How many books are published each year?

The numbers vary, but some estimates put that number at roughly one million.

First-time authors don’t realize how crowded it is out there, a point that Nick Morgan makes on Forbes in relation to his review of Guy Kawasaki’s book APE: How to Publish a Book, co-written with Shawn Welch. Morgan opines:

Guy’s naturally optimistic about creating a platform, because he has an incredibly strong one that he’s developed over a number of years and a number of successful ventures. But if you’re starting from scratch, it’s a different story. Sure, celebrities and CEOs have a huge leg up, but I’m talking about most of us.

I know a thing or two about platforms, and I wholeheartedly concur. Yes, it’s possible for anyone to build one. However, APE suggests that it’s easy when nothing could be further from the truth. Just because it can be done doesn’t mean that it’s easy, much less remotely likely.

Put differently, working hard doesn’t guarantee anything.

The idea that hard work itself creates virtue is problematic enough w/out the obliviousness to luck & privilege that goes w those statements

— Katie Mack (@AstroKatie) March 20, 2016

Brass Tacks

Anyone who promises results (subsidy press, PR firm, agent, etc.) is just blowing smoke.

For every Amanda Hocking, there are thousands (if not more) of obscure authors who don’t even come close to covering their production costs. There’s no shortcut. Do it right and hope for the best.

Anyone who promises results (subsidy press, PR firm, agent, etc.) is just blowing smoke.