Be The Writer You Want To Be

*Thumbnail Art: Thomas Wolter, Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/users/thomaswolter-92511)

I received a direct message on Twitter this week, asking me if I could share advice on how to be a successful writer. And I have to admit, it utterly threw me… My mind went blank, before it started racing again, catching up with its momentary stumble only to end up brimming with questions: Am I right person to honestly answer such a request?

Am I a successful writer? How do you even define success?

What on earth should I write back…?

I had no idea.

I suppose it could be said that I have been somewhat successful in my writing career so far. Officially, I have self-published two novels, though technically, it is three. Because I took the second one off sale and rewrote it. Unofficially, I have written five novels. The first two will never see the light of a public spotlight, as they were an evolution of my writing ability and no longer fit narratively into the world that I have created with my Bloody Marytown saga.

The first time I completed a manuscript, I felt like a creative genius. A writing goddess. There was success to be found in that, but in reality, I lacked the confidence to truly put myself out there. A feeling that was hindered further when I tried to be published via the traditional route, only for the publisher that I was working closely with being arrested and then convicted of fraud because he had swindled other potential authors out of a small fortune. That felt like such a failure, even though it was not personally mine.

It would take over a decade until I felt brave enough to try again. I decided to self-publish, so that I would have complete control over every part of the process and I have to admit that I still do not feel as though I would trust another publisher. Maybe one day.

It took me a good while to respond to the direct message that I received, asking for my advice, but I did reply to it. Because somebody that I had mutually followed on Twitter - thanks to my recent swan-dive into the incredibly supportive writing community that actually exists on the platform - thought that I was the right person to ask. A rampant case of Imposer Syndrome aside, no matter what I think of myself and my work, they saw me as being successful enough to reach out to me. Incredibly humbling. I still don’t quite know how such a thing came about, but I’m proud of it.

That in itself feels very much like a win. One I will let myself bask in for a while.

What I wrote back was grateful, but honest. My tips for success, as limited as they were.

I shall share them here now. Prepare to be mesmerised… and likely a little underwhelmed because, frankly, it feels a lot like common sense to me and I am not a mastermind of all things self-publishing. But I will do my best to make it sound remarkable!

First of all - write. This sounds simple. In many ways it is. But you cannot be a successful, professional writer if you do not write. If you have not yet written something that you feel is worth publishing, then you still have a ways to travel, but do not be put off by what you see as the success of others. Strive to reach the goals that they have reached. Or set yourself a target that you can realistically achieve. Be kind to yourself. Nobody expects a writer who is only just starting out to slam out three novels back to back in as many months. Even if they jokingly ask where the next book is, because they enjoyed what you have written.

I have been writing, in one way or another, all my life. I worked on my self-published series, the Bloody Marytown saga, for over FIFTEEN years before I ever wrote a novel that I felt was worthy of being published. I wasn’t ready to put it out in the world, which leads me to my next little bit of advice…

Have the confidence to put yourself out there. Whether you choose to go the traditional route of finding a literary agent and then a major publishing house, or self-publish like I eventually did, you have to be brave enough to make that step. Nobody else can do it for you. And nobody can tell you when you should be ready to publish. If your writing is good enough. If it is finished. Whether you have a story worth telling, or a point worth sharing.

Take your time. There is no rush. It is better to create something you can be proud of than put out writing that isn’t up to standard, particularly if you are self-publishing. My first indie books were rough as hell. Though I roped my husband into proofreading them for me, they were littered with spelling errors, because I get word blind when I try to read back what I have typed. My covers were mocked up of MS Paint and reflected what I was capable of at the time. I would go on to improve them and hone my skills, taking the second book completely off sale to rewrite because I was so unhappy with it and creating covers that I am really proud of. I started out where I could, but I was prepared to constantly improve.

In all honesty, my first editions didn’t have a hope in hell. One amongst thousands of others. Lost in the shuffle of the indie market, which is swamped, no matter your genre.

Professional and polished indie books will stand out, so take your time over them. Hire an editor, if you do not know somebody with the competency and willingness to edit your books. This is something I still need to do, but I am prepared to do everything I can to make sure that my readers feel they get a product which is worth the money they have paid for it… As cold as it sounds, your beloved book - your creative baby - is a product that you are trying to sell. And customers do not typically buy things that look shabby, or might not be worth the price that is being asked for them. People who do not personally know you will look for quality. Make sure you stand out.

If you want your writing to get the attention it deserves, you have to put the work in.

Anybody that offers you a quick road to writing guaranteed success, is stroking your ego.

It can be costly, taking the self-publishing route. But in my opinion, the cost will be worth it in the long run if you gain a reputation as a polished and professional author.

In the same regard, don’t be afraid to take advantage of promotions that will enable you to get your book into places it could find readers you might not have considered. Offering your book for free for a limited time will not earn you any royalties, but it will get your name and work out there. And if the writing is good, it will stand on its own creative feet and gain the attention it deserves. Use social media and create accounts of sites such as Goodreads to expand your reach further. Also contact local independent bookshops, or libraries that might be willing to stock your book. Be prepared to do the legwork. Online or elsewhere.

Publishing is not easy. I do not have all the answers and I am still learning myself. I would implore any budding author to find their own style, their story to tell and their own way. Put pen to paper. Or your fingertips on the keyboard. Write. Be true to yourself.

I wish all of my fellow writers the very best. I hope you find the successes you seek.

Do I consider myself to be successful…?

If I ever figure that one out, I will be sure to let you know!