115. Co-Writing a Book: My Journey to Becoming an Amazon Bestselling Author
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I've never typed "how to become an Amazon bestselling author" into a search bar, and yet somehow that's a milestone I reached in June of 2026. How did it happen exactly? Well, it's a bit of a story...
For years, becoming an author lived on my vision board as one of those big, shiny, someday dreams. The kind of dream that feels exciting until you think about the practical details: What would I write? Who would publish it? How would I find the time? Would anyone actually want to read it? And, honestly, who was I to put my words in a book?
Then the opportunity came up, and I said yes to co-authoring Success Redefined. Suddenly that “someday” dream became a real deadline on my calendar. I went from being a business owner, marketing strategist, content creator, mom of 5 (almost 7), and person with approximately 800 things on my mind at all times… to being a published author and an Amazon number-one bestselling author in the Women in Business and Entrepreneurship category.
That sentence still feels wild to write.
This is not a magic formula for how to become an Amazon bestselling author overnight. It is my honest, messy, exciting, emotional experience of contributing one chapter to a collaborative book—and what I learned along the way. If writing a book has been quietly calling your name, I hope this helps you take that little nudge seriously.
If we haven't met yet, hi! I'm Brittany: an online marketing strategist, business owner, mom, book lover, mystery buff, home reno enthusiast and someone who has never exactly fit neatly into the traditional version of success.
That is why this particular book felt so aligned for me. Success Redefined is a collaborative project built around the idea that success does not have to mean following one prescribed path. It does not have to mean school, career, nine-to-five work, retirement, and then finally allowing yourself to exhale.
For many women, entrepreneurs, parents, and people trying to build a life that actually fits, that version of success simply does not work anymore. Or maybe it never did.
There are eleven contributors in Success Redefined, including lead author and publisher Amanda Wilson Chiochi. Each of us wrote a chapter about the moment we realized the conventional definition of success was no longer for us—and what we chose to do next.
My chapter shares part of my personal story, my business journey, and the decisions that helped me become more confident in doing life my way. There are business elements in there, because my business is absolutely part of my definition of success. But it is also deeply personal.
For me, learning how to become an Amazon bestselling author ended up being less about chasing a title and more about being willing to tell the truth about what I wanted. So here's the whole story.
Table of Contents
How My Amazon Bestseller Journey Started
In early summer of 2025, Amanda Wilson-Ciocci, founder of The Monarch & Co. (if you follow me on social you've probably seen me talking about doing Monday work sprints, masterminds and more inside her community Monarch Momentum) put out a call for authors interested in contributing to a co-authored book. The project would be published through The Monarch and Co. Publishing, (which she also owns) and the theme was Success Redefined.
The truth is, I knew I wanted to be an author before this opportunity came along. I just did not think it was something I could realistically do in that particular season of life.
Sitting down to write an entire solo book sounded enormous. I was running a business, raising a family, moving through a busy life season after purchasing a new house and starting major renovations, and trying to keep all the regular things functioning. The thought of producing 200 pages felt less like a dream and more like an impossible task.
But then I learned that I would only be responsible for one chapter.
That changed everything.
My thought process was basically: if I can write a blog post, I can write a chapter. And that is an important lesson for anyone wondering how to become an Amazon bestselling author: your first book does not have to look like the biggest possible version of the dream.
A co-authored book can be an incredible entry point. You still do the meaningful work of writing, reflecting, revising, and sharing your perspective. But you are not carrying every single component of a full book alone. You have a shared theme, a publishing timeline, other contributors, editorial guidance, and a collective launch.
I also said yes because I had experienced something I now see differently: jealousy.
When Amanda released her previous collaborative book, One Decision Away (which is also an Amazon bestseller), I felt jealous that I had not been part of it. For a long time, I thought jealousy was just an uncomfortable emotion that meant I was being a bad person. Now I see it as information.
Sometimes jealousy points to an unmet desire. It reveals something you want but have not yet admitted to yourself.
In my case, that feeling was saying, “You want to write. You want to be part of something meaningful. You want to be an author.” So when the next opportunity appeared, I did not overthink it for too long. I said yes.
There was an application process, which was both exciting and mildly terrifying. Saying you want to write a book is one thing. Applying to be selected as an author is another thing entirely. Filling out an application is easy, addressing all the imposter syndrome that popped up during the application process was a lot harder.
