Unless an author is only content in knowing they've had a book published, one goal is to sell as many copies as they can. What new author wouldn't want to become as popular as their favorite writers? What independent author hasn't dreamed of becoming the next James Patterson, Stephen King, or well-known author within their chosen genre? If not thinking about the names within the ranks of big time authors, it can always be a dream to have one's name and book title appear on the New York Times bestseller list.
     But is having the next million copy bestseller a realistic goal? Can it really happen to an independent author who doesn't have the resources and marketing savvy of a large publishing house backing them? The answer to both of these questions is yes.
     Unfortunately, making it to the top of the best seller list is rare for an independent author. This has nothing to do with the quality of the writing, the genre of the novel, or the author's name not being well-known throughout the publishing industry. More often than not, the thing preventing the upward movement does have to do with cold, hard cash. Most independent authors have to work within a limited budget and so are limited in the scope of advertising. Less advertising means fewer people ever find the book. If people can't find the book, they can't buy it and if they can't buy it, the numbers are never going to be high enough to hit the list.
     Don't give up on the big dream just yet. Even if you can't afford the advertising, the people who read the book can be the best marketers. If they really enjoy the book, they'll tell their friends, who tell their friends, and so forth. It could take years, but the number of readers can grow to the point of a bestseller.
     Start with the goal of getting onto the "hot seller" lists at the online bookstores. Many people browse these lists and might buy a book for no other reason than it's popular enough to be listed. The longer the book stays on the list, the greater the chances are people will buy the book because it's easy to find. As people read the book, the chain of people who suggest the book to their friends grows longer.
     Am I only trying to pump up your confidence by saying an independent author can have a bestselling book? No. I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. One example comes to mind. The Shack was written by Wm. Paul Young. It has been on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold over three million copies. If you look at the book, there is a publishing company listed; however, that name isn't well-known because it's a name created for that book. Mr. Young is an independent author who has hit the big time and his book is widely read by Christians around the world.
     Keep your dream alive. While dreaming, get out there and let people know about your book. You have to be your own marketing team if you ever want your dream to come true.