Being a serious author isn’t about how many books you’ve published or how long you’ve been writing, it’s about how you present yourself and your work. Too many new authors struggle with impostor syndrome, feeling like they can’t call themselves a “real” author until they hit a certain milestone, but that kind of thinking holds them back.
If you treat your writing career as something casual, readers, publishers, and industry professionals will see it that way too. On the other hand, if you present yourself as a dedicated, professional author from day one, you’ll attract more opportunities, build a stronger readership, and set yourself up for long-term success.
The first step in positioning yourself as a serious author is taking your craft seriously. That means consistently working on your writing, improving your skills, and treating it like a professional endeavour rather than a hobby.
Readers can tell when a book has been rushed or when an author hasn’t put in the effort to make their story or message as strong as it could be. Investing in professional editing, getting feedback from beta readers, and studying the mechanics of storytelling or nonfiction structure all contribute to creating books that readers trust and respect.
No one expects a debut author to be perfect, but they do expect a level of care and attention to detail. Cutting corners and publishing something that isn’t ready can damage an author’s reputation before their career even starts.
Presentation is just as important as content. A professional-looking book cover, a well-formatted manuscript, and a polished book description signal to readers that the book is worth their time.
Self-published authors often struggle with this because they’re responsible for everything, but investing in good design and proper formatting makes a massive difference.
If your book looks like it belongs on the shelf next to traditionally published works, readers are far more likely to take you seriously. Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to get quality covers and formatting without spending a fortune.
The key is not settling for something that looks amateurish. First impressions matter, and a poorly designed cover can make readers assume the writing inside isn’t professional either.
A serious author also has an online presence that reflects their dedication to their career. This doesn’t mean being everywhere all the time, but it does mean having a website, an author bio, and a way for readers to stay connected.
A simple, professional-looking website with a bio, book links, and a contact page makes an author look credible. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should exist. Relying only on social media for visibility is risky because algorithms change, accounts can be shut down, and platforms rise and fall. A website gives an author control over their brand and provides a central hub where readers and industry professionals can find them.
A professional author bio is another key element. Many new authors either downplay their experience or overcompensate with exaggerated claims. A strong bio should be clear, engaging, and aligned with an author’s genre and brand.
Readers don’t necessarily care about degrees or credentials unless they’re writing nonfiction that requires expertise. What they care about is the author’s connection to their work.
A mystery writer might talk about their love of crime fiction since childhood, while a self-help author might share their personal journey of overcoming challenges. The bio should be authentic, confident, and informative, not apologetic or self-deprecating.
Another key factor in being taken seriously is consistency. One book isn’t enough to build a career. The most successful authors understand that momentum matters. Whether it’s writing new books, engaging with readers, or building a presence online, consistency creates trust.
Many authors launch their first book with enthusiasm but then disappear, expecting the book to sell itself. That’s not how success works. Even if an author can’t publish multiple books per year, they can stay engaged by sharing updates, working on their next project, or interacting with their audience in meaningful ways. Readers and industry professionals take note of authors who are in it for the long haul.
Serious authors also understand the importance of marketing and audience engagement. This doesn’t mean being pushy or constantly shouting about their book, but it does mean actively working to reach readers.
Too many authors avoid marketing because they don’t want to feel like salespeople, but visibility is crucial. A great book that no one knows about won’t sell. Professional authors learn how to market effectively without being spammy.
This might mean building an email list, engaging in relevant online communities, or collaborating with other authors. It’s not about overnight success, it’s about showing up, building relationships, and making sure the right readers find the book.
Networking is another major part of positioning yourself as a serious author. Many new writers feel intimidated by the publishing world and hesitate to reach out to other authors, editors, or industry professionals.
But the most successful authors don’t operate in isolation; they connect with people, learn from others, and find ways to collaborate. Attending writing conferences, participating in online writing groups, and supporting fellow authors all contribute to building credibility.
Being part of the writing community also opens doors to opportunities like guest blogging, podcast interviews, or promotional partnerships that can help an author grow their audience.
Taking yourself seriously also means handling the business side of writing with professionalism. Authors who understand royalties, contracts, pricing strategies, and distribution options are in a stronger position to succeed.
Self-published authors, in particular, need to learn the ins and outs of platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital so they can make informed decisions about pricing, categories, and promotions.
Even traditionally published authors benefit from understanding the financial aspects of publishing, including how advances and royalties work. Treating writing as a business doesn’t mean losing the passion for storytelling; it means making smart decisions that lead to long-term success.
Mindset plays a huge role in how an author is perceived. Authors who treat writing as a side project that may or may not go anywhere are less likely to be taken seriously than those who approach it with dedication and confidence.
This doesn’t mean every writer has to quit their day job or write full-time to be seen as professional. It means respecting their own work, setting goals, and making an effort to continuously grow.
Self-doubt is normal, but authors who carry themselves with confidence, whether they’re interacting with readers, pitching to agents, or marketing their books, make a stronger impression.
Finally, serious authors keep learning and evolving. The publishing industry changes constantly, and successful authors stay informed. They read about trends, experiment with different strategies, and adapt when necessary.
The willingness to learn and improve is what separates authors who stay stagnant from those who build lasting careers. Whether it’s refining their writing skills, testing new marketing tactics, or understanding shifts in reader behaviour, authors who commit to ongoing growth are the ones who stand out.
Positioning yourself as a serious author isn’t about waiting for external validation. It’s about how you approach your career, how you present yourself, and how you engage with your audience.
If you take your writing seriously, others will too. Readers, publishers, and industry professionals all respond to authors who are consistent, professional, and passionate about their work.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, treating yourself as a professional from the beginning will set the foundation for long-term success.
Until Next Time
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