Learn how to become an author, with or without a degree, plus tips on indie publishing, BitLife, Goodreads, and writing your first book.

 How to Become an Author

So, you’ve decided you want to write a book. Cool. Whether you're mapping out your first novel, plotting a memoir, or just feeling fancy typing “Author” on your LinkedIn, this guide is for you.

Because while “how to become an author” might feel like chasing a shooting star, it's not magic. It's strategy. Grit. A bit of impostor syndrome. And surprise, a lot of writing.

Here’s the deal. We’re going to break it down in bite-sized, punchy sections. You’ll walk out knowing:

• How to become an author of a book the actual steps.
• How to become an author without a degree if diplomas aren’t your vibe.
• How long does it take to become an author and why waiting for inspiration sucks.
• How to become an indie author for when you hate waiting on gatekeepers.
• How to become an author on Goodreads because social proof is real.
• And even how to become an author in BitLife because yes, even games prime us for authorhood.

How to Become an Author of a Book 

So you want to write that book? Great. First thing: start writing.

Seriously, that’s step one. Don’t overthink character bios or chapter outlines. Open a blank page. Type a sentence. Keep typing. You can’t become an author of a book without the book.

The Writing Habit

1. Discipline beats inspiration even if inspiration is bae.
2. Aim for daily word minimums: 300 words, 500 words, whatever you can manage.
3. Try time blocks: 30 minutes of focused writing.
4. Track word count. It'll shock you how quickly numbers add up.

The Draft

1. First drafts are messy. They're dumpster fires. They're glorious because they're something and you can refine garbage.
2. Write the entire draft before fixing typos.
3. Expect chaos. Accept it.
4. Celebrate completion. You just took a massive step.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Author

“How long does it take to become an author?” is the question you’ll ask yourself at 3 a.m. after combo of caffeine and confusion. There’s no universal answer. But here’s the typical timeline:

1. Drafting a novel: 3–12 months
2. Revising: another 3–6 months
3. Editing and polishing: 1–3 months
4. Traditional publishing (optional): 1–2+ years
5. Self-publishing (your call): a few weeks to DIY

So yeah, if someone told you they wrote and published a book in six weeks, they were either superhuman, lying, or doing a novella.

If you’re wondering, “how long does it take to become an author?” 

Answer: Enough time to get a mortgage, or watch four seasons of compilation regardless.

How to Become an Author Without a Degree

Listen. You don’t need an MFA. You don’t need formal training. Will classes help? Sure.

Do you need them to publish a book? Absolutely not. You can become an author without a degree by simply:

1. Reading widely—immersion is school.
2. Writing a lot—brute practice beats fancy credentials.
3. Joining communities—critique groups are free classrooms.

Want proof? Justin Boote wrote 160 stories, published dozens, with zero formal training. So, yes. You absolutely can become an author without a degree.

How to Become an Indie Author

Indie authors don’t wait for publishers. They publish on their terms. Platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Kobo, and IngramSpark exist for self-publication. Indie means:

1. You write the book.
2. You hire editors and cover designers.
3. You format the manuscript.
4. You upload and set prices.
5. You market it yourself.
6. No gatekeepers. No middlemen eating your royalties.

John Locke self-published and sold a million eBooks on Amazon. That’s indie author power.

How to Become an Author on Goodreads

You wrote it. You published it. Now what? Goodreads. Readers flock there. Reviews matter. And it’s basically Amazon’s book social network.

Ready to become an author on Goodreads? Here’s how:

1. Create your Goodreads profile. Make it author-facing.
2. Claim your books via Goodreads Author Program.
3. Add author bio, photo, and link to Amazon.
4. Post status updates: what you're reading, working on.
5. Interact with fans: answer questions, thank reviewers.
6. Host a Giveaway: free copies to boost visibility.
7. Join Groups and discussions: readers love insider authorship.
8. Your presence on Goodreads cements your identity as an author, and signals credibility.

How to Become an Author in BitLife

This one's just fun, but surprisingly reflective:

In BitLife (the mobile life simulator), you can choose “Author” as a career path.

1. Write books in-game.
2. Build reputation.
3. Win awards.

Why mention it? Because even simulated writing encourages real habits:

1. Generate ideas.
2. Practice storytelling.
3. Deal with rejections (in-game).

If you’re playing BitLife and thinking, “That’s me,” you’re closer than you think.

Polishing and Editing

Your draft is done. Now fix it.

1. Hire a developmental editor if you can, someone to flag plot holes, pacing issues.
2. Then get a copyeditor or proofreader. Or trade with a reliable beta reader, someone who reads and gives honest feedback.
3. Self-edit with tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid. Then set it aside before final polish.

How to Become an Author of a Book: Publishing Paths

Two main roads:

• Traditional publishing

1. Get a literary agent.
2. Pitch publishers
3. Navigate contracts.
4. Wait for years.
5. But prestige and distribution can be huge.

• Self-publishing (indie)

1. DIY.
2. Total control.
3. Faster route to publication.
4. Requires self-marketing.
5. Royalties can be 70%.

Tracy Chevalier might have waited years; Amanda Hocking sold millions of indie eBooks fast. No path is wrong. Choose your own adventure.

Marketing Yourself

Now you have a book. You need eyes on it.

1. Build an author platform: blog, newsletter, social.
2. Use Goodreads (see above).
3. Do guest posts or interviews.
4. Host giveaways or book signings.
5. Use Facebook Ads or Amazon Ads if budgets allow.
6. Encourage reviews—they matter (even fake ones suck).
7. Marketing isn’t optional. 

Mindset and Persistence

1. You're a writer. Act like one.
2. Write consistently.
3. Embrace feedback.
4. Handle rejection without existential crises.
5. Surround yourself with supportive writer peeps and join communities.
6. Writing a book and becoming an author takes ego discipline and passion stamina.

Checklist: How to Become an Author

Step Action

1 Write daily; complete first draft

2 Revise and edit until the manuscript sings

3 Choose a path: indie or traditional

4 Build platform (website, Goodreads, newsletter)

5 Hire editors/designers OR find agent

6 Publish (KDP or publisher deal)

7 Market with purpose

8 Engage with readers & collect reviews

9 Keep writing