Greetings, everyone! It’s been a while since I have updated, and I apologize for that.
Today, I have prepared some tips for beginning writers on what to expect when you first debut your precious creations to the world. It’s not easy exposing your works to the world, so here are some honest tips that will help you become a known author in no time!
1.) No One Cares
This seems harsh right off that bat, but it’s true. When you first put your book on the market, a mass audience is unlikely to flock over to it. Getting fans and people to follow your work takes longer than emerging writers may realize. You may be in love with your characters, plot line, descriptions, everything about your novel. You may think it’s better than the most popular books of its genre. It will be like a child to you. But to your audience, they won’t think anything of it at all until you make them. Being an author is more than just writing. It takes dedication to emerging readers and constant marketing. This brings me to point two.
2.) Marketing is Hard
I really should have started promoting my book before it came out. When the final edits were being added to Her Prince of Dreams, I was still swallowed by worry that my book wouldn’t be getting published. Things were going wrong, especially before publication. Because of this, I never really marketed. Why?
I was worried I would let everyone down.
What if I hype up my novel, but it doesn’t work out in the end? What if I am forced to give up?
These thoughts clouded my optimism every day. They kept me from creating a marketing plan before publishing Her Prince of Dreams.
When you are writing a book and intend on publishing it, promote it. Develop a marketing plan far in advance! You can start a following, even if it’s small.
3.) You’re Going to Get Haters
Though I have gotten compliments on my book, I have also received comments that weren’t the best to hear. I’ve had all kinds of different reactions from my novel: some people have read the entire book and said they loved it. Others revealed to me that it didn’t match their beliefs and that they found it inappropriate.
4.) You are Going to Get Rejected
This is more for those who intend to traditionally publish, rather than self publish. I have never experienced anything having to do with traditional publishing (though, that is my next step), but I have been to conferences that have taught me the basics of it. Most writers don’t succeed on landing their book pitch to an agent the first time. All human beings are subjective, and therefore all publishers and agents are going to prefer different genres and writing styles. Never go in the first time expecting a publisher to love your work.
To summarize this blog post, you can’t be afraid to publish your work, despite the risks. You’re going to get rejected, be fumbled with hate comments, and have people dislike your work. But through that, you will grow as a writer and learn from each experience (I certainly have already). Best of all, you’ll find that there will be fans and other authors that will delight in reading your work.
Never give up on your dreams.
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