Why Unrealistic Expectations Can Sabotage Your Author Career

by Penny Sansevieri | Jul 3, 2025 | Being in Business as an Author, Podcast for Authors

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Are you a debut author expecting instant fame and bestseller success? You’re not alone—but those expectations could be the very thing holding you back. In this grounded and practical episode, publishing veterans Penny and Amy share why reframing success is essential to surviving and thriving as a new writer.

The Danger of Debut Author Expectations

Many debut authors launch their first book with a dream of rapid success:

Hitting major bestseller lists
Earning financial freedom
Attracting agents and media coverage overnight

But when those milestones don’t materialize, discouragement quickly follows. For some, this discouragement becomes so intense that it leads to bitterness, burnout, and even abandoning writing altogether.

Penny and Amy have seen it happen time and time again: promising debut authors crushed by unmet expectations.

Reframe Your First Book: It’s a Starting Line, Not a Finish Line

Rather than seeing your debut book as the culmination of your writing journey, this episode encourages authors to view it as the foundation of a long and sustainable career.

Your Debut Book Can Be a Launch Pad For:

Growing an engaged email list of loyal readers
Building an author brand that reflects your style, voice, and values
Starting meaningful connections with readers, bloggers, and influencers

These building blocks matter far more than a one-time sales spike. For debut authors especially, this long-term strategy leads to stability, confidence, and growth over time.

Debut Author Myth: Overnight Success

We’ve all heard stories of breakout debut novels that became runaway bestsellers. But those stories are the exception, not the rule.

The truth? Most successful authors spend years writing and releasing books before reaching wider recognition. Penny reflects on her own journey with 25 books—each one offering lessons that strengthened her next effort.

If you’re a debut author and can name five things you’ll do differently with your next book, that’s a victory. That’s real success.

Choose Your Hard: Growth vs. Discouragement

Let’s face it—publishing is hard. But so is giving up. In this episode, Penny and Amy explore the concept of “choosing your hard”:

Yes, writing and promoting a book is difficult. But it builds skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the publishing landscape.
Quitting is also hard. But it leads to frustration, regret, and the loss of something you once loved.

For debut authors, the key is embracing the challenge that leads somewhere valuable.

Sustainable Metrics Matter More Than Flashy Wins

What really defines a successful debut? Not viral fame, but momentum. Penny and Amy recommend focusing on measurable, sustainable progress, such as:

A growing email list with solid open rates
Reader reviews that indicate emotional connection
Book club or library interest
Small but steady increases in sales over time

These are the signs of a debut author building a foundation, not chasing a lightning strike.

Final Thoughts: The Debut Author Mindset Shift

Whether you’re putting the final touches on your manuscript or reflecting on a book launch that didn’t meet expectations, this episode offers a new lens for success: