as ebooks (and POD books), and sales were dismal, to say the least, despite great reviews (the first book even won an award, and it was a finalist for another award).

And speaking of reviews, one of my "reviews" did not come from a professional critic, but from one of my readers:
She bought one of the POD copies of my first book. While reading it, she'd come across a funny passage and giggle. Since it's a funny book, she was laughing a lot, which piqued the interest of her husband. He was not a reader, but he started reading over her shoulder. One morning, she reached for the book only to find it missing. Her husband had borrowed it to take to work to read on his breaks and during slow periods. His laughter prompted curiosity in his coworkers, and he started reading it aloud to them. He eventually returned the book to his wife, who finally got to finish reading it. She later told me this story, and I've treasured it ever since.

I'm now trying to find a literary agent to represent those first two books, as well as my other books so that I can have my books published as real books. I want to be able to walk into a bookstore and see my books on the shelves. And now I have new hope to fuel my efforts. Thank you again, Alyssa.

[deborahduthie]

Let your Dogg out. He’s been waiting patiently for you to finish. 👏🏼👍🏼

[tearstoneactual]

Regarding some of the biggest names in the industry - I saw a story from Stephen King (IIRC) and Terry Pratchet at a bookstore for a signing event they were putting on. *Nobody* showed up for it. I was *floored* when I heard/saw that. It just kind of blows my mind.

[jhagen]

I remember seeing these stories on TikTok. Very happy those authors received the love and attention they deserved. Someday I hope to be traditionally published as well.

[antoinetteg]

So glad you paused to let Luca out!😅 I do enjoy your videos, by the way. Thanks for the great advice.

[rodgilley-writer]

This is such a nice video! All of us writers get the blues at some point, and stories like this bring a little sunshine on a rainy day! Thank you!

[larssjostrom]

The matter of age: The older we get the more experience and knowledge do we accumulate and the more we have to say with a work of fiction. The downside is that we haven't as much energy and might have to take more time with our writing.

[goodforu]

Thank you, I needed to hear this. I have 3 books written, 1 published and will use Tik Tok.🥰

[jcourt]

Thank you for these stories. I finally started writing in retirement and I am tired of people saying no one wants books by old people 😊

[DKWDFST]

The older I get, the more intimidated and insecure I feel whenever I write my story and fail to draw any attention. Learning about these two authors, the latter being before this video, the first really hit me hard ( in an inspired way). Sometimes I feel my story will forever live on google docs, but then I come across this and learn that it's not too late for me as long as I don't give up. Because as tempting as it can be sometimes, I don't want to.

[troydaum]

This is so interesting! Love to hear these stories. Also was laughing at your dog at 3:15 😂looks like she heard a noise haha

[Ambassadortheworld]

I agree with you about our need as humans to be compassionate and supportive of people. Fundamentally, we are good people who don't like to see good people suffer. ❤

And yes, never give up. Keep SHARING!

[martinvanhelden]

My first book turning daily struggle into opportunities is on all the major internet sellers but still no good sales . my second book is at the publishers an first and second story books neer to finished, I just want to say too everyone never give up on yourself art is mostly unappreciated ❤

[keithmazikowski]

Great content as always. Fantastic inspiration!!

[georgeeberle]

Thank you so much for the inspiration, I'm 62 years old and after five years of part time writing I thought I had finally finished my Y/A action adventure novel only to find out I had formatted it wrong for what an agent would want ! So when I attempted to re format it every paragraph changed and it messed up every chapter ! Needless to say I was crushed and felt like giving up, I just did not have it in me to re write the whole book ! Now I will re group and try to publish through Amazon Kindle ! Thanks again. Sincerely G