Top 15 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Became a Writer

There were a lot of things I didn't know when I started writing. Which is understandable because I didn't know any writers; I had only spent most of my life reading the books they had produced. I knew I had a lot to learn. What caught me off guard was that there were even more things I didn't know I didn't know.

Thanks bro.

15. This is not an "overnight success" business.

But, when I first started writing with the idea of being published someday, I thought it was. In my mind, my first novel was good enough for the first agent to snatch it up and immediately get it to a publisher and I would see it in bookstores in just a few months. Boy, I was so far off.

Now, I know that it would be a miracle to go from query letter to publisher in less than a year.

14. Everybody has a correct way of doing things.

And their way will be the only "right" way. Well, they're wrong. The key to this one is to find what works for you. You might have a different process from that person and their way will cause you to block so hard, a case of prune juice wouldn't move it.

But on the other hand, don't be afraid to try new things. Just because it has always worked for you doesn't mean it's the best way for you. And remember, if something new doesn't end up working, you can always go back.

13. You don't actually need an agent to get published.

But it does help. A lot of the big publishing houses won't accept unsolicited manuscripts (manuscripts directly from authors). They'll only accept manuscripts from agents they work with. But if you don't have your heart set on places like Random House, there are plenty of publishing houses that are open to submissions directly from authors.

12. There are so many different options for writers to get their work read.

When people think of publishing, traditional publishing (agent, publishing house, paper books, etc.) is what comes to mind first, but there is so much more out there for writers. The rise of companies like Amazon have made it more financially possible for writers to self-publish their work and get it into the hands of people all around the world. There are also hundreds of special-interest magazines both in print and online that accept submissions. There are dozens of websites like Wattpad where people can share their work for free and others can read it without charge. And of course blogs are always fun for writers who want to write for hundreds of people with very little limitation.

Preach!

11. The more you write, the better you get.

Surprisingly enough, your writing skills can get rusty without regular use. That's why everybody always encourages to write every day. Not only does it get you in the habit and forces you to get some work done, it makes you better.

10. Do your research.

Research who you are sending your work to. Some people might say that any agent/publisher is better than no agent/publisher. And those people are wrong. You generally don't have to worry about an agent/publisher stealing your work (Tip- "Poor Man's Copyright"- send a copy of your writing to yourself but keep the envelope sealed, the postmark proves when you wrote it) because agents/publishers make money if your book does well (there are the unscrupulous ones out there so beware). But you do have to worry about them stringing you on, company restructuring, no communication, or returning your calls/emails, bullying you into things you don't want to do, etc.

Also, research your material. If you don't know when the Great Wall of China was completed or how quickly somebody will stroke out after being injected with air, ask Google. Or better yet, head to your local library. Not only is there thousands of books close at hand full of information, being around books can be inspirational.

9. Covers are important.

This probably doesn't need to be said, but I didn't realize how important your cover art is when I started. "Don't judge a book by it's cover" doesn't mean squat. The more interesting your cover is, the more likely somebody will pick it up to read the synopsis. A member of my writing group said that my book sales might be lack luster for my rom-com because there aren't any people on the cover, even though the cover is pretty and I'm proud of it (it's the first one I did completely myself), I have to admit she's probably right. If you are multi-talented and can create art for your cover, DO IT! Or if you can afford to pay somebody to create a cover, DO IT! 

8. You never stop learning.

I can write an entire post about this one alone (and probably will) so I'll try to keep it short. A writer truly never stops learning. You're always researching topics that you would have never found interesting but because your character has that occupation, or lives in that town, or is affected by these events, you suddenly become an expert so you produce the best story you can.

7. Find a support system.

Not just friends and family who cheer you on, even though they are very important (plus, they're guaranteed to buy a few of your books). Find a writer's group or just one or two writing friends. They can hold you accountable, empathize with you, and offer advice. Plus, sometimes it's just nice to talk to somebody who has had the exact same challenges that you face and have made it through.

No wonder I have back problems.

6. Have the proper tools handy...

As in always and everywhere. I can't tell you the number of times that I have had a story idea or even just a scene pop into my head and I didn't have any paper or a pen handy. That's why I keep a notebook in my purse and always have a pen close by because you never know when inspiration will strike.

5. Writer's block is very real and very painful.

As much as I would love to say that there is a sure-fire way to get through it, there isn't. Different things work for different people and sometimes a method that has worked in the past doesn't anymore. You just have to keep at it and never give up.

4. There will come a day where you hate everything you write.

Been there, done that. Don't give up because this too, shall pass. Plus, you might hate it because you've been with it from the beginning. You see where the smooth flowing narrative trips over a few bad lines. You see the tiny, insignificant questions that your audience will never notice. Take a breather and get back to it. You've got this.

3. You have to learn to talk about yourself and your work with confidence.

I am the first to admit that this is not my strong suite. I've never been good at talking about my achievements. It always felt like bragging and makes me uncomfortable. But in this industry, word-of-mouth is so important. You need to be able to talk about your writing in hopes of luring another reader into your fold. Convince them they can't go another day without reading your book. 

2. Get a thick skin.

Professional rejection isn't the only kind we have to deal with. Friends/family/acquaintances might not like your work either. And that is totally okay. Don't think that just because Aunt Ethel doesn't like your coming-of-age-werewolf-in-space-murder-mystery, doesn't mean you are a terrible writer. It just means that she might prefer something with Fabio or battleships on the cover.

Plus, for every person you know who doesn't read your book because "it's not their thing," there will be somebody close to you who will read it just because you wrote it and will potentially fall in love with your teenage werewolf astronaut Nancy Drew and because of you, be introduced to a whole new genre.

This is not wrong.

1. Edit, edit, edit.

You never truly stop editing. Ever. I wish it would end, but there is always one more rough patch to smooth, one more name to change (for the 50th time), one more twist to throw in, or one more comma to add. 

And take out. 

Then add again.