BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
I think that's right. The one thing I would like to point out, however, is that these days you have to produce quantity as well. This seems to be especially true if you're going to self-publish, and looks like it is becoming more true of traditionally-published authors.
I agree.
Part of it is an economy of scale consideration. If I spend time and effort promoting a single book, my chances for profit are limited to that sole book. With two books, every person that finds the one I'm promoting is a potential customer for the other one. At some point, it becomes worth the time you spend doing promotions.
For some writers, step 1 takes way too long because of endless edits and revisions. If you're starting out putting a book out there every three years, I think the odds are you're going to have problems.
I agree that, once you enter the market, you need to follow with new products relatively quickly. For your first novel, however, you need to make sure you're ready.
My first book is taking a long time because I'm still on the steep part of the learning curve. Every time I think it's "good enough," I discover my ability has transcended where I was when I completed the previous version. I think (hope) that my last leap added the final missing ingredient.
Regardless, I think I'm justified in taking the time to get a first book right. I had to go through that learning process, and I don't think putting out something subpar would have helped me.
I can only hope that future books will go faster since my rate of increase in ability will slow significantly.