7 Things to Avoid If You’re a First Time Author
This is a contribution post by Tarang Sinha.
The excitement of being a published author is something else. To see your name in print, to hold the book in your hand and all that. But traditional publishing is not easy. I hope you get the much-desired approval from a good publishing house, however getting rejected is not an absolute improbability. So, isn’t it a good idea to be prepared and learn from someone who has made terrible mistakes?
Don’t Fall in love with your writing
When I completed writing my first novel, I was so pleased. It’s a big deal, right? Writing a whole book of some fifty thousand words. But later, I realised it had too many plot holes and flaws. Believe in your story, trust your writing skills, but do not fall in love with your writing.
Don’t Rush to Submit (or self publish) immediately after completing your manuscript
Let your manuscript rest for some time, say a month or two, and then come back to revise. More striking ideas will come to your mind, and you’ll be surprised to notice your growth as a writer. It will make your story/writing better and crisper, enhancing the chances of an approval.
Don’t Opt for Vanity Publishing
As much as you long to see your book in print, vanity publishing is not worth it. Invest that money on beta reading and promotion.
Don’t Submit Directly to The Publishing Houses.
Harsh truth: it seldom works for first time authors. Get in touch with a (well known/reputed) literary agent. Your publishing journey would be smoother and more transparent.
Don’t Wait for a Reply From the Editor before you decide to submit your manuscript to other publishing houses
Submit wherever you can. Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submission. Just make sure to inform other editors if a publishing house accepts your proposal.
Don’t Submit If Your Manuscript Isn’t Ready
I pitched the idea of a short story collection with a few sample stories to an editor. I was so pleased when I I received a positive reply. But, at the same time, her email made me nervous. She asked me to submit the complete manuscript. Guess what? My manuscript wasn’t ready. I had yet to write some stories. ‘Take
your time. There’s no hurry,’ she said kindly, but I felt restless ―this urgent need to write all the stories quickly and submit as soon as possible. I could have certainly written my stories in a more interesting manner.
Don’t Take Negative Reviews Personally
See, no book has ever got hundred percent positive or negative reviews. Even your favourite, most popular author has got some negative reviews. And, if it’s coming from someone more experienced and knowledgeable person, take it as a lesson. You may not realise it now, but it will make you a better writer, for sure.
Tarang Sinha is a bilingual writer, translator (Don’t You Quit published by Westland Books) and painter. Her articles and stories have been published in Juggernaut Books, Good Housekeeping India, Child India, The Hindu, Woman’s Era and New Woman. She writes for a popular radio show ‘Yaadon Ka Idiot Box’.
She blogs @ tarangsinha.blogspot.com
You can connect with Tarang here.
