Advice for New Authors: What I Wish I’d Known

The road to getting published can be a bumpy ride. You have your novel or short story finished, but what now? What should you be aware of when looking to get published? As someone who’s been through it all, I’m here to share some valuable advice for new authors that I wish I’d known when I was starting. I will give you the lowdown on what I’ve learned so you have a better chance at hitting the ground running with your writing career. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and dive in!

New Authors Face Unexpected Challenges

The publishing industry, while a business, can feel like a race through an apocalyptic landscape. There are many different options and paths, with prizes and pitfalls. Do you go the traditional publishing route and try to get an agent? Do you try self-publishing and hope to make it big on your own? Then there are all the little details you never thought about, like what can I expect from a publishing contract or how much am I responsible for with marketing? It’s enough to make your head spin. But don’t worry. It might take some trial and error, but you can figure it out with a little determination. Plus, I’m here to give you a heads up on some areas I had to learn the hard way, so you won’t have to.

10 of the Best Pieces of Advice for New Authors

Advice for New Authors #1: Research the Publishing Industry

The publishing industry can be both intimidating and confusing. Here’s a quick rundown of the basics, but don’t forget to take the time to do your research.

Now, there are a few different ways to get your book out to your readers. You can go the traditional route, sending your manuscript to a literary agent and hoping they can sell it to a publisher. Also, you could send your manuscript directly to a publisher and hope it makes its way out of the slush pile. Or you can self-publish, which gives you more control over the process but also means you have to handle all the aspects of publishing yourself. Plus, you can choose from many different ways and providers when you self-publish. Then there’s hybrid publishing, which is like a mix of the two. It can be challenging to wrap your head around but don’t worry. There are pros and cons to each method. Take time to figure out which one works best for you.

Also, remember the publishing industry is constantly changing. So staying on top of the latest trends and innovations would be best. With the speed at which technology is advancing, trend research is essential.

Advice for New Authors #2: Prepare for Rejection

I won’t spend much time on this one simply because I’ve written entire posts on handling rejection. It’s going to happen. You need to be prepared. It’s a kick to the ego and can trigger writer’s block if you let it. Don’t let it. For more help with rejection, read my post “Dear Author: How to Survive Your First Rejection.”

Advice for New Authors #3: Understand Copyright Laws

As new authors, it’s essential to understand copyright laws. You must keep your writing safe and avoid infringing on other writers’ works. Copyright gives the creator the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their work. You must know the basics, such as how ideas alone aren’t copyrighted, but the way you express them is. In addition, you should understand what “fair use” is all about. Also, check to see who’s responsible for registering your copyright. Many publishers would rather do it themselves, while the self-publishing industry can go either way. Be sure you understand so that you’re in a solid legal position in case of any problems. Knowing about copyright issues keeps your work protected and helps everyone play nice in the writing world.

Advice for New Authors #4: Read all Contracts Carefully

Truthfully, contracts scared me at first. I was lucky enough to have an attorney in the family to help me understand all the ins and outs. Even then, I made a few contract decisions I wish I hadn’t. As a new author, thoroughly read all contracts to protect your interests and avoid unfavorable terms. Contracts are legally binding agreements that outline the rights and responsibilities of each party. A solid understanding of what a publisher is asking for is essential. Carefully review clauses related to royalties, copyright, termination rights, and any exclusivity requirements. If you don’t understand specific terms, get professional advice from a literary agent or an attorney. Being meticulous in reviewing contracts ensures that you maintain control over your work and helps create a good relationship with your publishers.

Advice for New Authors #5: Keep Good, Organized Records

Begin how you intend to continue. Keep your records neat when you’re starting in the writing biz. Having good records can be extremely important later. Get a system to track manuscripts, drafts, edits, and feedback from your beta readers. Don’t forget about the business sides, like queries, contracts, royalty statements, and any expenses related to your writing. Having everything organized makes it way easier to find stuff when you need it, and trust me, it’ll save you a bunch of headaches down the line. You don’t know what you’ll need easy access to when you start. Plus, being on top of your records shows you’re taking your writing career seriously, which can only be good!

Advice for New Authors #6: Your Time and Money are Necessary

Publishing has changed a lot since I first started. One of the biggest changes is how much falls onto the author beyond just writing a stellar book. Your time and money have become more critical when you’re diving into the world of writing. Be ready to invest some serious hours into you promoting your work. There’s a ton of behind-the-scenes stuff that you’ll be responsible for. Sometimes you’ll need to put some of your hard-earned cash into editing services, cover design, and marketing. In addition, social media activity will eat into your writing time. But don’t sweat it – investing in all aspects of your writing career is a smart move. Just remember, finding balance is vital. Don’t let the marketing responsibilities take over. Give yourself the time and resources to create incredible stories, and you’ll see it pay off in the long run.

Advice for New Authors #7: Have a Marketing Plan

Speaking of marketing, you need a plan. A solid marketing plan is essential when stepping into the writing world. You might’ve written the next bestseller, but what’s the point if nobody knows about it? So, take time and brainstorm ways to create buzz around your book. Social media, book tours, and email newsletters are just a few ways to connect with your audience. Don’t forget to network with other authors, bloggers, and book lovers – they’ll be your biggest cheerleaders. Keep in mind, though, that every book and author is unique. You need to find what works for you and go with it. Promoting your work is as vital as writing it, so ensure your marketing game is on point!

Advice for New Authors #8: Build a Platform

This is an area that I’m still struggling with, even counting this site. But a platform has become an essential part of a successful writing career. Think of your platform as your online home, where you can show off your work, connect with readers, and create a community that loves what you do. Start by setting up an attractive website or blog, and make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your unique style. Then, dive into social media – pick a few platforms and post regular updates to engage with your followers. Finally, as I’ve said, don’t forget to network when creating a marketing plan. Building a solid platform takes time and effort, but seeing your fanbase grow is worth it.

Advice for New Authors #9: Prepare to Become an Orphan

No, I don’t mean literally. Becoming an orphan in the publishing industry is when your publisher folds. The shift to digital and the growth of mega digital publishers (like the smiley-faced one) has caused the demise of many a publisher. Since 2003, I’ve been orphaned three times. Have backup plans. Read your contracts very carefully. You might get the rights back to your books. You might not. I got back the rights to my books from two companies because I learned my lesson the hard way with the first publisher that closed. I still have a full-length novel that’s never seen the light of day since that first company went under. Since they went bankrupt, my book was considered an asset and not my property.

So, prepare for the moment you could become an orphan.

Advice for New Authors #10: Keep Writing!

Here’s my last piece of advice: keep writing! The more you write, the better you’ll get at it. I can’t tell you how often I’ve let rough patches stop or slow me down. Don’t let that happen to you. Don’t give up. Write through the tough times and celebrate the good ones. Experiment with different genres, styles, and formats to find what gets your imagination flowing. Remember, every great writer starts as a newbie, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow writers, friends, and family who’ll cheer you on. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pen, hit the keyboard, and keep writing!

Final Thoughts on Advice for New Authors

Alright, fledgling authors, that’s a wrap on what I wished I’d known when I started the publication path. But always remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. So take what works for you and run with it. Keep learning, growing, and pushing your limits – that’s how you’ll level up your writing game. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, and never lose sight of why you started writing in the first place. So, go forth, be bold, and make your mark in the literary world. I can’t wait to see your fantastic stories!