As writers, we often read about the success of other writers and
wonder, how did she/he do it? We network with other writers, and if
we're lucky enough, they'll be honest about what really worked for them.
In an effort to share the wealth of knowledge, here's a short list of
publishing tips for writers.
1. Dedication
Some rare people might find success overnight (.00000001% perhaps), but the fact is, most of us don't. Prepare to learn, write, listen to readers and reviewers, revise... and then do it all over again. Many, many times. My first novel received more than forty edits; the last four major, full edits were in a brief six-week time frame (during which I worked through many nights). Trust me, you'll look back and shudder at your first attempts. But we must all start somewhere. And I'm not finished yet...
2. Build Your Networks
Without Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media activity, I don't think my work would have stood a chance. Readers have to discover you. Don't be shy, be the first to approach someone. Want more followers? Reach out, say hello. It's like finding friends in first grade.
3. Get Reviewed
I know, it's painful. We all want people to say our first baby is beautiful, but be realistic. Listen to what people say. A lot of people. If you're open to comments, you'll hear threads of truth. Join writer communities, such as the World Literary Cafe or The Independent Author's Network. Make friends; help others and they'll return the favor. Reviews and sales, which comes first? It's like the proverbial chicken and the egg.
4. Take a Chance
I took a deep breath and choose to self-publish first. Was it perfect the first time out of the chute? Heck, no! Even after countless edits and beta readers, I still misspelled "lightning" on page 9. (I blame my beauty industry background for using "lightening" instead.) Sigh. We're always learning, but we have to put it out there at some point. And I sure learned why the book hadn't sold before. Today, ebook publishing is a valid route to gain author status, as well as income from your writing.
5. Be Professional
With everything! Spend the money to produce quality work. Hire excellent cover artists, proof readers, editors. Keep listening and learning. And take "no" graciously. Behind every "no" lurks a "yes" somewhere else.
6. Resources
A wealth of free and low-cost online business tools are available to writers today, and these tools are as close as your computer. Learn to self-publish, promote, build sites, and manage social media. Be open to learning, or hire a student or virtual assistant to help you get started. Check out as many sources for self-publishing as you can.
On Options, Magic, and Bubbly
These are some of the first steps I've taken on my path to publication in nonfiction and historical fiction. There's a long road still ahead. I'll keep learning and sharing publishing tips and tools for writers. But I'm proud of my Indie roots. I'm an entrepreneur. I believe in ideas. I believe in the magic of making things happen.
With or without a book deal, I'll always be a writer.
Bottom line: From self-publishing to traditional publishing, the book publishing world is changing, and writers have more options than ever before. And don't forget to toast to your small successes along your journey.
1. Dedication
Some rare people might find success overnight (.00000001% perhaps), but the fact is, most of us don't. Prepare to learn, write, listen to readers and reviewers, revise... and then do it all over again. Many, many times. My first novel received more than forty edits; the last four major, full edits were in a brief six-week time frame (during which I worked through many nights). Trust me, you'll look back and shudder at your first attempts. But we must all start somewhere. And I'm not finished yet...
2. Build Your Networks
Without Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media activity, I don't think my work would have stood a chance. Readers have to discover you. Don't be shy, be the first to approach someone. Want more followers? Reach out, say hello. It's like finding friends in first grade.
3. Get Reviewed
I know, it's painful. We all want people to say our first baby is beautiful, but be realistic. Listen to what people say. A lot of people. If you're open to comments, you'll hear threads of truth. Join writer communities, such as the World Literary Cafe or The Independent Author's Network. Make friends; help others and they'll return the favor. Reviews and sales, which comes first? It's like the proverbial chicken and the egg.
4. Take a Chance
I took a deep breath and choose to self-publish first. Was it perfect the first time out of the chute? Heck, no! Even after countless edits and beta readers, I still misspelled "lightning" on page 9. (I blame my beauty industry background for using "lightening" instead.) Sigh. We're always learning, but we have to put it out there at some point. And I sure learned why the book hadn't sold before. Today, ebook publishing is a valid route to gain author status, as well as income from your writing.
5. Be Professional
With everything! Spend the money to produce quality work. Hire excellent cover artists, proof readers, editors. Keep listening and learning. And take "no" graciously. Behind every "no" lurks a "yes" somewhere else.
6. Resources
A wealth of free and low-cost online business tools are available to writers today, and these tools are as close as your computer. Learn to self-publish, promote, build sites, and manage social media. Be open to learning, or hire a student or virtual assistant to help you get started. Check out as many sources for self-publishing as you can.
On Options, Magic, and Bubbly
These are some of the first steps I've taken on my path to publication in nonfiction and historical fiction. There's a long road still ahead. I'll keep learning and sharing publishing tips and tools for writers. But I'm proud of my Indie roots. I'm an entrepreneur. I believe in ideas. I believe in the magic of making things happen.
With or without a book deal, I'll always be a writer.
Bottom line: From self-publishing to traditional publishing, the book publishing world is changing, and writers have more options than ever before. And don't forget to toast to your small successes along your journey.
Jan Moran is a St. Martin's Press author and serial
entrepreneur. A Harvard MBA, she advises authors and entrepreneurs. She
writes about books, creativity, and entrepreneurship on her blog at http://www.janmoranwrites.com. To learn about Jan's latest novels, nonfiction books and other projects, visit her website.
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