How did Oliver Goldsmith become a successful writer?

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Oliver Goldsmith Oliver Goldsmith, oil painting from the studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1770; in the National Portrait Gallery, London

Oliver Goldsmith’s rapid rise from obscurity to literary prominence was primarily driven by his unique gift for a graceful, lively, and readable writing style, which distinguished him from other contemporary hack writers.1

After arriving in London penniless in 1756, Goldsmith worked in various roles, including as an apothecary’s assistant and a reviewer, before his talent was recognized by booksellers and the public. His success was built upon several key factors:1

Distinctive Style: His writing was characterized as natural, simple, and affecting, marked by a blend of irony, gaiety, and sadness that humanized his work.1
Versatility: He excelled across multiple genres, establishing himself as an essayist with The Citizen of the World, a poet with The Traveller and The Deserted Village, a novelist with The Vicar of Wakefield, and a successful dramatist with She Stoops to Conquer.1
Intellectual Connections: He gained the support of influential figures such as Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke, eventually becoming a founder-member of The Club.1