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Successful Authors Don’t Compete
Posted in Marketing with Meaning
It’s Monday, and you know what that means! Time for a simple, meaningful tip to help you sell more books—without feeling overwhelmed. But, we’re also continuing our mini-series on “what successful authors do that others don’t.”
Two weeks ago, we talked about platform—and we clarified that platform isn’t about numbers. It’s about a relationship. A growing group of people who know you, trust you, and want to hear from you again.
Last week, we talked about another powerful shift: Successful authors treat their book like a message, not a product.
When the message leads, marketing feels like service—not pressure.
And now… here’s the natural next step.
Because once you understand platform as relationship and your book as a message…
You stop trying to do this alone.
This Week’s Tip: Successful Authors Don’t Compete - They Collaborate
This week is the bridge.
Platform is relationship.
Message is service.
Collaboration is how both multiply.
Successful authors don’t isolate. They intentionally link arms. They understand something many authors miss:
You don’t need a bigger audience. You need shared audiences.
What to Do This Week (Simple & Practical)
Don’t overcomplicate this. Just take one step.
1. Identify 3 people who serve your same reader.
Think:
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Another author in your space
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A podcast host
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A ministry leader
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A Bible study or book club facilitator
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A retreat speaker
2. Reach out with a posture of service.
Not: “Can you promote my book?”
Instead: “I love how you serve women walking through ___. I’d love to offer a conversation or resource that could support your audience.”
Offer:
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A podcast conversation
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A short guest teaching
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A devotional PDF
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A joint Instagram Live
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A book bundle giveaway
3. Stay relational—regardless of outcome.
If they say “yes,” wonderful! If they say “not now,” stay connected. Successful authors play the long game.
Why This Works
- Trust transfers. When someone introduces you, you’re no longer a stranger—you’re welcomed.
- Shared audiences grow faster than isolated effort.
- Community protects you from discouragement. Isolation fuels burnout.
Here’s the deeper truth: Community keeps discouragement from turning into isolation. And isolation from turning into throwing in the towel.
A Quick Heart Check
If marketing feels more isolating than it should, it may not be that you’re doing it wrong. You might simply be carrying it alone.
Writing is solitary. But building momentum rarely is.
When you try to generate every idea, create every opportunity, and open every door by yourself, discouragement creeps in faster.
Successful authors don’t just work hard. They stay connected. And connection changes everything.
Take One Step
This week, choose one small act of connection: Send one message. Start one conversation. Say yes to one collaboration opportunity.
Then comment below and tell us: Where have you been trying to do this alone? And what step are you willing to take instead?
Sometimes saying it out loud is what makes it real.
Cheering you on,
Shelly, Athena & Carol
P.S. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t want to keep doing this alone,” that’s exactly why Book Marketing Pro Academy exists. Inside BMA, you’re not just getting marketing strategy — you’re stepping into a community of authors who are linking arms, sharing ideas, opening doors for one another, and learning how to grow together. At least twice a month, we host live coaching on Zoom where we help you discern your next right step — and actually implement it in a way that fits your season and calling.
You don’t have to carry this by yourself. Come build momentum in community. You can learn more here: Book Marketing Pro Academy.
