Why Most Writers Should Stop Chasing a Bigger Audience (For Now)
You want to be read.
You want your stories to reach people—lots of them. Maybe even the world.
That’s the dream, right?
Global readers. Viral posts. Book signings with a line out the door.
You want people to feel what you’ve created so clearly, they can’t help but share it.
I get it. I do.
But here’s the part no one tells you:
You don’t reach the world by chasing the world.
You reach it by knowing exactly what you’re offering—and owning it.
If you’re still in the early stages—still figuring things out—chasing a wide audience too soon can actually hurt your growth.
Here’s why you don’t need a wider audience yet:
1. Your beginnings aren’t meant for the whole world.
Unless you’re already a celebrity, it’s likely just you and your bestie appreciating your work. And that’s okay.
You’re probably not polished yet. Stings? Maybe. Still true. No one starts perfect.
Beginnings are supposed to be messy. Do you really want a massive audience spotting your typos and clunky pacing? Thought so.
Starting out is about discovering your style, your voice, your strengths and flaws, your spirals and sparks.
Your bestie is enough. And if you don’t have a bestie, you are enough.
All of that exploration? That’s not for the world to see.
You’re still building confidence. And confidence grows best in safe spaces.
You likely haven’t even found your core message yet—and if you don’t know what your story stands for, how can anyone else rally behind it?
You’re not hiding.
You’re incubating.
2. That follower count? Doesn’t mean what you think it does.
“But I already have 1,000 followers!” you might say.
Okay—but how many of them actually read your work?
How many rave about your characters?
How many share your posts because they believe in what you’ve written?
If the answer’s “barely anyone,” then babe, that number doesn’t mean much.
A number means nothing if it doesn’t translate to real connection.
Followers are easy. Loyal readers? That’s the rare currency.
3. Preparation is underrated—and it shows.
Yes, “Just do it,” says Nike. And honestly? I live by that.
But do it prepared.
If you want a wide audience, you and your story need to be ready for that kind of attention.
Your story has to stand on its own—not just as a “cool idea,” but as something well-executed, emotionally precise, and unforgettable.
You can go viral. But can you stay relevant? That’s where the work is.
Don’t just “put it out there.”
Put something out that’s worth remembering.
4. Ask yourself: who are you really writing for?
Are you writing for them, or are you writing for you?
Are you writing your truths, or are you writing what you think will sell?
If all you want is a quick buck, then sure—do what everyone else is doing. Grab the trends and go.
But if you want your name to last, not just your book to trend, then you’ve got to stay rooted in something real.
A lot of powerful stories were written in silence, in obscurity, with no audience in sight.
Honest writing isn’t always flashy—but it’s the kind people remember.
Not the ones that pander.
The ones that pierce.
If you’re not obsessed with your own work, why should anyone else be?
The ones who take the time to build a strong foundation are the ones who last longest.
5. A bigger audience only multiplies the pressure.
Everyone wants to be seen—until they are.
The moment visibility comes, so do the opinions.
Some will love you. Some won’t get you.
Some will tear you down just because you dared to speak.
If you’re not deeply rooted in your own voice, the noise will crush you.
You need a strong sense of self before you open the doors to a crowd.
Not just to protect your work—but to protect yourself.
Visibility without stability?
Fastest way to burn out.
6. Without roots, reach crumbles.
The obsession with reach often distracts from refinement.
If you chase an audience before you’ve mastered the work, you water it down.
Your first ten readers can teach you more than 10,000 silent ones ever will.
You can market an average book and get attention.
But only a great one earns loyalty.
Master the work first.
Then expand.
So don’t worry about going global just yet.
Focus on making something real. Something that resonates—even if only ten people read it right now.
The wider audience?
They’ll come when they see the value in your work.
And if your story is strong enough—and you’re visible enough—they will find a way in.
Until then…
Get clear.
Get honest.
Stay rooted in your voice first.
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