Even though I knew I wanted to be a published author, I still had a lot of negative voice in my head telling me I couldn't do it. In the end, I figured, the worst case scenario was that I wasn't selected to contribute to the book. While that might wound my ego for a while, I've been told no before and lived so eventually, I hit submit and waited.
The Writing Process With Monarch & Co. Publishing
One of the biggest reasons I felt comfortable saying yes was the support built into the process. As a first-time author, I was nervous. I knew how to write content, but writing a personal book chapter with emotional depth and a clear transformation was a different kind of project.
By the end of summer, I knew I had been accepted. I was thrilled, amazed and also terrified all a the same time! I was still dealing with imposter syndrome "who am I to write a book?" and "I'm not old enough to be a published author" rolled around in my brain daily. But I made a commitment to I showed up to the month author calls and all the story writing workshops and practised being a good student again, learning as much as I could to make it the best chapter I could possibly write.
The writing process included training on story arcs: the structure that helps move a reader through an experience in a way that feels coherent, emotionally engaging, and purposeful. Rather than simply listing events from my life, I learned how to shape a chapter around a meaningful journey.
That support mattered so much.
I learned that a strong chapter is not just about having an interesting story. It is about helping someone understand why the story matters. It is about creating a beginning that pulls people in, a middle that builds context and tension, and an ending that lands with clarity.
When people ask me how to become an Amazon bestselling author, I would never tell them that they need to know everything before they start. I certainly did not. I needed guidance, feedback, and a framework.
From the fall through December, I worked on my chapter. Then we all moved into the editing phase. I share more about this in the full episode of the Go Get Great podcast here:
Editing A Book is So Much Different Than Writing It
The editing process was also far less scary than I expected. After I submitted my draft, editors offered suggestions on what to move, what to shorten, and where I could add stronger examples or more detail. They helped me identify a more emotionally compelling opening and trim down areas where I had packed in too much background information.
I was so relieved to get my chapter edits back and have them be minimal. The imposter syndrome was still in full force and I was worried they would read it and kick me off the book, or tell me I have to start over (which some authors did, although, I think it was for very different reasons).
I learned that good editing does not mean someone is telling you that your writing is bad. It means someone is helping your message become clearer, stronger, and more useful.
If you are self-publishing, professional editing is still something I would strongly encourage. Amazon’s own Kindle Direct Publishing guidance outlines practical publishing requirements, but the quality of your finished manuscript still matters. A great editor can help make sure the book in your head becomes a book that makes sense on the page.
If I were to ever write a book again I would hire an editor because I know myself, and there's no way I could be objective enough about the words and stories on the page to actually edit well. The editing team at Monarch & Co. Publishing were absolutely fantastic and I would highly recommend you check out their publishing house if you feel the same way about editing, or feel nervous brining your story to life.
Summary of the Chapter Writing Process with Timelines
Here's a birds eye view of the publishing process from start to finish:
Spring 2025 - applied to be an author in the co-authored book Success Redefined, being published with Monarch & Co. Publishing
July 2025 - was accepted to be an author in the book (yay!) and began story writing workshops
Fall 2025 - attended monthly calls to connect with the other authors and share writing tips, support and story inspiration
December 2025 - I wrote my chapter (I procrastinated a bit due to the arrival of our 5th child Orion in the fall) and submitted it for review
January 2026 - The editing process began and I waited to receive feedback from the editing team
February 2026 - I received my chapter edits and began making changes to my chapter
March 2026 - All authors had submitted their final chapter and we moved into the launch phase
May 2026 - we got to see the digital draft version of the book's cover and our chapter layouts for the first time to approve before they were sent to print. It truly felt surreal!
June 2026 - It was book launch month! We are all working to market the book and prepare for the book launch party.
That timeline is worth mentioning because I think people often imagine that becoming an Amazon bestselling author, or just an author in general, starts and ends with writing. It does not. Writing is a major part of the journey, obviously, but publishing includes many moving pieces:
Choosing a topic and determining your core message.
Creating a realistic writing timeline.
Learning how to structure a compelling story.
Receiving edits and making revisions.
Preparing promotional materials.
Planning a launch strategy.
Continuing to talk about the book after launch day.
