You put together and then ripped apart so many outlines. Poured your blood, sweat, and tears into countless drafts. Went over and over every sentence, trying to find any stray typos. Maybe you went the traditional route with an agent and a publishing house, or maybe you’re an indie writer who invested in editors, designers, and marketing help. 

And after all that work, your shining moment finally came. Your debut book sailed out in the world and into the hands of readers! Surely now you’ve made it, and all that’s left to do is enjoy a long and glittering literary career. 

Or not. 

Sometimes—maybe even most of the time—debut novels do not become bestsellers. Most writers know that on an intellectual level, but it still stings to see your debut fizzle. 

Put away your bank statements and stop obsessing over reviews. The only way to recover from lackluster sales is to keep looking ahead. 

It Isn’t You

It’s worth repeating: the majority of debut books are not bestsellers. If you made any money at all, you can count yourself lucky. And before you start listing authors who you think were making bank from day one, ask yourself: Did that first book sell well at the time? Or did that writer become famous later on, and then fans went to their backlist? 

Reading a whole book takes a while, so most casual readers are reluctant to read through something they aren’t sure they’ll like. It takes time and, usually, more than one book to build up a reputation and get readers who will recommend you via word of mouth. The fact that you didn’t have a fan base right out of the gate isn’t your fault. It doesn’t mean that your book was terrible or that you’re a terrible writer either. 

So don’t take this initial disappointment as a bad omen for your future. It’s perfectly normal, expected, and just the first step on a longer journey. 

This is the Beginning, Not the End

You’ve gotten that first book out into the world. That’s step one. Step two? Get going on your next one. 

Don’t worry—it’ll be a while before you’re back in the trenches doing the kinds of rewrites and revisions you just finished on your debut. Right now your time is best spent kicking around ideas, writing a few short scenes, and playing around with character sketches. Look for an idea that excites you, one that makes you look forward to going through the arduous publication process all over again. 

It’s OK if you want to take a break after your first book before getting deep into the next, but exploring new ideas will keep you thinking about your future as a writer. And if there was any part of publishing your first book that was disappointing, you want to really make sure that you don’t wallow in the past. 

Don’t Overcorrect

Now that you’ve published your first book, you probably have a million ideas about how to make the process smoother the second time around. You know for sure that your drafts come out faster if you’re working off an outline, or maybe you loved the editor you hired and you already know you want to work with them again.  

Maybe you did get a few critical reviews that are stuck in your head—everyone does! But you’ve taken constructive criticism to heart, and you want to do a better job the next time around. Your next book will have more realistic dialogue and sharper action scenes, and you’re excited about demonstrating your commitment to developing your craft.

That’s all very important. But it is possible to overcorrect. 

For example, if you’re a fantasy writer and your debut didn’t perform well, that’s not a sign that “no one is reading fantasy anymore.” And being receptive to criticism does not mean taking everything anyone on the internet says about your writing to heart. 

Remember that reader reviews aren’t meant for the author—they’re meant for other readers. You’re simply not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. The hard truth is that if you’re going to be a writer, sending your work out into the public, then you just have to learn to be OK with not everyone liking your work. 

Have some trusted people whose criticism you take seriously, but don’t go trying to please everyone with your next book. 

Be Proud of Yourself

There’s nothing like having a dream come true to make you feel like you picked the wrong dream. It doesn’t feel as magical as you thought it would, it hasn’t solved all your problems, and you’re still the same person you were before you got your wish. 

The most important thing to remember is that there is no achievement or outward accomplishment that can ever make you feel truly worthwhile. That kind of self-worth comes from within, not from a five-star review or a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. 

But don’t let yourself forget: You did achieve your dream! You did something that so many people only aspire to do. Not only did you write a whole book, but you published it. You’re an author, and lackluster sales can’t take that away from you. 

Throw yourself a party, take a trip, do something to commemorate your achievement. You deserve to feel proud! 

Chelsea Ennen is a writer living in Brooklyn with her husband and her dog. When not writing or reading, she is a fiber and textile artist who sews, knits, crochets, weaves, and spins.