Many nonfiction writers believe hitting bestseller status is the ultimate achievement. But the reality is, short-lived rankings don’t always equal long-term wins.
Author success comes from reaching meaningful goals—like building credibility, attracting leads, and using your book as a tool for business and brand growth.
🎥 Prefer video? Watch the full episode here or keep reading for actionable insights.
Table of Contents
Why Bestseller Status Isn’t the Real Measure of Success
Almost every author today has some kind of “bestseller” title—often thanks to niche Amazon categories or short-lived promotions.
We’ve seen authors invest thousands to reach that status, only to end up with:
- Boxes of unsold books
- No reader engagement
- Confused sales data
- No business results
The best results come from clarity, strategy, and long-term consistency—not a fleeting sales spike.
1. Start With Clear Author Goals
Before your launch, get clear on what success looks like for you. Your author goals will shape every aspect of your publishing journey.
Are you hoping to:
- Grow your coaching or consulting business?
- Secure speaking opportunities?
- Build your subscriber list?
- Land media interviews?
- Get picked up by a traditional publisher?
Start with a clear target and build your plan from there.
🎯 Need help? Try Reedsy’s writing goals guide.
2. Build a Book Launch Strategy That Matches Your Vision
A great book launch strategy is one that supports your goals—not someone else’s.
Align launch tactics with your mission:
| Your Goal | Recommended Tactics |
|---|---|
| Grow a list | Offer free downloads or checklists inside the book |
| Gain authority | Get blurbs from experts; secure early Amazon reviews |
| Attract speaking gigs | Send review copies to event planners and podcast hosts |
| Sell services | Link to a lead magnet or free consultation in the final chapter |
| Get media exposure | Pitch relevant media outlets and send out press releases |
📘 Need help crafting a launch plan? Try Fiverr’s complete book launch strategy guide.
3. Focus on the Right Metrics
Sales alone won’t tell the whole story. Instead, track the outcomes that tie directly to your author goals:
📧 Subscriber list growth
🎤 Number of speaking engagements
🧲 Inbound leads from your book
📝 Book reviews and media mentions
📊 Website traffic increases
Use tools like Google Analytics, Kit (formerly ConvertKit), and event feedback forms to measure your momentum.
4. Becca Powers: A Case Study in Strategic Success
Becca Powers didn’t chase bestseller labels. Instead, she focused on clarity and direction.
Her goals were to:
- Land more speaking gigs
- Attract a traditional publishing deal
- Build her email list
With a tailored launch and strong positioning, she accomplished all three—and is now promoting her second book.
✅ Paid speaking spots
✅ A growing community
✅ A traditional publishing contract
👉 Want similar results? Book Launchers can help.
5. Use Smart Book Marketing Strategies
You’ll get the best results from consistent promotion—not a single launch push. These book marketing strategies are key:
- Guest on podcasts: Leverage your expertise to reach new audiences
- Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles: Repurpose your book into content
- Collaborate with peers: Cross-promote with other nonfiction authors
- Build a reader community: Use email or social platforms to engage directly
- Host events or webinars: Promote your book while delivering real value
💡 Need ideas? Check out 100 book marketing strategies from Written Word Media.
6. Treat Your Book as a Business Tool
Your book should open doors—not just sit on shelves.
Use it to:
- Introduce people to your services
- Book more discovery calls
- Increase conversions on your website
- Stand out in a competitive niche
One Book Launchers client used her book to secure a regular writing contract and multiple speaking invitations—without ever trying to become a bestseller.
7. Use SMART Goals to Track Your Progress
SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Examples for nonfiction writers:
- Specific: Add 1,000 new email subscribers from book CTAs
- Measurable: Track conversions using your CRM or email platform
- Achievable: Set a goal based on past growth rates
- Relevant: Make sure it ties back to your author platform
- Time-bound: Give yourself a 60–90 day deadline
📘 Learn more in Draft2Digital’s 8 levels of author success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning authors can miss the mark. Watch out for these pitfalls:
❌ Measuring only sales
Instead, ask: is my book opening doors and driving interest?
❌ Launching without a plan
A strong book launch strategy gives you structure, visibility, and direction.
❌ Targeting everyone
Refine your niche to increase impact and conversion.
❌ Giving up after launch
The most successful authors continue marketing months and years later.
Relaunching? Here’s How to Make It Work
Not happy with your first launch? Don’t worry. Relaunches can be incredibly effective.
Here’s how to reboot:
- Refresh your messaging and subtitle
- Pitch yourself to 10–15 podcasts
- Launch a new bonus or reader resource
- Add a call-to-action inside your book
- Run a giveaway or contest to increase reviews
Book relaunches paired with new goals often outperform the original launch.
FAQ
❓ Do I need to be a bestseller to succeed?
Not at all. Many of our most successful clients never hit a list—but they land gigs, build brands, and grow businesses.
❓ What if I don’t have a big platform?
Focus on outreach and book marketing strategies like podcast tours, guest posts, and reader referrals.
❓ Can I pivot after publishing?
Yes! Authors relaunch books with new covers, titles, CTAs, or positioning all the time—and see great results.
Final Thoughts: Focus on What Really Matters
You don’t need to be a bestseller to be a successful nonfiction author. Focus on:
- Clear author goals
- A tailored book launch strategy
- Consistent book marketing strategies
- Using your book as a platform builder
🎯 Want a professional partner to guide you from idea to impact?
👉 Connect with Book Launchers today and make your book work for you.
