Top 10 Tips for Aspiring Authors
A few tips for the newbie authors…it’s hard but it gets easier…
Hey future literary legends! If you’re like most aspiring authors, you’re probably dreaming of seeing your name on the cover of a bestseller.
Your name on the New York Times’ Bestseller List.
Tons of amazing reviews from newly-dedicated fans on Amazon or whatever platform you’ve chosen to publish on.
Whether you’re writing the next great romance, an epic drama, or a comedy that leaves readers in stitches, these ten tips will help you on your journey to author stardom.
Let’s dive in and make your writing dreams a reality.
1. Read, Read, and Read Some More
Somehow, this seemed to escape me in my early days of writing.
But books are your best friends.
Read as much as you possibly can. Romance, drama, comedy, sci-fi — anything and everything. (Even if you’re a romance writer, there’s value in reading books in other genres. Maybe you could write a genre-bending novel that defies anything else out there — who knows?)
Reading helps you understand different writing styles, story structures, and it can help be the thing that makes YOUR book unputdownable.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend all day with your nose in a book. It’s research!
2. Write Every Day
Even if it’s just a sentence, write something every day.
Consistency is key.
Treat your writing time like a date with the most fascinating person you know. Don’t stand yourself up!
The more you write, the better you’ll get. And don’t worry about perfection — that’s what editing is for.
So, write without worrying about messing up or getting it wrong the first time around.
One of my favorite authors, the late great Toni Morrison, once said that she writes things over six or seven times to get them just right.
This meticulous approach to crafting her prose is a hallmark of her writing process and is reflected in the depth and quality of her novels.
3. Embrace the Mess
First drafts are messy (like this article was before I started re-writing it).
It’s like, Nick Cannon messy. Embrace it!
Your first draft is just you telling the story to yourself.
Don’t worry about getting it perfect; just get it written. You can fix it later.
Remember, you can’t edit a blank page. So as long as you write something, you’ll be okay. I promise.
I can’t tell you how many composition notebooks from high school I still have sitting around filled with terribly-written stories that hopefully never see the light of day. (Actually, it’s almost 50! 😅)
4. Find Your Writing Space
Find a space where you can write without distractions. It could be a cozy corner in your house, a bustling café, or even a park bench.
Just make sure it’s a place where you feel inspired and comfortable.
And no, the couch in front of the TV doesn’t count. And the bed isn’t really a great place to do it since it’s where you’re most likely to feel relaxed. And less likely to do any real writing.)
So find a place in your home or your local community and dedicate time to write there every day (if you can).
I like writing down by the river. It’s a beautiful place and it’s usually quiet.
5. Develop a Routine
Writing should be a habit, not an afterthought. Set aside a specific time each day to write, and stick to it.
Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch, or late at night, find a time that works for you and make it sacred.
As I mentioned in one of my other articles, Reedsy’s Book Editing tool allows you to set a writing schedule and you can set it up to send you reminders to write every day.
I don’t personally use it because it got kind of annoying and I couldn’t deal with the constant notifications, but it works for some people.
I simply write when I wake up after I do my morning routine.
6. Join a Writing Community
Writing can be a lonely endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a writing group or an online community where you can share your work, get feedback, and support other writers.
It’s like having a cheerleading squad, but with more caffeine and fewer pom-poms.
I know it might sound daunting, especially if you’re an introvert like me.
But even I’m putting myself out there this weekend by attending a writing workshop where I can collaborate with other writers.
I’m nervous, but I’m still going to do it because I don’t want to be so isolated anymore. I’ve been an isolated introverted writer since I started publishing books in the mid-2000s (God, I feel old 😅).
7. Embrace Rejection
Every writer faces rejection. It’s a rite of passage.
Don’t let it discourage you. Instead, use it as motivation to keep going.
Remember, even J.K. Rowling was rejected multiple times before Harry Potter found a home.
Rejection isn’t the end; it’s just part of the journey.
So embrace it and realize that you either need to try again once you hone your storytelling skills (or whatever it is your manuscript was lacking), or accept that that particular opportunity just wasn’t for you.
It’s a better way to frame things versus thinking you’re a terrible writer every time you get a rejection.
8. Study the Craft
Take the time to study the craft of writing. Read books on writing, attend workshops, and learn from other authors.
When Writer’s Digest was big back when I first started studying fiction writing, I used to buy books on writing all the time. Page After Page. Chapter After Chapter. Careers for Your Characters. Character Traits. Conflict, Action & Suspense.
I read most of most of those and really tried to focus on making my writing better in multiple ways.
Remember, writing is both an art and a skill, and there’s always something new to learn.
Plus, it’s so rewarding to look back at my old writing and see how far I’ve come.
9. Edit Ruthlessly
Editing is where the magic happens. Be ruthless with your work.
Cut the fluff, tighten the prose, and make sure every word serves a purpose.
And don’t be afraid to let go of your darlings. If it doesn’t serve the story, it’s gotta go.
Think of yourself as a sculptor, chipping away to reveal the masterpiece within.
I struggle with this, which is why I think it’s so beneficial to have an editor — a second pair of eyes that can tell you when you’re veering off in the wrong direction.
10. Celebrate Your Successes
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Finished a chapter? Celebrate!
Wrote a killer sentence? Celebrate!
Got a rejection letter? Celebrate that you’re putting yourself out there!
Writing a book is hard work, and you deserve to acknowledge every step forward.
Use these ten tips to help you on your writing journey. Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Keep going, stay passionate, and most importantly, have fun.
After all, if you’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point? Now, go forth and write something amazing! The world is waiting to read your story.
Want More of This?
Enjoyed what you read? Want more? Hit that follow button and get a nonlinear dose of content on writing tips, TV, movies, travel, all things bookish, and whatever else that piques my interest or ruffles my tail feathers 😅
Or follow my other Medium page to learn how to make money online.
Check out my website where I help authors with tips, tools, and resources to propel them to success on their author journey. Need help with editing? I gotcha covered.
