Goodreads asked Philip Mann:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Philip Mann If you have an idea for a book, sketch it out. Write a paragraph, a page, maybe a short chapter, and see how it works. Then you get to the difficult part of populating it with characters, events, setting and all those fun things.

If you have no experience in writing, I strongly suggest that you hire an editor, one who can advise you about what you're trying. This editor should be experienced, understand what you are trying to do, and guide you on your (very) long journey. some people advise using beta readers, or writers groups. I don't you have to choose one person to help you, not a committee. And that person should be bound to listen to you and give you the time of day. And that comes with a contract. sorry if I sound harsh, but experience has taught me some things.
Just remember. This is a long journey. Bring sandwiches.

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