Dear
Scared Writer,
This
post stems off my last post: Dear Lazy Writer because while some may not do
certain things after their book is published because it’s too much work, others
may just be scared. If there are certain things about publishing that scare
you, but you still want to publish your book then take a deep breath and read
on.
Fear
#1 - Beta Readers / Critique Partners
When
you’ve edited your book as much as you can by yourself it is necessary to seek
help by asking talented writers for their eye. Doing this can be so
nerve-wracking (I know it is) but it is a MUST. I promise that you’ll learn a
lot and your book will be all the better for it.
First,
only approach writers you admire and know through blogging or other writing
communities. After they agree to look at your book, send it to them with your
expectations (What do you want them to do? Check for grammar, look for plot
holes?). And there’s nothing wrong with letting them know how nervous you are.
They’ll understand. Then keep busy with another WIP or hobby until you hear
back.
Before
you open their email, take a deep breath and try to slow your hammering
heart. Read what they have to say while keeping in mind that it’s their opinion
and the things they say are suggestions. Also scroll through the
document to read any comments. Seeing all the red can be discouraging but once
you buckle down and focus, you’ll see many of their suggestions make sense.
When you finish revising, you’ll feel more confident in your story. You just
have to get over that initial fear.
Fear
#2 - Querying Agents
Many
writers are afraid of submitting their book for consideration. If you let this
fear consume you, you’ll never realize your dream of being a published author.
Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you. We are all rejected. It’s true. JK
Rowling and C.S. Lewis received many rejections before publishing their first
book, but they didn’t give up. The same is true of every best-seller.
Take
the time to perfect your manuscript and query letter, research agencies, find
the appropriate agent for you and read their guidelines. When you submit,
remember that you don’t know them and they don’t know you. As much as they're faceless, you’re faceless. Any rejection you get is NOT personal. They are only
looking for the book that they can be invested in and love even after reading
it a few times.
Your
book could be great but not right for that specific agent. Keep looking, keep
believing, and keep submitting! Chalk up each rejection as a badge of honor.
Once you get enough, you’ll move from aspiring writer to agented writer.
Fear
#3 - Reviews
Reviews
of our books can make us bite our nails, especially if they’re one or two
stars. The same faceless rule for agents applies for reviews, as does the
opinion rule for beta readers. Whatever is said by a reviewer won’t be shared
by everyone. What one reader hates another may love, and vice versa. That’s the
beauty of individuality.
Don’t
ever let a bad review bring you down. It can be painful but it’s also
selective. Read a good review you got for the same title. Better yet, hop on
over to one of your favorite books by another author and read their worst
reviews. See? Every author gets them.
CONQUER
YOUR FEAR!
QUESTION:
What about writing and publishing scares you?
Author of Hurricane Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and
Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.
10 comments:
I enjoy the good and bad reviews. Reading them all gives me a better sense of what readers enjoyed about the book, and what they didn't. And it's so true about reviews being subjective. I've seen bad reviews for books I've loved to death and good reviews for books I couldn't stand. Very few books are loved by everyone.
@mshatch Good and bad reviews have their merits. :)
Nothing about writing scares me. I've been doing it for 30 years now. But progressing beyond that is my problem. I'm worried it's not good enough. I've edited my original story so much, it's probably indistinguishable from the original manuscript (though the theme is the same).
I think fear of the unknown is my biggest problem. Fear I'll not be good enough, or someone will simply tell me it's not good or worse, that I'm a crap writer and should give it up. I know if I don't submit to anyone, I'm already telling myself no and not letting anyone else have their say. And that really isn't fair to anyone.
Good points. It's just a matter of pushing through and keeping on.
I tend to battle more with organising all the 'stuff' in my head, rather than being scared. Unjumbling the jumble. But I've put a few techniques into place so that I become as functional and productive as possible. Great post. Thank you!!
@Jeffrey, I hope this post helped you then. And I hope that one day you'll move past writing and editing your book and you take that wonderful step toward submitting it. :)
@Liz, thanks!
@Nicola, staying organized can be tricky.
Excellent point you made about the importance of an editor, Chrys! And if you think about it, your editor is your very first - and possibly last, bad review and you still have the opportunity to make changes:-)
If we go about the process knowing we'll not please everyone, but that there are readers for every writer it's all a lot easier to endure. It's what I tell myself anyway, when staring at my inbox with a hammering heart;-)
@diedre, that is a GREAT way to look at an editor. It's very true. Writers have to want to be able to fix their story when an editor suggests changes or points out flaws. If they don't, they'll suffer.
And you're right again. It is easier to publish and go through all those scary things knowing that we can't please everyone. It's a freeing thought. :)
Honestly, I was to much of a novice to be afraid. I usually stepped right into it, and sometimes literally. LOL But it's all about learning, and learn I did!
Great Advice!
I'm just getting caught up! LOL
@yolanda, that's good. Usually novices are full of fear.
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