As writers, it’s easy to believe that there’s just one “secret” to becoming published. “If I go to xxx conference, then…”, “If I met an editor, then…”, “If I write a book about xxx, then…”

I’ll admit that in thinking about marketing my own books, I’ve spent more than a few hours scouring the internet, looking for some marketing or branding puzzle piece that I might be missing. Even though I know that the answer is, “There’s no secret,” I still can’t help but look — just in case.

But a much less stressful way to be, and probably a more productive one too, is to accept that:

- if you’re working hard
- if you’re evaluating what works and what doesn’t
- if you’re looking at a long-range plan
- if you’re trying to make the best product possible
- if you’re open to feedback from trusted advisors
- if you’re not afraid to fail
- if you have a strong grasp on your personal vision
- if you’re still having fun

Then you’re doing all you can do, and the rest will come with time.