The Prolific Writer: How to Write and Create a Successful Catalog of Books: Create and Prosper, #1

By M. L. Bullock

Does creating a successful backlist catalog seem impossible? It's not! The Prolific Writer by M. L. Bullock will provide you with over twenty foundational blocks for building your own ladder to success. These aren't just suggestions or possibilities. This book provides the steps Monica used to write over a hundred books and create worlds within worlds that fans love.

With a successful backlist, you can create worlds of fun for readers and create for yourself new revenue streams. Make the most of your writerly accomplishments and build a backlist you'll be proud of. In this book, Monica will teach you how to overcome your own limiting beliefs (and the beliefs of others), how to build series and side series, and build social media groups to support your success.

Becoming a prolific writer isn't just about writing a lot. It's about writing smarter, with purpose and consistency. In this book, you'll also learn how to gather ideas, create listening groups and make the most of your top fans (while rewarding them for their help).

With over a hundred books to her credit, Monica teaches you how to keep your stories moving forward--and how to keep fans moving with you. In addition to The Prolific Writer, Monica offers a course (of the same name) on Teachable and has a YouTube channel to share even more tips for becoming the author you always dreamed of.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.L. Bullock
• Release date: Jun 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223823537

M. L. Bullock

M. L. Bullock is the bestselling author of the Seven Sisters series. Born in Antigua, British West Indies, she has had a lifelong love affair with haunted houses, lonesome beaches, and forgotten places. She currently lives on the Gulf Coast and regularly haunts her favorite hangout, Dauphin Island. A visit to Historic Oakleigh House in Mobile, Alabama, inspired her successful supernatural suspense series Seven Sisters. For more information, visit mlbullock.com.

Book preview

Chapter One: Why Being a Prolific Writer Matters

Writing is more than just a means to express thoughts and feelings; it's a form of art cherished by many, a passion that transforms the mind and soul. I postulate that the need to share stories has been a part of human experience since time immemorial. There’s plenty of evidence to support this hypothesis.

The thought of crafting words into stories probably ignites a spark in you, just as it does in me. If not, then this book may not be for you. I live to write. I write a lot because if I don’t, I think I’ll burst. I’m a prolific writer because I live, breathe, and visualize stories. Without writing, I wouldn’t be the person I am. I shudder to think what my career path would look like.

It is my hope that this book will enlighten you and assist you on your writing journey. I didn’t pen this book because I know it all—far from it—but because I know a little something about prolific writing. As wiser men than I have said, there is more than one way to scale a mountain. More than one path to bliss. But what I’m sharing here isn’t based on speculation or theory.

This book is based on my experience alone. In no way am I claiming this is the only way to become a prolific writer, or to be successful at writing.

Now on to the heavy lifting...

As I was saying, the art of writing is an enduring expression of human creativity that has surpassed the bounds of time. Writing grants us the power to articulate our thoughts, disseminate our ideas, and chronicle our experiences for the world to appreciate.

Writing, in a sense, bestows upon us writers a kind of immortality. I’m a big believer in this idea. When my physical presence fades from this world, my stories will linger, etching my existence into the annals of time. Yours too!

Even without the quest for such an enduring legacy, there is a unique joy that accompanies the sight of your creation, your book, nestling on a bookshelf in someone's home, a public library, or a bustling bookstore. (It’s a heady experience!)

For some individuals, the art of writing extends beyond the creation of a single masterpiece. It isn't merely a one-time achievement to tick off a bucket list. It’s more than a vanity project. These writers can’t stop with one story or one book.

These word warriors are the prolific ones. For them, writing transmutes into more than a one-time passion—it morphs into a life-long vocation.

Writing can indeed be a prosperous career, especially when one learns to deftly navigate the intricate labyrinth of self-publishing. (Okay, maybe I am making it sound harder than it is.)

I am familiar with several authors who sustain themselves beautifully, carving out thriving careers from their literary endeavors and curating an impressive portfolio of books. I am one of them.

So, how might you tread upon the path of the prolific writer?

It's simple—embrace transformation. This metamorphosis requires taking a disciplined approach to writing, which means creating content regularly and maintaining a consistent publication schedule.

At its core, being a prolific writer involves the relentless pursuit of quality, manifesting in the form of enthralling novels, compelling novellas, or riveting short stories.

Whichever path you choose to take. This dedication to your craft forms the bedrock of a successful writing career and paves the way for a catalogue of works that you can proudly call your own.

The notion that writing quickly equates to producing mediocre work is a misconception that circulates regularly in the literary world.

If you want to be a prolific writer, you must challenge your own limiting beliefs. (But don’t bother challenging the beliefs of others. It truly is a losing battle.)

These limiting beliefs tend to stem from several sources. Lots of people will tell you writing and publishing frequently makes you a hack or worse.

Sadly, some writers are limited by their own mindset, doubting their abilities to such an extent that they deem the act impossible by anyone, and consequently, project this belief onto others.

A few others subscribe to this notion that quantity comes at risk of quality, as they are influenced by opinions voiced by those they admire or respect.

Some writers will tell you that to write prolifically, you must sacrifice quality. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. I sure as heck have. The quantity vs quality argument is a circular argument. There’s no off ramp. If you try changing people’s minds, you’ll only end up frustrated and discouraged. I gave up a long time ago.

