The Real Work After Publishing: Why Becoming an Amazon Bestseller Is a Shared Responsibility

When an author decides to publish their book through a professional publishing service like Ana Silvia Lara Publishing LLC, the process includes all the technical and editorial steps: formatting, uploading, distribution, and ensuring the book is live on platforms such as Amazon, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, and international retailers.

At this stage, the publishing package is completed. The book is available to the public, and royalties flow directly to the author’s account from Amazon or IngramSpark. From a legal and contractual perspective, the publisher’s responsibility is fulfilled once the book is live and the author has received the links and instructions to access their reports.

The Myth of Automatic Bestseller Status

Many first-time authors believe that simply publishing their book guarantees becoming a bestseller on Amazon. However, the reality — both legally and practically — is different:

• Publishing is the foundation, not the finish line. Once the book is published, the author has in their hands a professional product that is ready for the market.

• Bestseller status requires visibility. Amazon’s ranking is driven by real-time sales. If no marketing strategy is followed, the book may remain undiscovered by potential readers.

• Shared responsibility: While the publisher provides the tools and platform access, it is ultimately the author’s responsibility to invest in marketing, promotion, and visibility strategies if they wish to achieve bestseller status.

What Authors Must Do After Publication

From a legal and professional standpoint, once the book is uploaded and distributed, the editorial contract is complete. From there, the author’s work truly begins:

1. Marketing investment: Amazon ads, social media campaigns, or collaborations with influencers.

2. Content creation: Videos, reels, live events, podcasts, or blog posts about the book.

3. Active promotion: Book signings, speaking events, interviews, and consistent social media presence.

4. Strategy follow-through: Applying the editorial plan and recommendations provided during the publishing process.

Without this follow-up, even the most beautifully published book will struggle to reach readers.

The Legal Perspective: Why Results Depend on the Author

It’s important to highlight this distinction from a legal perspective:

• The publisher’s contractual duty ends once the book is properly uploaded, approved, and distributed.

• Royalties are 100% net to the author, deposited directly by Amazon and IngramSpark. The publisher does not retain royalties or control over sales accounts.

• Bestseller status is not guaranteed by law or contract; it is a marketing outcome achieved through strategic promotion and the author’s continuous efforts.

This protects both sides: the author receives proof of services delivered, and the publisher avoids false expectations of automatic commercial success.

Conclusion

Publishing your book is a milestone worth celebrating — but it is only the beginning. The editorial process ensures your work is professional, accessible, and globally available. From there, the responsibility shifts: if your dream is to become an Amazon Bestseller, it requires consistency, investment, and active promotion.

At Ana Silvia Lara Publishing LLC, we are proud to accompany authors in the publishing phase and to provide guidance and strategies toward bestseller success. Yet, the true journey begins after publication, in the author’s commitment to bring their book to the world.