Why Most Business Authors Fail After Publishing
Writing a book is a monumental achievement, especially for business owners and entrepreneurs who dream of using their books to boost credibility, influence, and revenue. Your book is finally published after months, maybe even years, of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. You hold it in your hands—a symbol of your expertise and passion, ready to share with the world. But here’s the uncomfortable truth that most business authors aren’t prepared to hear: publishing your book is just the beginning, and most business authors fail miserably after that point.
At Book Brilliance Publishing, we’ve seen it too often—authors who pour their heart and soul into writing the perfect book, only to find themselves lost in the maze of marketing, branding, and positioning afterwards. The painful truth is that writing an excellent book isn’t enough to make an impact. Without a clear strategy to take your book beyond the page, your book can quickly disappear into the noise, collecting digital dust on Amazon’s endless shelves.
So, why do most business authors fail after publishing? Let’s break it down.
- Lack of a Marketing Mindset
Writing the book is the creative part. Marketing is the strategic part, where many authors fall short. Many business authors believe that simply publishing a book will naturally lead to sales, speaking gigs, and new clients. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Your book won’t sell itself, and no amount of wishing will change that. Your book needs a robust marketing strategy in today’s competitive market. This includes creating buzz pre-launch, building anticipation, engaging with your audience on social media, and leveraging your network to spread the word.
Without a marketing mindset, your book is a needle in a haystack. You need to *create* visibility, not wait for it to happen. A book is a tool, but you must use it strategically to unlock the opportunities it can make.
- Failure to See the Bigger Picture
Most business authors are hyper-focused on the book itself. They spend time perfecting every chapter, every sentence—but that’s not enough. The book is only one part of your larger brand strategy. It’s a stepping stone, not the endgame. Once your book is out, you should consider how it fits your overall business goals.
What’s your vision beyond the book? Do you want to use it to get speaking gigs? Drive traffic to your website? Build a coaching program or online course? A book gives you credibility, but credibility doesn’t translate into income unless you have a bigger picture.
- No Plan for Monetisation
A bestselling book can boost your reputation, but it won’t make you rich in most cases. If you’re looking for long-term business growth, you need to consider monetising your expertise beyond the book. This is where many business authors stumble. They fail to create products or services that complement their book and expand their offering.
Your book should serve as a gateway to other income streams. Whether through consulting, workshops, online courses, or licensing deals, you need a plan to turn your book into a business asset that drives revenue.
- No Personal Brand Development
Most business authors neglect their brand. They forget that in the business world, *you* are the brand. People buy into your book because of the story, expertise, and value you bring. But once the book is out, you must consistently nurture that brand. Without actively building your personal brand through content, social media, public speaking, or networking, your book will struggle to maintain momentum. The days of simply being an “author” are long gone. Today, you need to be an authority—a thought leader in your industry who continues to deliver value long after the book is published.
- Not Leveraging Partnerships
Collaboration is key. The most successful business authors know how to leverage partnerships with influencers, organisations, and other industry leaders to gain exposure and build credibility. Many authors, however, fail to tap into these opportunities. They try to go it alone and miss out on valuable relationships that could take their book and business to new heights. Whether speaking on podcasts, guest blogging, or co-hosting webinars, partnerships help get your message in front of a larger, more engaged audience.
The Road Ahead
At Book Brilliance Publishing, we believe your book is just the ignition, the spark that can drive your business forward. But to succeed, you need to think beyond the book. A well-executed strategy that includes marketing, branding, monetisation, and partnerships is essential for business authors who want to thrive in a crowded market.
Writing a book is an accomplishment, but what you do afterwards defines your success. Don’t let your book be a one-off moment of brilliance—let it be the starting point of an unstoppable journey. Ready to drive your book, your brand, and your business to new heights? Let’s make it happen.