Allow me to cut through these misconceptions with a clear statement: if you are convinced that you cannot become a prolific writer, you indeed will not.

If you are overly concerned about others' opinions, particularly those of fellow writers, you'll find it difficult to achieve success.

The key to success lies in understanding and honing your own unique writing process—staying true to your style and steadfastly focusing on your goals.

Yes, there are plenty of prolific writers out there but for the most part, they keep to themselves and get the job done. That’s how we roll.

Being a prolific writer has distinct benefits, one of which includes a large portfolio of work, a wellspring from which multiple income streams can flow.

The act of writing a book extends beyond mere storytelling—you're essentially creating a multifaceted product. A book doesn't just remain a book; it morphs into various forms—an ebook, a paperback, a hardcover, an audiobook, even an app, game or if you’re extremely lucky—a movie.

When you pen the last word of your book, you have done more than merely finish a book.

In this chapter, let's investigate why becoming a prolific writer is significant, the prevailing myths that surround prolific writers, and the expectations readers hold for such authors.

Why Writing More Books Can Lead to More Success

The idea that producing more books can create greater success isn't unfounded—it's a concept firmly rooted in the workings of the publishing world. The foremost reason is that an extensive catalogue of books creates a broader platform to captivate readers and generate income.

Think of it as a funnel effect. Each book serves as a unique portal into your literary universe. When a reader immerses themselves in one of your books and finds it engaging, they are naturally drawn to explore your other works. This is where the interconnection of your books becomes crucial.

To achieve this, it is important to employ strategies such as ensuring your books are correctly categorized in relevant series. A reader who relishes one book by a particular author is likely to actively seek out and purchase their other works, thus fostering a dedicated fan base and subsequently, heightened book sales.

The secondary advantage of owning a large collection of books is the increased visibility it offers within the publishing sphere.

Literary agents, publishers, and editors tend to pay closer attention to authors who have a proven track record of producing high-quality work. This often translates to more publishing offers, higher advances, and robust marketing support.

Within the self-publishing domain, this visibility may lead to opportunities such as participating in collaborative promotions with other authors or faster acceptance into esteemed programs like BookBub or Kindle Daily Deals. While there are no guarantees, the benefits that come with a comprehensive catalogue often exceed our anticipations, expanding in ways we might not foresee.

Finally, the journey towards becoming a prolific writer also contributes to personal development.

Writing frequently offers a platform to refine your skills and perfect your craft. The act of writing is a learning process—the more you indulge in it, the deeper your understanding of the intricate craft becomes, and the better your writing evolves.

This reminds us of the timeless saying, Practice makes perfect. The consistent practice of writing often leads to improved quality, garnering critical acclaim and presenting more opportunities to reach a diverse and extensive audience. As a result, you, as an author, will see your success soar in the literary world.

Common Misconceptions About Prolific Writers

There are several common misconceptions about prolific writers that can make some people skeptical of their work. One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that prolific writers sacrifice quality for quantity. There is a misconception that fast writers are scam artists willing to compromise the integrity of their stories for financial gain. However, this assumption is far from the truth.

Many prolific writers maintain a high level of quality while producing a large volume of work, and there are several reasons behind their ability to do so.

One reason is that prolific writers often write in series. By working on series-connected stories, writers become intimately familiar with established characters, story premises, and any magical systems they have created. Writing within a series feels like visiting old friends, as writers already know their personalities, quirks, and motivations. This familiarity allows writers to naturally write at a faster pace while still maintaining the quality and depth of their storytelling.

My favorite series, Seven Sisters has several spin offs and I often cross the main characters with characters from other series.

Another common misconception is that prolific writers are solely motivated by money.

Detractors may claim that these writers are willing to do anything for a quick paycheck and are notorious for leaving readers hanging with cliffhangers or incomplete stories.

However, the truth is quite different. Most prolific writers are deeply passionate about their craft and strive to produce the best work possible. While making a living as a writer requires a certain level of commercial success, the primary driving force behind their prolific output is their genuine love for storytelling.

Financial success is merely a byproduct of dedication and passion for the craft of writing.

It is important to note that these misconceptions are often perpetuated by fellow writers or critics rather than the readers themselves. Prolific writers who have established a strong connection with their fans receive continuous support and feedback from their dedicated readership. I know this because this has been my personal experience.

The opinions and accusations from detractors do not hold weight when compared to the genuine appreciation and engagement they receive from their loyal fan base.

It is essential to understand and appreciate the immense dedication and skill that prolific writers bring to their work, rather than succumbing to misguided misconceptions. If you want to join our ranks, you’ll have to take on this dedication and work on your skill set daily, weekly, and continually.

Now, let’s talk about readers.

What Readers Expect from Prolific Writers

Readers expect a lot from prolific writers. Believe me. They can’t understand why they must wait six months for the next book. At least mine don’t. So, I don’t make them wait. I write for my fans. I write stories I love but also stories that fans will hopefully love.

First and foremost, I find fans expect consistency. Skipping around genres may not be the best strategy for someone who wants to create a catalog of successful books. (Believe me. I’ve made that mistake. Genre jumping did not pay off for me at all.)

Readers want to know