Learning Curve
So this week's random thought isn't actually a random thought at all but a collection of experiences from over the last few months that I felt the need to share.
When I started this adventure of writing I had no idea what I was doing. Plain and simple, I was inexperienced. I didn't even have a Facebook page (criminal, I know). Since then I have learned a few things, mostly from the advice and instruction of friends on Goodreads. So I've decided to list the proper steps (in my opinion) for publishing your own novel. Note that I did not follow these steps. I tripped and fell a few times before getting on the right path.
1) Write the Book (okay that one is obvious)
2) Get a beta reader! - I can't stress this one enough. Your work is great and perfect in your eyes but it might not be in everyone's as I learned. My beta reader is awesome. She has helped me unlock my potential and strive to be a better writer.
3) Edit - That is the worst four letter curse word in the English language. We all hate to do it but it must be done. It's just one of those necessary evils. The best analogy I can use for it is...It's like giving birth. It's messy and painful but in the end, it's totally worth it.
4) Re-read and edit - Again, totally hate this part but you have to do it.
5) Beta reader - One last time before you publish, just to make sure everything is polished.
6) Release - Something I was unaware of before I published is that some authors set release dates and promote that way. I'm not sure if this is beneficial or not as I have not done it myself.
7) Publish - Take a deep breath and click that button.
8) Reviews - One of the most crucial aspects to an e-book are reviews. Most people seem to only read books that are highly rated although there is a debate about if that's true or not. Some people have noticed authors using fake reviews to bolster sales and it's backfiring so people are paying less attention to the reviews than before. Personally, I have never used fake reviews. Trust me, the ones I do have are purely honest. It was quite gut wrenching to read them. One thing I can say about bad reviews is, take the criticism and use it as a motivator to write better.
9) Promotion - I will just reiterate what I've heard from a million other bloggers. Social media. You need a blog, you need Facebook and you need to be genuine. No one wants to be spammed to death.
10) Keep Writing - One of the most difficult things to do. It's hard to juggle writing a second novel as well as trying to promote the first, but it can be done.
When I started this adventure of writing I had no idea what I was doing. Plain and simple, I was inexperienced. I didn't even have a Facebook page (criminal, I know). Since then I have learned a few things, mostly from the advice and instruction of friends on Goodreads. So I've decided to list the proper steps (in my opinion) for publishing your own novel. Note that I did not follow these steps. I tripped and fell a few times before getting on the right path.
1) Write the Book (okay that one is obvious)
2) Get a beta reader! - I can't stress this one enough. Your work is great and perfect in your eyes but it might not be in everyone's as I learned. My beta reader is awesome. She has helped me unlock my potential and strive to be a better writer.
3) Edit - That is the worst four letter curse word in the English language. We all hate to do it but it must be done. It's just one of those necessary evils. The best analogy I can use for it is...It's like giving birth. It's messy and painful but in the end, it's totally worth it.
4) Re-read and edit - Again, totally hate this part but you have to do it.
5) Beta reader - One last time before you publish, just to make sure everything is polished.
6) Release - Something I was unaware of before I published is that some authors set release dates and promote that way. I'm not sure if this is beneficial or not as I have not done it myself.
7) Publish - Take a deep breath and click that button.
8) Reviews - One of the most crucial aspects to an e-book are reviews. Most people seem to only read books that are highly rated although there is a debate about if that's true or not. Some people have noticed authors using fake reviews to bolster sales and it's backfiring so people are paying less attention to the reviews than before. Personally, I have never used fake reviews. Trust me, the ones I do have are purely honest. It was quite gut wrenching to read them. One thing I can say about bad reviews is, take the criticism and use it as a motivator to write better.
9) Promotion - I will just reiterate what I've heard from a million other bloggers. Social media. You need a blog, you need Facebook and you need to be genuine. No one wants to be spammed to death.
10) Keep Writing - One of the most difficult things to do. It's hard to juggle writing a second novel as well as trying to promote the first, but it can be done.
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