Can Authors Get A Break?

Authors just need a lucky break in order for their book to take off. But is it really a matter of wishful thinking that leads to a breakthrough moment — or is it something else?

They pray for a big news media hit, to get a testimonial from a celebrity or best-selling author, a major book review, a large, targeted speaking opportunity, an influencer’s praise on social media, a post that goes viral, to win a prestigious book award, or to get a call from a Hollywood executive.

Many of us go through different stages of life feeling like the author, where you believe in your abilities and yourself, yet you feel like the grasp of success is just out if your reach, that is in the hands of others.

Looking for your first job — but lacking experience? If only someone would hire you and give you a chance, you know that you can do well. Remember that?

Hoping to enter into a solid relationship — but can’t seem to find the right person.  If only someone would give you a chance to go on a date — and get to see beyond surface impressions. Remember that?

Whether you applied to college, tried to make new friends, or tried out for a sports team, in each situation you just needed a chance at a lucky break.

But you and I both know that you make your own luck — with your attitude, perseverance, hard work, constant seeking of improving your skillset or base of knowledge, ability to endure setbacks, openness to try new things or to do them using new ways, and a willingness to listen to constructive criticism.

Can you get a break? The question is: Are you working towards one? Are you deserving of it? Be honest.

You need to work harder, smarter, longer, and differently. You need to experiment and take risks. You need to conquer fear, limit your bias, and make sacrifices.

It is true that you can seemingly do everything right and still have shit to show for it. No matter. You keep going. Do not give up — you could be on the brink of breaking through.

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.25 million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum