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by Lisa Jacobson · 1 Comment

5 Things I’d Definitely Do If I Wanted to Write a Best-Selling Book

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Wondering if you have a best-selling book in you? Interested in getting it traditionally published? Here are 5 things I'd definitely do if I wanted to write a best-selling book. via @GretLouise

If I remember correctly, it all began with a phone call.

A friend calling to tell us about another friend’s story. Felt like a long-shot, to be quite truthful. “Just hear him out – that’s all I’m asking,” our friend insisted.

It was a good story alright. Even ending up on the New York Times Best-Seller list for months on end. A first-time author and an unknown name.  Not necessarily the typical experience, I grant you, but why not?

Yes, why not.

If you’re wondering if you have a best-selling book in you as well?  And interested in getting it traditionally published?

Wondering if you have a best-selling book in you? Interested in getting it traditionally published? Here are 5 things I'd definitely do if I wanted to write a best-selling book.

Here are 5 things I’d definitely do if I wanted to write a best-selling book:

1.  Put together the perfect pitch.

Write it out, memorize it, and practice it until it’s perfect. And, frankly, I’d have two versions ready: the short 2-minute one (for quick “elevator” encounters) and a longer 10-15 minute one to share over lunch.

2.  Get a second opinion.

Request 10 people to look at your manuscript: 5 whom you know (and trust) and 5 whom you do not. Then beg them for honest feedback. Not that you necessarily have to change anything for them, but at least seriously consider what they have to say.

3.  Press forward in confidence.

Don’t be intimidated by publishers. Or agents. (Or other writers, for that matter.) They actually need writers like you to make it. Remember, you are what they are all about. You’re the one with the talent and the goods!

Don't be intimidated by publishers. Or agents. They need writers like you to make it.
Click to Tweet

4.  Expand your network.

Make new friends. This can be a challenge for us generally introverted-writer types, but you just have to push through the pain. Introduce yourself! Call them up cold-turkey. Message them and meet them.

5.  Find a literary agent.

Yes. It’s fairly necessary. Why else would all the best-selling authors have one? Try asking around. Find out who your friends are using and what they think of him or her. Be picky. It’s going to be an important relationship.

Sometimes one phone call can take you straight to the New York Times Best-Seller List.
Click to Tweet

So I’d definitely try all five of these.  Plus start praying for God to open doors.

Then be ready to walk through those doors when He does. Because you never know what might happen!

Sometimes one phone call can take you straight to the New York Times.

Related:
5 Things I’d Never Do If I Wanted to Write a Best-Selling Book
Should Authors Blog? (12 questions to ask)

Photography: Hannah Acheson

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Lisa Jacobson

Author at Club31Women
Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matthew Jacobson. Together they enjoy raising their 8 children and have been involved in Christian publishing for over 20 years. Matt is currently both writing and agenting, as owner of Loyal Arts Literary Agency. Lisa enjoys blogging at Club31Women. Lisa is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and her husband is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. They are also the authors of several children's books, including a winner of the C.S. Lewis Silver Medal for Children's Literature.
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Latest posts by Lisa Jacobson (see all)

  • 5 Things I’d Definitely Do If I Wanted to Write a Best-Selling Book - October 22, 2013
  • 5 Things I’d Never Do If I Wanted to Write a Best-Selling Book - August 13, 2013

Posted in For Authors on October 22, 2013 (Last Updated May 14, 2019)


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Words from More Digital Wordsmiths

  1. Benita says

    February 27, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Oh my goodness! Eight children, how?! Sorry… Wow! You are truly amazing. Super mom comes to my mind. I’m sorry, I did read the rest of what you wrote…but eight children is beyond…?
    God bless you! We have two blessings and it’s a lot of work…but such beautiful undeserved blessings.?
    Thank you for your insight and help! I just joined ocmomblog as a writer and love it…I’m not the most frequent writer but I’m just starting out, testing the waters. My dream is to write on my own and just that thought is overwhelming.
    Being a recipient of miracles in my personal life, I should know everything is possible with God. ❤️ I’m reassured and love reading about beautiful women of God, helping others! So, thank you for your insights…
    Benita?

    Reply

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