I had worked with authors before in my marketing business. I understood sales pages, email sequences, promotional content, and launch strategy. Yet doing all of those things for myself felt completely different. It turns out I can give excellent marketing advice and still have to remind myself to take it. If you're self publishing and looking for support with marketing your book, I have a package specifically for authors. Book a clarity call here to learn more.
If you are interested in the book itself, you can explore Success Redefined and its available bonuses. The companion resources include a reflection workbook, a book-club discussion guide, and additional support for thinking through what success looks like in your own life.
My Biggest Surprises Becoming An Author
There were lots of surprising moments becoming an author, both internally just going through the process, but also externally as well. Like the biggest surprise was that Success Redefined hit Amazon number-one bestseller status on launch day—before we even made it to the stage for our panel discussion and book celebration.
It was one of those moments where I had to pause and think, “Wait. What? That actually happened?”. It was proof everyone's marketing efforts paid off and it was incredible to celebrate the milestone all together!
Of course, the phrase “Amazon bestseller” can sound mysterious. Rankings are based on sales activity within specific categories and time periods, which is why category selection and coordinated launch efforts matter. Still, seeing our book earn that title was an incredible moment for all of us.
Another surprise? Writing was easier than I expected.
That does not mean it was effortless. There were hard parts, big emotions, procrastination, and plenty of internal noise. But once I pushed through the mental barriers, I genuinely loved writing. I caught the writer’s bug in the best possible way.
That is why I think the question of how to become an Amazon bestselling author is sometimes the wrong first question. A better first question might be: “What do I need to say?”
The title is exciting. The launch is exciting. Seeing your name in print is very exciting. But the part that changed me most was giving myself permission to tell a story I had been carrying for a long time.
I was also surprised by the support from my community. Sharing something personal is vulnerable. I was nervous about putting my chapter and my thoughts out into the world. But the encouragement, kind messages, book purchases, comments, and celebrations reminded me that people often want to cheer us on more than our inner critic allows us to believe.
The Hardest Part About Writing A Chapter In A Co-Authored Book
For me, the hardest part was not actually writing the chapter.
The hardest part was convincing myself that I was allowed to write it.
I was still relatively young. My business was not even five years old. I was navigating home renovations, motherhood, pregnancy, business growth, and all of the regular chaos that comes with a full life. I kept asking myself: Who am I to write about redefining success?
That question slowed me down more than anything else.
I attended the trainings. I showed up to the meetings. I learned the framework. But I procrastinated on sitting down to actually write because I needed time to work through the mental roadblocks.
Eventually, I realized something important: I did not need to have every answer in life to share what I had learned so far. I did not need to be at the end of my journey to talk honestly about the decisions that had brought me where I was.
That mindset shift is a huge part of my writing process. You do not need to wait until you are older, more successful, more polished, more certain, or more impressive. You need a perspective, a story, a message, and a willingness to do the work.
One thing that really helped, was knowing that Amanda choose me to be part of the book, she believed I had a story to tell about redefining success and I was determined to figure out what is was and how to articulate it.
After that, the other hard part was the word count. Our chapters had to stay under approximately 3,000 words. That might sound like a lot until you are trying to explain an entire life experience, the decisions that shaped you, and the meaning behind it all.
I am not naturally concise. I can talk. I can write. I can absolutely wander onto a tangent. So I had to learn to ask myself:
What is the central point of this chapter?
Which details truly support that point?
What is interesting but not necessary?
Where am I overexplaining because I am afraid people will not understand?
What emotional moment best illustrates the transformation?
Being concise is not about making a story less meaningful. It is about making room for the most meaningful parts to shine and thankfully the trainings really helped me to understand this and implement it in my writing.
The Emotional Side of Becoming A Published Author
I had the full rainbow of emotions while writing. I've already talked a lot about the imposter syndrome I faced through most of the writing process but there were also nerves. There were tears. There was excitement.
There were moments of sadness and moments of joy. There was fear about putting something personal out into the world. And there was pride when I saw my chapter begin to take shape.
Writing can bring things back to the surface, even when you believe you have already processed them. One of the most helpful principles I learned was to write from the scar, not the wound.
In other words, write from a place where there has been healing and reflection. Do not force yourself to publicly process something that is still open, raw, and actively hurting. You can share the lesson without sacrificing your emotional safety.
That does not mean it will feel emotionless. It will not. But it gives you enough distance to tell the story with clarity instead of getting swallowed by it.
