I Wrote 2 Books That Are Now Bestsellers — Follow My 5-Step Approach to Do the Same You've done the hard work: You wrote a book! Now, it's time to sell it. Follow these five practices to ensure you get the success you deserve.

For years, I dreamt of writing a book and becoming a "bestseller." Even books I didn't think were that good have sold thousands of copies. So, I figured my books would easily fly off the shelves. Not so.

Getting my book into the hands of engaged, curious readers has been harder than I expected. After having done it twice, here are five things I've learned you must do if you want your book to sell.

1. Solve a problem for a specific person

Recently, I went to an all-day event where numerous authors pitched their book ideas to a group of agents and publishers. I presented an idea for my third book that contained 101 simple secrets for success in both business and life. Repeatedly, I got the same feedback (as did others). Especially with non-fiction books, publishers and agents all want to know the same thing: "What one, singular problem does this book solve for the reader?" Authors who didn't have a clear, concise answer to that question were quickly passed over.

Regarding my third book, I was told that the person reading a leadership or business book isn't the same person reading a relationship or self-help book — I was trying to be too many things to too many people. I've since reworked the concept for my third book. If your book doesn't solve a specific problem and you can't identify your specific niche, demographic or target market, your book is unlikely to sell. Know your intended audience and what problem you're trying to help them solve before you write your book, and always keep them in mind.

Related: All Entrepreneurs Think About Writing a Book — Here's How to Know If You're Ready For Your Own

2. Overprepare for your book's release

Launch day is a big deal. Many authors dream of becoming an Amazon bestseller. For that to occur, a lot of purchase activity must happen in a condensed window. Share the date of your book's release (several times) so folks can mark their calendars in advance. People can only be as excited about your book as you are, so ensure they know it's coming.

Since launch days are busy, draft communications to your mailing lists and have those ready to go before the actual day. Many successful authors enlist entire "launch day teams" to assist with their book releases. Asking a group of your closest friends, family and colleagues to help promote, blast and reshare the book on launch day can be incredibly helpful. With my first book, I even hired an agency to help ensure the book hit bestseller status. They gave me sound advice and tips for how to achieve this.

Most of these recommendations were not things I would've ever known on my own. Finally, get (and share) book reviews from your readers. Testimonials from satisfied customers is an effective way to sell or promote any product, and your book is no exception. The best books I've read have thousands of reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, and that makes a difference.

3. Release your book in different formats

Since publishing, I've been shocked to discover how many ways people consume books. Today, the No. 1 thing people say to me is: "Is the book available on Audible? That's the only way I can make time to read." Until I became an author, I had no idea that so many people listened to their books while driving, exercising or cleaning. I've also been surprised by how many people read on a Kindle or other device. Since I still enjoy sitting down with a bound book and making notes in the margin with a pen, I figured everyone did. That's not the case. If you want your book to reach as many people as possible, release it in a variety of different formats including an e-book, paperback, hardback and audio version. That will help you reach everyone, including busy parents who also work and have limited time to themselves.

4. Sell your book yourself

Before writing my first book, my coach told me (with a hearty laugh), "You'll never get rich selling books!" This surprised me. Until that moment, I thought I might! I've since learned that authors don't make much after the wholesalers or retailers take their cut. Removing the middleman can be a great way to make (a little) extra on your book sales.

Authors are allowed to buy their own books at a steep discount and then resell them. My books are available on my website for the same price (or slightly less) than on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and I always have books on hand. I even keep them in my car for those random times when I get talking to strangers about my book, and they ask if they can buy a copy right then. I've even sold books standing at the bar in hotel lobbies! Many successful authors sell their books at conventions or speaking engagements, too. It might not be much, but making $15 to $20 per book (instead of $2 to $7 per book) can really add up.

Related: 6 Steps for Successfully Writing and Publishing Your First Book as an Entrepreneur

5. Keep the buzz going

Before publishing a book, I figured all the hard work would end as soon as I uploaded it and selected a release date. I was dead wrong. If you want your book to be successful, it's critical that you keep the buzz going for weeks (or even months) after the book's release. Some of the best authors and most influential speakers I know continually make new posts that refer to their books (or their book's content) even though their books came out a few years ago. After publishing both books, I posted several photos of each book's readers in a "Meet the Readers" campaign. Each time I post a photo and story of one of my readers, a few more books sell. I also periodically run deals on my books. Anytime I post a 10% or 15% off code on one of my books, a few more copies sell. I've also learned to ask people what they thought of the book or which part was their favorite. Figuring out how to engage with your readers is important.

Writing and publishing your very own book is hard work, and you probably wouldn't have done it if you didn't want the book to reach people. Considering these five practices is a way to ensure your book gets the success and attention it deserves.

Check out Amy Chambers' book, The 6 H.A.B.I.T.S. of Powerful People, available now. Get 15% off your purchase with Amy's code HABITS15 at checkout.