The short answer
To become an author, finish and publish a book. That's the definitional threshold. Everything before that (writing daily, learning craft, revising, editing) is the work that makes it possible. Traditional and indie paths both count. The word "author" means "has published a book," not "writes books."
"Author" is one of the few writing identities with a specific definitional threshold: you become one when you publish a book. Below is the working guide to actually getting to that threshold, whether through traditional publishing or self publishing, and what the identity actually means once you reach it.
The definition matters
"Writer" is anyone who writes. "Author" is specifically someone whose written work has been published, historically a book. Some people use the terms interchangeably; the traditional distinction is that authorship implies a finished published work. The path to becoming an author is therefore concrete: finish and publish a book.
Step one: write the book
This step takes longer than any other and is where most aspiring authors stop. First novels typically take 1 to 3 years. First nonfiction books, 6 to 18 months. First memoirs, 1 to 2 years. Nothing about publishing can happen until the manuscript exists. Most people who want to become authors never finish the first book, which is the entire barrier.
Step two: revise the book
A first draft is not a publishable book. Published books typically go through 3 to 7 full revision passes. Some involve professional editors (developmental, line, proofreading). Some involve trusted beta readers. Some involve setting the draft aside for months and returning with fresh eyes. Skipping this step is why some published books read like first drafts. Do not be that author.
Step three: choose the publishing path
Traditional publishing: query literary agents, agent submits to publishers, publisher produces the book. Timeline: often 2 to 5 years from finished manuscript to book on shelf. Self publishing: format the manuscript, design the cover, distribute through Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other retailers. Timeline: 3 to 6 months from finished manuscript to live book. Both make you an author.
Step four: publish the book
Traditional: sign contract, work with editor on final revisions, book goes through production and enters distribution. Self: upload formatted manuscript and cover to distribution platforms, book goes live within days. Either way, the specific moment your book becomes available for readers to buy is the moment you technically become an author.
The difference between writer and author is not talent or skill. It is completion. Writers who become authors are writers who finish and publish. Writers who stay writers (without the author identity) usually stop somewhere in the manuscript stage.
What being an author actually means
Practical reality: one published book does not usually change your life. It does not automatically produce income, agents, media, or fans. What it changes is your identity (you are now an author) and your capacity (you have proven you can finish a book, which unlocks the possibility of finishing more). Most careers as authors are built across many books over many years.
How authors actually make money
Traditional publishing: advance against royalties. Small publisher advances range from a few thousand to twenty thousand dollars typically. Big publisher advances can be much higher, mostly for celebrity or already-successful authors. Self publishing: 30 to 70 percent royalty per sale. Consistent income usually requires either a large backlist (many books) or a smaller number of strong sellers.
How authors build a career
Consistent publishing (a book every 1 to 3 years for most professional careers). Building direct audience through newsletter, social presence, and community. Repeat readers who buy every book. Word of mouth that compounds across books. Adjacent income streams (speaking, teaching, editing, guest writing). Very few authors sustain a career on one book; almost all careers span many.
Common becoming-an-author mistakes
Trying to figure out publishing before the book is written. Publishing an unedited first draft to reach the author identity faster. Chasing traditional publishing prestige when indie publishing better fits the specific book. Chasing indie flexibility when traditional publishing better fits (literary fiction, some nonfiction). Assuming one published book will produce meaningful income by itself.
Should you self publish or traditionally publish
Traditional fits: literary fiction, some journalistic nonfiction, celebrity or credentialed nonfiction, books where prestige or bookstore placement matters. Self publishing fits: genre fiction (romance, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy), niche nonfiction, memoirs without famous authors, and authors who want speed and control. Neither is objectively better. Match the path to the specific book and specific goals.
How long becoming an author takes
Writing the book: 1 to 3 years for first books. Revising to publishable: 6 months to 2 years. Traditional publishing pipeline: 2 to 4 years. Self publishing production: 3 to 6 months. Total from first word to published author: often 3 to 8 years for first books. Faster paths exist but usually skip revision quality.
Where authors build the reader base every author eventually needs
Every author eventually needs direct connection to readers who buy each book at launch. On community based platforms, where reach is earned through voted, deliberate audience backing rather than opaque feed decisions, authors build the specific readership that carries books forward long term. Cracy is built for this shape.
Read next: how to become a writer, how to write a book and get it published, and how to write a novel.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How do you become an author?
- Finish and publish a book. That's the definitional threshold. Write the book (takes 1 to 3 years for first books), revise until publishable, choose between traditional and self publishing, and publish. The moment your book becomes available for readers to buy is the moment you technically become an author.
- What's the difference between a writer and an author?
- 'Writer' is anyone who writes. 'Author' specifically means someone whose written work has been published, historically a book. Some people use the terms interchangeably; the traditional distinction is that authorship implies a finished published work.
- How do authors make money?
- Traditional publishing pays advance against royalties (small publisher advances a few thousand to twenty thousand dollars typically; big publisher advances can be much higher). Self publishing pays 30 to 70 percent royalty per sale. Consistent income usually requires either a large backlist or a smaller number of strong sellers.
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