This is the last post on “Biggest Mistakes, and I think it is the most important. Take a deep breath, and read slowly and carefully.
At a recent NJ Author’s talk on “Getting Published” (scroll down below for the list of authors), the authors discussed the biggest mistakes they think new writers make.
This is really important, because the temptation to take the “easy road” is there, blinking and coaxing every day.
Don’t throw your novel out to self-publishing if you are not ready.
I’m going to say it again.
Don’t throw your novel out to self-publishing if you are not ready.
Say that line over a few times. Make it stick in your head, then continue…
I have a friend who actually did “go through the motions” They put their novel out there, and were getting rejections. They then decided it might be a good idea to get some beta readers. (Okay, they did that part in the wrong order, but at least they realized what they did) After about ten or so beta reads, they came across me.
“The barracuda” attacked with reckless abandon. (As nice as I could possibly be, of course) I knew EXACTLY why this wonderful, elaborate very imaginative story was not being published… I explained over and over in great detail. They revised, but only slightly. They did not want to ruin their “artistic integrity”.
That book is now self-published… with exactly the same beginning that I ripped to heck and back. I feel horrible about it. It is not selling. Now… that is not to say that I’m always right. I can be wrong. This time, I wish I was.
Remember: Most e-book channels let you read the first few pages just like if you are in a bookstore. The first few pages of this novel are BORING.
Is it a great story? YES. Is it original? YES. Did the author make all the mistakes noted in the “biggest mistakes”? Unfortunately, YES. (Sorry BK) I dearly, dearly hope I am wrong, because this is a great story, and they put a lot of work into their baby. Right now, my heart is sinking over it.
If one person tells you something you do not want to hear. Consider it. If two people say something, think hard about it. If three or more people say the same thing, suck it up and admit you are wrong.
Try to get a publisher first, and try long and hard. Don’t put out something sub-standard just because you are in a rush or afraid of the process, or don’t agree with the feedback. That first novel can haunt you for the rest of your life… and you never know, you just might end up with a “Gold Mine Manuscript” rejection that will change your outlook completely, if you are open enough to their suggestions.
Is self-publishing okay? Sure. For some authors.
Just Please Please Please make sure you are ready. I have read quite a few self-published novels that were not ready. It’s a shame, because I would be hesitant to take a chance on another novel by any of these authors.
If you do self-publish, AND YOU HAVE TAKEN THE STEPS TO BE SURE YOU ARE READY, check out Daniel Ottalini’s blog for a great checklist to make sure you follow through to give your novel a chance.
Jonathan Maberry: www.Jonathanmaberry.com
Mike McPhail: www.mcp-concepts.com
Danielle Ackley-McPhail: www.sidhenadaire.com
Jon Gibbs: www.acatofninetales.com
Jennifer R. Hubbard: www.jenniferhubbard.com
Kristin Battestella: www.jsnouff.com/kristin
Related articles
- Biggest Mistakes New Authors Make #2 – Jumping the gun- Writing Non-linearly (jennifermeaton.com)
- Learning from My Self Publishing Experience in Five Steps (danielottalini.com)
- I Am Going to Self-Publish…Is That a Bad Thing? (megancashmanbooks.wordpress.com)
It’s all fine and dandy to write with a quill on antique paper as your players may have done. Dress up like them before the pc, even! Don’t scoff. Just ask yourself, ‘Why not?’ Try wearing a wig in your character’s style to the grocery store and see what happens. Do your neighbors already think you’re a whirlwind of fun? Or will you surprise someone, maybe even yourself?
Jennifer M Eaton 