Immediate — Do Right Now
- Honestly assess why your book isn't selling — use the diagnosis framework from p.128
- Is it discoverability, market mismatch, quality, or no marketing foundation? Be honest.
- Research current market conditions in your genre
- Is it a saturated category? Changed algorithm? Seasonal slump? External cause or internal?
- Identify the single biggest obstacle to your publishing success right now — not the list, the one
- Create a problem-solving action plan with specific steps, not aspirations
This Week
- Test one specific solution to your biggest publishing challenge — just one
- Get feedback from other authors in your genre — join a community, ask specific questions
- Research what authors in similar situations have done — case studies, forum posts, interviews
- Adjust your strategy based on market feedback — not based on what you wish were true
This Month
- Implement systematic improvements to your publishing approach — one at a time, with tracking
- Track which changes actually improve your results — not which feel good to do
- Build relationships with 3–5 other authors at your stage for ongoing peer support and accountability
- Plan your next book with lessons learned from this one — applied, not just noted