5 Important Questions to Ask Before You Submit Your Manuscript
I’m super excited to be sharing this particular article with you today, and I hope I’m able to answer some of the questions you have about rather you should go the traditional route or the self-publishing route with your book.
When you have completely finished writing your first manuscript (that means 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th drafts), and have edited it to your own satisfaction, what is your next step?
You can either go the traditional route and start writing query letters to literary agents who may help you get a contract with a traditional publishing company.
Or you could…
In today’s world, writers are artists, their business owners, their marketers, their social media influencers…
The truth is, finishing a manuscript is only the first step in the long process of becoming a successful author. However, it doesn’t end there.
Now, don’t misunderstand me when I say that, finishing a manuscript is indeed a huge accomplishment, and one you should take the time to celebrate about. In fact, view it as your first successful step in becoming a professional writer and author.
Nevertheless, books written as a hobby almost always die a quiet death with no one to attend the funeral. …
10. As Writers We Don’t Choose to Write, We Have to Write!
As I sit here at my writing desk reflecting on my writing journey I find it hard to believe that I’ve been writing professionally now for nearly two decades. Generally speaking, it’s actually been longer than that because the writing bug bit me as far back as I can remember.
Essentially, I began my writing journey writing poetry in middle school and high school. Many of my English teachers back then always complemented me on my writing, and on my ability to express my feelings and organize my thoughts through the written word.
I’ll admit, when I first started writing…
“There are no limitations except the ones we create in our own minds.” — Napoleon Hill
I get it. Everybody is strapped for time. Even more now than ever before. Between the normal hassles of life and the shiny distraction syndrome of the Internet, for writers, it oftentimes feels impossible to get anything productive accomplished.
Moreover, trying to block out time for marketing never feels urgent, especially when your mind is focused on writing out that next scene in your up and coming novel.
Nevertheless, it is extremely important if you want to grow a writing business that really changes your life and circumstance.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey wrote…
What You Need to Know Before You Launch Your First Book
What lies behind the incredible success of some of the most highly recognized independent authors? You know, the people like J.A. Konrath and Amanda Hocking who we read about in blogs.
The answer is marketing.
That is, communicating the right message about their books to the right audience, through the right media, and over the right period of time.
Sure, these authors have a lot of other things going for them, but you can’t discount all the time and effort they put into spreading the word about their books, growing their brands, and converting readers into loyal fans.
First and…
I’m going to write a novel this year and have it completed by the 1st of April — or not!
Sometimes, as a writer, it’s difficult to think about large, overarching goals when you’re working on a project or planning to start on something new.
For example, thinking, “I’m going to write a novel this year and have it completed by the 1st of April,” while an ambitious target, for sure — it may not be exactly reachable.
Instead, start with a plan and break your target down into reasonable bite size chunks. And consider writing the sections of your fiction book (or non-fiction book) that you find more interesting than others first.
Challenge yourself, but make your goals and…
Success is attracted to the commitment you have for what you love. The more committed you are, the more successful you’ll be.
This article may contradict everything that you’ve read from bloggers, writers, and authors on this platform thus far. I’m talking about the articles that are all about how to make money writing — and more importantly, how to make money writing on Medium.
In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that I read an article on this very platform that talked about how everything that we write, how we should be getting paid for it. That if we are not focused on making money with our writing, then what exactly are we doing?
And even though I do believe that…
Remember: There’s more work to do after the writing.
Being a writer and author is hands-down, one of my greatest passions in life. And as a ghostwriter and writing coach, I firmly believe that writing a book and getting it published, and even sold, is a truly satisfying experience, and a dream worth pursuing.
However, it’s not for everyone.
You see, in my experience, I have come to find that many start writing a book for all the wrong reasons. And the usual result is disappointment and frustration. …
Being a writer or author is all about sharing your knowledge and expertise, but no one says you have to always do it for free.
In the business world having multiples streams of income coming from one source of work is often referred to as double-dipping (or triple, or even quadruple dipping). Self-published authors, especially those who write nonfiction books, have similar opportunities after their books have been published.
Yes, the best thing you could be doing is going to work on your next book, but in the meantime, why not take advantage of the knowledge you’ve gained when researching and producing your current work?
The fact of the matter is this: Self-publishing allows you to have complete control over what you do with your…
Remember J.K. Rolling’s original “Harry Potter” pitch was rejected at least 12 times before she set out to self-publish …
Writing and publishing a book is certainly a great feat and not one to be taken lightly. It is one that takes time, barrels and barrels of mental energy, and an unwavering commitment.
Nevertheless, not everyone who writes a book will get the coveted publishing deal that all writers, at some point, crave— which can lead to very disheartening feelings. Even feelings of giving up and not believing in yourself.
I mean, just think of all the hard work and time spent writing, formatting, and designing your book. …
