With
this research, there were techniques that worked and quite a few that were a
waste of time. There's so much information and it can be overwhelming to find
what you need and steps to get started. Here are 9 Tips that I used to help me
on my journey to becoming a published author.
Tip 1 - Know Your Audience
If you're writing for a hobby,
continue to write and journal and let it all out. However, if you are writing
to become published, you must know your audience. Questions I ask myself when
starting a project: What’s their demographics? Who will this impact? What will
they learn? Why do they need it?
Tip 2 – Know Your Genre
Knowing your genre is just as
important as knowing your audience. You need to study the genre you want to write.
It will make things easier for you and keep your audience happy!
Tip 3 - Write and Write Some
More
Writing is a skill that gets better
with time and practice. The more you write, the better you'll become. Don't be
afraid to make mistakes, they help you learn.
Tip 4 - Start a Blog
Blogs are a great way to start your
fan base, long before your book is created. If you have a strong following in
the beginning, it will be easy to get your book in front of your audience and
we all know the importance of word of mouth!
Tip 5 - You Must Have Thick Skin
You must be prepared for rejection.
You must be prepared for criticism, sometimes harsh criticism. You must be
prepared to know that not all your "writer friends" will like your
writing. As a matter of fact, writers are the worse critics.
Tip 6 – Don’t Be Cheap, Invest
in Your Book
Transitioning from writer to author
results in a mindset change. You must go from being a hobbyist to starting a
business. Oh, you didn't know? Yes, being an author is a business. If you want
to be successful, you must invest in your business.
Tip 7 – Quality Over Quantity
is Important
This goes with step six. If you
want your work to be taken seriously, you must put in the time and effort to
produce quality work. This may require paying a little more for that editor for
your manuscript or illustrator for your book cover. First impressions are important,
and your book is your first impression.
Tip 8 – Choose Your Publishing Option
There is a debate with authors
about whether one should self-publish or go through a traditional publisher.
There is no right or wrong answer. It is a matter of preference. However, it is
helpful to know the pros and cons of both platforms. Do your research to see
which option is the right one for you.
Tip 9 – Create a Marketing Plan
This is a step that many authors do not budget for.
They write a book, publish it and are confused as to why they are not receiving
sales. I feel that creating a marketing plan, is just as important as creating
a business plan. Do not rush this process. Create your plans (marketing and
business) so you can get the results you worked hard for.
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