If you are researching how to become an Amazon bestselling author, I want you to know that the emotional side of writing is just as real as the practical side. You may uncover insecurity. You may realize you care more than you expected. You may feel proud and terrified at the exact same time.
All of that can be part of the process.
For me, writing helped me see how far I had come. It was an opportunity to look back at choices that once felt uncertain and recognize that they had shaped a life I am proud to be building.
Would I Handle Anything Differently?
Yes. Absolutely.
I would bring people along on my writing journey much earlier.
I kept the project fairly quiet while I was writing because I was nervous. My inner critic was loud, and part of me wanted to wait until the book was fully finished, edited, approved, printed, and safely real before I talked about it.
But if I could go back, I would share more of the journey as it happened.
I would document the writing days, the Energize-fueled brainstorms, the messy first draft, the lessons from story-arc training, the edits, the excitement, and the behind-the-scenes realities. Not because every moment needs to become content, but because letting people be part of the process builds connection.
From a marketing perspective, I would also create a waitlist much earlier. This is especially funny because I am a marketing strategist. I know the value of warming up an audience before a launch. I know that people need repeated reminders. I know that someone can follow you for months and still miss a major announcement (like being pregnant with twins. I still have people finding out and they're basically here now).
But knowing how to become an Amazon bestselling author from a marketing standpoint and actually marketing your own book while living your real life are two different things.
If I were planning a future launch, I would prioritize:
Creating a waitlist before the book is released.
Sharing consistent behind-the-scenes updates.
Explaining who the book is for and what transformation it supports.
Preparing bonus resources before launch day.
Creating emails, social posts, and website content in advance.
Planning post-launch promotion instead of assuming the excitement ends after release week.
I would also give myself more time. The book launch was followed by a difficult stretch of illness during pregnancy, which made it harder to show up in the way I had planned. Life has a habit of happening right alongside our goals.
That does not mean the launch was a failure. It just means I am learning that good marketing is not a one-day event. Books can—and should—be shared continuously. Which is something I actively struggle with, I achieve a goal and instantly want to move on to the next. Having the book now is challenging me to continue to market and create content for something I've 'already achieved', and will hopefully create skills and habits that apply to my business products & services as well.
How Being an Author Has Changed Things For Me
Becoming an author changed the way I see myself.
There is something powerful about being able to say, “I am a published author.” There is something equally surreal about adding “Amazon number-one bestselling author” to my bio. It has given me a new level of confidence and validation—not because I needed a title to be worthy, but because I followed through on something that once felt far away.
It also changed my business in a very practical way.
Before the book, my business was primarily service-based and online. I offered marketing support, strategy, social media help, email marketing, podcasting, and content services. Now I have a physical product. I can sell books directly, offer signed copies, create bonuses, package resources, and think about shipping.
That opens up new opportunities, but it also comes with new responsibilities. I now have to consider inventory, ordering, packaging, shipping rates, customer experience, and ongoing promotion.
Become an Amazon bestselling author taught me that publishing can become more than a credibility-building exercise. A book can become a real part of your business ecosystem.
For many entrepreneurs, a book can serve as:
A tangible introduction to their ideas and expertise.
A lower-cost way for new people to connect with their work.
A credibility builder for speaking, coaching, consulting, or services.
A meaningful resource for existing clients and community members.
A foundation for workshops, podcasts, courses, or reflection tools.
I did not start this journey because I thought writing a book was the next logical business move. I started because it was something I personally wanted to do. But I have been pleasantly surprised by how it has strengthened my identity as both a creator and a business owner.
It has also reminded me that I need to keep marketing things longer than I think I do. Just because I have posted about something several times does not mean everyone has seen it. Repetition is not annoying when it helps the right person find the thing they need.
One Piece of Advice for Book Writing
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone dreaming about becooming a published author, it would be this:
Just start.
Do not wait until you have a perfect concept, a polished outline, a fully written manuscript, a publishing deal, a professional headshot, or an answer to every single question.
Start with the idea that will not leave you alone.
Start with a messy document.
Start with voice notes.
Start by writing down the story you tell your friends all the time.
Start by listing the lessons you have learned.
Start by asking yourself what you wish someone had told you five years ago.
You can figure out the next steps after you begin.
