If only you could simply wish your book into reality or better yet, onto your computer screen. How about straight onto the shelves of Waterstones and WHSmith with lines out the door with people dying to get their hands on your book? Hold onto the dream and keep it safe, but remember there is a marathon to run to get there with many steps along the way. There is a lot to learn about writing, publishing and all of its nuances and I firmly believe all writers should have general awareness of the industry and its intricacies.
However, you obviously have to write the book first—this is one of the hardest parts of this journey. Finding an agent is hard too but that is something to be covered later. For now, let’s concentrate on how to build up your writing currency and develop your writing craft; something you will always be working on, developing and sharpening as your progress through your career.
The dynamics of writing
Make time to write. Life is busy but when you can, take the time to carve out some space to write. It doesn’t need to be lots every day but every little helps. Words becomes paragraphs, paragraphs become chapters and chapters become a full manuscript
Determine what type of writer you are: a pantser (doesn’t rely on a plan and goes with the flow) or a plotter (plans their entire book out). It is okay to be a mixture of both or lean in one direction or the other
Know what genre (science fiction, romance, historical) and age group (middle grade, chapter book, young adult, adult) you are writing for. This is important for knowing word counts, what is expected from the reader when they pick up your specific book and for the eventual query when you submit to agents and editors. This must be razor focused.
Read, read, and read even more. Read widely, read inside and outside of your genre. Read different styles of book, read outside your comfort zone. Read, read and read!
Constantly edit and improve your work in order get your manuscript to the best possible standard before querying. I have a blog here where I cover different types of editing and editing tools
Track your progress: you can set deadlines and writing goals to keep yourself accountable
Find your writing tribe
Join writing and critique groups to get honest and constructive feedback
Network with other writers at writing and other publishing events. Publishing is a collegial industry and writers are especially kind and wonderful people, so get stuck in virtually and in-person when we can return to this. I wrote a post here about going to writing events
Use social media like Twitter and Instagram to connect with other writers
Join Society of Authors and/or SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)
Always seek further guidance, information and knowledge regarding writing from various sources such as writing organisations (WriteMentor, Rewrite and Spread the Word), writing blogs (Unslush, Words and Pictures) and online writing classes (Guardian Masterclasses, Jericho Writers and City Lit)
Understand how publishing works
Understand what the key people in the industry do, ranging from agents, editors, marketers, publicists and more.
Keep abreast of what is going on in the world of publishing, you can do this by following publishing professionals (agents, editors, publicists, etc) on Twitter. You can also follow trade publications like The Bookseller, BookBrunch and Publisher Weekly (all provide digital/physical subscription to their magazine and free newsletters)
Examine what books publishers are putting out there, could your book fit in? Check their websites, bookstores, social media and newsletters. Do your research.
On a final note, writing can be solitary experience, but you are not alone. There are many, many people in the same boat as you—be a sponge and absorb all the knowledge around you. Find trusted and like-minded people to share your journey with because it is a fantastic experience to pursue writing.
What writing tips do you recommend? Please share in the comments section.
Thank you for reading Writersphere and I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please do share this newsletter with those you think will enjoy.
— Davina Tijani (@dee_tijani)