The Secret to Growth? Reverse Engineering

Updated:

|

TL;DR: success leaves clues. Study what’s working for other authors at your stage, break it down, and adapt it to your own approach. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

A lot of people assume success comes from raw talent or lucky breaks. But the truth is, there’s a smarter path: reverse engineering what already works and applying it to your own journey.

That’s the core idea Ron Friedman explores in his book Decoding Greatness. Instead of waiting for inspiration, break down successful examples, figure out why they work, and use those insights to fuel your growth.

This approach is just as powerful for authors as it is for athletes, entrepreneurs, or artists. The most successful indie authors aren’t only writing great books, they’re paying attention. They notice what keeps readers engaged, which emails spark excitement, and how top authors in their niche build connection.

What this looks like in practice

Ask yourself:

• Have I studied author websites that keep readers clicking through?
• Have I looked at how book launch emails build buzz step by step?
• Have I paid attention to how certain authors use social media to spark conversations, not just post promotions?

If the answer is no, you’re missing out on one of the fastest ways to learn. Because you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you just need to see how it’s turning.

How to start reverse engineering

• Choose three authors in your genre.
• Study their websites. What’s front and center? How do they guide readers to the next step?
• Subscribe to their emails. Notice the subject lines, the pacing, and the way they invite readers in.
• Follow their socials. Which posts get responses? How do they keep engagement alive?

An important caveat

Compare yourself to the right authors. The strategies of someone with 20 books and two decades of publishing experience won’t be the same ones that serve a debut author. Look for people who are a step or two ahead of where you are; not so far beyond that their approach isn’t relevant.

And don’t just study what’s working. Pay attention to what isn’t. If you see an author’s posts falling flat, or a website that leaves you confused, that’s just as valuable a clue. Ask yourself how you’d do it differently.

Your next move

Pick one author in your genre and study them today. Not with envy or comparison, but with curiosity. Take notes. Break it down. Ask: what’s here that I could adapt to my own platform?

That’s how growth happens… one small, intentional adjustment at a time.