For anyone focused on how to become an Amazon bestselling author, I would also say not to overcomplicate the size of the project. A book does not have to be a massive, intimidating, 200-page masterpiece created in isolation. It can be a concise, useful guide. It can be a collaborative book. It can be a memoir. It can be a business resource. It can be a children’s story.
You can even begin by talking. Record yourself explaining your idea, transcribe the recording, and then shape those words into a draft. If speaking comes more naturally to you than writing, use that as an advantage.
And if you can find support, use it. A publisher, editor, writing coach, or structured collaborative project can make the process feel far more manageable.
I genuinely appreciated working through a publishing process that included training, editing, accountability, and a clear timeline. The guidance made a huge difference for me as a first-time author.
People Keep Asking Me: Would You Write Again?
Heck yes. One hundred percent.
I do not know exactly what the next book will be. It could be another co-authored project. It could be a solo book. It could be something business-focused, something personal, or something completely different.
I have ideas for all of it.
I also have a children’s book idea sitting in a document in my Google Drive. It has been there for a while because children’s books come with their own exciting complication: illustrations. Figuring out the creative and publishing side of that project feels like a whole new adventure, one I'm not sure I'm ready to take on logistically and financially.
Still, I know I am not done writing.
Becoming an author showed me that I am someone who loves creating with words. I am a writer, a talker, a storyteller, and a person with lots of ideas. I may not know what comes next, but I am excited to find out.
And that is part of how to become an Amazon bestselling author, too. You do not have to map every future book before you publish your first chapter. You just have to be open to discovering what the first yes makes possible.
Wrapping Up How to Become An Amazon Bestselling Author
My journey to becoming an Amazon bestselling author was not perfectly planned. I did not have every piece of the marketing strategy ready in advance (even though I know I should have) . I did not feel qualified every day. I did not always know what I was doing.
But I said yes to an opportunity that aligned with something I had wanted for a long time. I learned. I wrote. I accepted feedback. I hit my deadlines. I let myself be nervous. And eventually, I held a physical book with my name inside it.
If you are wondering how to become an Amazon bestselling author, remember that there is no single path. You might self-publish, find a traditional publisher, work with a hybrid publisher, or contribute to a collaborative book. You might write one chapter first. You might start with a children’s book, a guide, a memoir, or a collection of stories.
The most important step is not having it all figured out. The most important step is allowing yourself to begin.
Your inner critic may have plenty to say. Let it talk if it needs to. Then open the document anyway.
Write the messy first sentence. Follow the idea that makes you a little nervous. Let jealousy show you what you want. Build success in a way that feels like yours.
And if you are ready to explore how to become an author, I hope you choose the version of the journey that makes you say, “Okay. I can do that.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing A Book or Becoming a Co-Author
Is co-authoring a book a good way to become an Amazon bestselling author?
For me, it was an amazing first step. A collaborative book made the process feel more manageable because I was responsible for one chapter rather than an entire manuscript. It also came with a shared theme, guidance, editing support, accountability, and a coordinated launch.
Do I need to have a complete manuscript before approaching a publisher?
No. You can begin with an idea, a message, an outline, or a general direction. It helps to know whether you want to write something business-related, personal, educational, or memoir-based, but you do not need to have the whole book finished before asking for support. I highly recommend working with Monarch & Co. Publishing! They can help you go from idea to published author.
What was the hardest part of learning how to become an Amazon bestselling author?
The hardest part was overcoming my own self-doubt. The writing itself became much easier once I stopped questioning whether I was “qualified” enough to share my experience and focused on telling the story honestly.
How long does it take to write a co-authored book chapter?
My writing period ran from the fall through December, followed by editing, revising, and launch preparation. The exact timeline depends on the project, word count, publisher, and how much time you can realistically devote to writing.
Should I market my book before it launches?
Yes. If I could change one thing, I would talk about the project earlier, document more of the writing journey, and build a waitlist before launch. A book needs ongoing promotion before, during, and after release—not just one announcement post.
Will I write another book?
Absolutely. I have ideas for collaborative projects, solo books, and even a children’s book. I do not know which one will happen first, but becoming an author made it very clear to me that writing is something I want to keep doing.
If you would like to follow along with my business, writing, motherhood, and real-life adventures, you can connect with me on Instagram or explore more resources through Brittany Miller Socials.
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