This blog is a reflection on books I’ve read and events I’ve attended.
And while I know I’ve made similar mistakes on my writing journey, when I see new writers go down the same path, I hold my tongue as critique can go one of two ways. It can be welcomed by someone keen to finesse their craft, or it can be treated with contempt.
So it’s easier to write these thoughts in a blog for new writers to reflect on.
1. Don’t do this for vanity.
In recent years I had a stall at a new book event which initially tried to get some big name authors on board. They didn’t succeed, but a lot of indie writers signed up to sell their books, so I was keen to meet more like me in the small end of the author pool.
One guy had a banner with a huge image of his face and the words, ‘Meet an author’ emblazoned above it. This instantly made it look like he was more important than his written works, or any readers he might meet on this day.
By the afternoon, he covered the image and those words, still leaving the banner up as his cover art was featured under the author pic. This was a smart call. This marketing based around himself just looked like a desperate attempt at celebrity.
Like any creative endeavour, you have to put your audience first. Yes, you can dream about writing a best seller, or imagine yourself reading to a captive audience at your book launch, but put the work in first!
Learn your craft by reading, joining writer groups, doing courses etc. No one is an expert from day one, and even if you have talent, it needs to be nurtured. Then, let your work speak for itself.
2. Don’t believe self publishing is your only option.
I say this with caution because many self published authors make much more money than me, especially the Romance writers. On the flip side, there are many small traditional publishers out there who use the ‘print on demand’ method for selling paperbacks, while earning most of their money through e-book sales.
Research these small traditional publishers. Do their books sell well? Look at the Amazon rankings for the books they print, as well as the number of reviews online. Contact one of their authors privately and ask what it’s like to write for that press. Consider their covers. Are they memorable or do they look like so many other covers?
But most importantly, could you write something that fits what they’re asking for? Acquisition editors look for something they can market. If your current work in progress has niche appeal, finish it, put it away, and work on something that could be popular while being original. That other passion project can be your follow up once readers know who you are.
The reason for this advice is that the good small publishers could sell more copies of your book than if you go it alone. If they concentrate on a specific genre, they could save you a lot of marketing angst as they may already have a loyal reader base keen to read what they publish.
3. Don’t pause the plot.
Every scene must advance the plot, or reveal something the reader needs to know.
I’ve read too many indie novels where the plot pauses midway, then endless filler chapters follow until the long awaited resolution is reached. I’ve often skipped these unnecessary scenes.
But I’ve also read a book published by a major press where the first half contained endless scenes reiterating the dysfunctionality of the family at the centre of the story. No new information was revealed about any of the characters, nor did the story progress until the second half. Yawn!
4. Don’t write a boring first chapter.
It’s important to have a hook strong enough to reel the reader in. As first chapters are available to sample through online book stores, don’t diminish the chance for potential readers clicking that checkout button. A sale is a sale.
5. Never submit (or self-publish) a first draft.
Sometimes I’m in the ‘zone’ and the first draft of a scene sees few changes by the time I get to the final draft, but this is rare.
Other times you’ll word vomit, overwriting a scene. This is good. It’s easier to edit stuff out than it is to add stuff to an underwritten scene.
When you aren’t in the zone, even in the slightest, it doesn’t hurt to write your uninspired prose and clichéd sentences because at least your ideas are on the page. You can go back later, wave your magic wand, and turn that pumpkin into art.
I’m lucky because I’m part of a really good writers’ group, so when I have a fresh scene which I know is underwritten, I start by telling my fellow authors I need their input in finding ways to build up the tension and make this a scene the reader can’t put down.
I also find that after I’ve finished with the latest draft of the full manuscript, not reading it again for at least three months helps me clearly see what works, and what still needs to be fixed. It helps even more if you change the font before you review it.
6. Don’t give the characters similar names.
I recently read a novel where I thought there was one toxic male character, until suddenly, there were two. And they were having a punch up. I flicked back and realised there were always two toxic male characters, they just both had boring ordinary names.
Make the names different enough that the reader doesn’t lose track of who’s who.
7. Don’t write your blurb at the last minute.
As with point four, this is too important not to get right. After a potential customer notices your cover, they’ll read the blurb. I write and rewrite the blurb while I’m still writing the book, so that by the time I submit my work, the blurb is ready too.
Whether you’re a plotter or a panster, consider these points. There is countless information out there for new writers, and a lot of forums that are either helpful or lead you astray.
You are starting your writing journey. You’ll have some idea where you want to head, and over time you’ll have a clearer picture on how to get there.
kevin klehr 