Things I Wish I Had Known
Now that I've had a few years behind me, I wish someone had explained some of the mysteries of publishing rather than learning them the hard way. It might have saved me some time. It definitely would've saved my hair from turning gray prematurely.
Here's my top ten list of things I wish I had known sooner.
1. Your first draft is always crap. Chances are good so is your second and third.
2. Never swallow whole any glowing critiques. Unless you are one of those rare prodigies, people are most likely being kind rather than truthful.
3. Try to find a totally unbiased reader to critique your manuscript BEFORE you query. I could have saved myself a lot of time and embarrassment had I known this universal truth.
4. Always let a third party who's not read your manuscript review your query so that it makes sense to a total stranger.
5. READ. I did not read enough in the beginning. And more importantly, I did not read widely enough among other genres. I am making up for it every chance I get.
6. Blog earlier. Blogging isn't for everyone, but had I known I had a talent for it, I would've done it sooner. If Facebook or Twitter is your poison of choice, it's never too soon to start using them, even if you don't have a book out yet.
7. Share information. Everyone has something to offer. Everyone. It could be your personal experience, your expertise, or your connections. Don't be shy.
8. It's not a competition. We all succeed at different rates.
9. Don't write what you think people want to read. Write what they've never dreamed of.
10. The day you stop enjoying what you're doing is the day you need to do something else. Writing isn't everything. Life is.
Are there any universal truths you wish someone had told you before you started writing?
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Today is the last day of the Follower Contest. I'll announce the winner on my regular blogging day, Friday.
Even if you didn't enter the contest, I hope you added yourself to the follower list anyway and will stop in from time to time. I'd love to talk with you!
Even if you didn't enter the contest, I hope you added yourself to the follower list anyway and will stop in from time to time. I'd love to talk with you!
Comments
And write what you love, not what is popular now (unless they happen to be the same thing) - what's hot now may not be in a year or so.
That's all I can think of! Great post! :)
I can't really add anything. I'm still busy learning.
:-)
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Cate: Ref: I am whatever writer I need to be to serve the story.
I love this. And so true. For branding purposes, the experts say we have to micro-focus what we write, but yanno, sometimes what we write is bigger than a tag.
That's excellent advice. I find most people (including me) get tired and just want to put it out there. Bad idea. Do it right the first time and you'll have less disappointment.
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Sue: Ref: marketing
Today's author has to market. There is no getting around that. I've met people who have given up writing because they refuse to market. Sad.
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Misha: None of us ever stop learning. As it should be. :)
You said a mouthful. Much as it would be nice for someone to tell me these things, the best teacher is experiencing them first hand. Thanks, Joanne.
I agree with the marketing. It can be as important as getting a contract. If we don't market, how will readers know we are here?
Thanks for sharing, Maria.
I also really like Kim's advice. I don't think enough people follow that one.
Kaye: Publishing sure has changed in the past five years. Marketing is more important than ever before.
Sarah: Absolutely! Too many people go at this with half measures. This is one of those times when you have to give it your all.
I guess one more of mine would be, before you query, do research about the industry. Then do more research. Then more. If I had, I never would have queried prematurely.
I know it hurts. But I'd rather someone give me some pointers than empty praise. I can't cash rah-rahs.
We're only hurting ourselves when we don't do the research.
Universal truth: Children don't mind eating cereal for dinner two nights in a row if Mom promises pizza for night #3 : )
Do they get Christmas candy for dessert?
I guess I shouldn't talk. I once gave my husband a bag of Skittles for dinner.
Great post, Maria. I definitely wish I'd known these things earlier.
PS: I forgot about the follower contest! *Off to apply*
When I'm too pooped to pop and Hubby isn't home, we sometimes have "Scrounge Night". Cereal is the favored fare. It doesn't usually happen two nights in a row, but now and again... : )
Christmas candy for dessert? Of course not! That's breakfast ; )
That's my natural setting too. :o) I have to make myself blog and comment. I'm always afraid no one will respond or worse--dismiss me as unimportant.
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Angelina: Oh, gosh. Don't say that. I don't know nuttin. :) I share what I learn along the way, but that doesn't mean it's right or wrong. It just happens to be my experience. But I'm glad it's been useful to you.
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Marianne: I was going to say you need the right kind of CPs, but even the bad ones have been useful. They remind me how to be a better critique partner.
Write what you know, research what you don't know.
#11: There is a whole online writer community out there. Who knew? Don't hesitate to jump in with your arms wide open.
Meghan: From the school of hard knocks. :)