Penelope Douglas
This is from a NOTE on my Facebook page. :)
I am BY NO MEANS an expert, but I get a lot of messages and emails (as I'm sure other authors do) from hopeful writers looking to publish. To save us all time, here are some tips that you've requested that I'll keep here for easy access.
If you want to be a writer, here are MY tips:
1. Go and erase EVERY bad review you have ever left.
When you get your first one star review, you're going to be gutted. And you'll remember that you did that to someone. You're going to network with these authors, and we share a mutual understanding. If you can't help each otehr with a good review, then don't hurt each other with a bad one.
2. When you're stuck, get up.
Walk, shower, exercise, shop, maybe drink a little wine, do anything to get moving and get your mind off the story. You'll find that you'll start talking to yourself on the street, BUT'S THAT'S OKAY! You're finally thinking and working, and who cares if the scared mother is shuffling her kids away from you.
3. Don't try to keep up with the Jones'.
Just because you work slower than others who release 3 or 4 books a year doesn't mean you are failing. Some people work faster, others slower. This isn't a competition.
4. Don't force the story.
If you don't laugh, cry, or get angry, then your readers won't either. I spend half my day staring at the computer until it feels right. Remember, your reputation is ultimately all you have. If you get sloppy, people will stop reading.
5. EDITOR!
Every writer should have an editor, preferrably 2-3. And make sure they're people who will tell you the truth. It's better to find out from them than in the reviews. You would have hated BULLY without my editor, so don't publish without one!
6. As far as marketing, I'm the worst person to ask.
I knew NO bloggers, and I didn't follow ANY authors when I published. My editor suggested I make it free for a few days to gain exposure. I did, and it worked. I was VERY lucky. All I can say is don't be afraid to sacrifice a little. Don't be afraid to give away some copies of your book or take a hit. I always looked at BULLY as my sacrifice, and I was pleasantly surprised. If you're well connected in the book world, go for it. You'll get exposure. If you're like me and knew nothing, keep your expectations reasonable.
7. Read reviews.
If people consistently rave about something, then you know what works. If they consistently complain about something, then you know it's worth considering that you stop doing it or improve your skill in that area. Reviews teach you a lot. HOWEVER, if they're nasty, STOP READING. They're not being helpful, and they just want to vent. The review is not meant for you. At a certain point, you'll probably stop reading reviews all together. You'll be confident and love your work, and it won't matter what anyone says. You rocked it, and you're proud of it ;)
8. Don't chase the market.
Write what makes you happy. I like angsty teens, so I write about that even though some people think I write teenage erotica. ;) Write your dreams. Write your fantasies. Have fun. You won't be to everyone's taste. No author is. So make yourself happy, and you'll find that it shines through.
9. Dialogue! Please for the love of mama, have some dialogue in your book. Readers do not need page after page of internals musings, narration, and description of every piece of furniture in the house. It's lazy and boring. Keep the action going, and don't be too wordy. You'll see that you do this as you reread your manuscript. Which you should do several times before you publish. If you're not sick of reading it yet, then you're not ready to publish. :)
10. Follow your instinct. If something isn't hitting you right or it feels off, trust that! Don't ignore it and think the readers won't notice. Every time I ignore even the littlest thing, my editor caught it. Do the work and put your best foot forward.
And that's all I've got! Happy writing, and others feel free to comment with extra tips I didn't include!
I am BY NO MEANS an expert, but I get a lot of messages and emails (as I'm sure other authors do) from hopeful writers looking to publish. To save us all time, here are some tips that you've requested that I'll keep here for easy access.
If you want to be a writer, here are MY tips:
1. Go and erase EVERY bad review you have ever left.
When you get your first one star review, you're going to be gutted. And you'll remember that you did that to someone. You're going to network with these authors, and we share a mutual understanding. If you can't help each otehr with a good review, then don't hurt each other with a bad one.
2. When you're stuck, get up.
Walk, shower, exercise, shop, maybe drink a little wine, do anything to get moving and get your mind off the story. You'll find that you'll start talking to yourself on the street, BUT'S THAT'S OKAY! You're finally thinking and working, and who cares if the scared mother is shuffling her kids away from you.
3. Don't try to keep up with the Jones'.
Just because you work slower than others who release 3 or 4 books a year doesn't mean you are failing. Some people work faster, others slower. This isn't a competition.
4. Don't force the story.
If you don't laugh, cry, or get angry, then your readers won't either. I spend half my day staring at the computer until it feels right. Remember, your reputation is ultimately all you have. If you get sloppy, people will stop reading.
5. EDITOR!
Every writer should have an editor, preferrably 2-3. And make sure they're people who will tell you the truth. It's better to find out from them than in the reviews. You would have hated BULLY without my editor, so don't publish without one!
6. As far as marketing, I'm the worst person to ask.
I knew NO bloggers, and I didn't follow ANY authors when I published. My editor suggested I make it free for a few days to gain exposure. I did, and it worked. I was VERY lucky. All I can say is don't be afraid to sacrifice a little. Don't be afraid to give away some copies of your book or take a hit. I always looked at BULLY as my sacrifice, and I was pleasantly surprised. If you're well connected in the book world, go for it. You'll get exposure. If you're like me and knew nothing, keep your expectations reasonable.
7. Read reviews.
If people consistently rave about something, then you know what works. If they consistently complain about something, then you know it's worth considering that you stop doing it or improve your skill in that area. Reviews teach you a lot. HOWEVER, if they're nasty, STOP READING. They're not being helpful, and they just want to vent. The review is not meant for you. At a certain point, you'll probably stop reading reviews all together. You'll be confident and love your work, and it won't matter what anyone says. You rocked it, and you're proud of it ;)
8. Don't chase the market.
Write what makes you happy. I like angsty teens, so I write about that even though some people think I write teenage erotica. ;) Write your dreams. Write your fantasies. Have fun. You won't be to everyone's taste. No author is. So make yourself happy, and you'll find that it shines through.
9. Dialogue! Please for the love of mama, have some dialogue in your book. Readers do not need page after page of internals musings, narration, and description of every piece of furniture in the house. It's lazy and boring. Keep the action going, and don't be too wordy. You'll see that you do this as you reread your manuscript. Which you should do several times before you publish. If you're not sick of reading it yet, then you're not ready to publish. :)
10. Follow your instinct. If something isn't hitting you right or it feels off, trust that! Don't ignore it and think the readers won't notice. Every time I ignore even the littlest thing, my editor caught it. Do the work and put your best foot forward.
And that's all I've got! Happy writing, and others feel free to comment with extra tips I didn't include!
More Answered Questions
Jessica
asked
Penelope Douglas:
Hi Penelope! So going by your music playlist and what you write in the book, I was wondering if everyone listens to the same genre or if each have a favorite? A lot of what you listen to, my boyfriend listens to. I was never a fan before but being with him I've grown to appreciate it and enjoy it more now with the books!
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