Most first-time authors start with the same question, am I good enough to write this? I remember this is exactly what was on my mind the first time I wrote a book. Doubts, fears, confusion was the order of the day I learned some important tips that transformed my writing life.
Having published books for a good number of authors, I have seen far too many authors experience this self-doubt and uncertainty about their work. Some have even abandoned their books because they are uncertain about it,
But over the years, I have learned that talent is not what stops people from finishing their book. I have realized that self-doubt is a normal part of the creative process. And I have also learned a ton of things which I’ll be sharing with you in this post.
Plan & Structure your Book Before Writing
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Whether you’re writing a fictional or non-fictional work, structure your work before you start writing. This is one of the important tips for first time writers I wish I had back then when I published my first work.
A lot of first-time authors do make the mistake of writing their books without a solid structure that guides the creative process from the beginning to the end.
While writing your book, it is important to have a structure that coordinates the flow of your work. Your plan should map out the different segment of your book from the beginning to the end, including the chapters.
It should identify the major themes and sub themes, chapters etc. you may not necessarily go into all the tiny details with the plan but the idea is to get some kind of guide that will give your creative flow a structure.
Also, having a plan does not necessarily mean that you’ll have to be conditioned to it or stifle your creativity. A plan is meant to give your flow a structure. And you can edit it as you have more inspiration while creating your work.
Finish your Draft even if It’s Messy
Your first draft does not have to be perfect. This is one of the important tips for authors you’ll hardly read online. Even if it looks all messed up, find a way to finish it all up, first. You’ll make it right later.
Some writers self-criticize and also edit their work while writing. If you’re writing a full-length book, writing and editing at the same time can disrupt your creative flow. Most experienced authors prefer to write and finish up their draft first and then come back to edit it with a fresh eye.
Also, a lot of people get stuck with their work. If you have a structure for your book, it gets much easier to beat writer’s block. Even if you get stuck on a specific chapter after planning your work, you can continue on a different chapter.
Remember, editing only works when something exists. Also, your first work is most likely not going to be your best work so while you plan to give it your best shot right now allow yourself to learn and grow through the process.
Read Widely but Read Like a Writer
It is crucial to read widely as a writer. Reading widely gives you an experience as a reader. It also gives you ideas you can use to enrich your own books. But it is even more important that you read like a writer.
When you read books you like, pay attention to how chapters start and end, the flow from the beginning to the end of the book, how tension is built, the characters introduced, how the writing style aligns with the ideal reader’s expectations etc.
Paying attention to these things helps you to position your books to easily meet the expectations of your readers.
Also, as a beginner, try and read books in your genre. If you’re a fiction writer, try to read books from other fiction writers in your region or internationally. Take notes, critique and analyze their styles.
If you’re a nonfiction writer, read the nonfiction works from your favorite authors both emerging and established ones. It gives you a balanced perspective.
I have seen a number of authors that started writing without reading with a critical mind, how people write in their preferred genre. I do not believe you should even write a book without reading at least 2- 5 books by other authors in that genre or industry you’re writing about.
Set Small Realistic Goals
Writing can be very overwhelming for beginners. But one of the important tips for first time writers I’ve also learned after my first book is that writing is a journey. And as a journey, you can take it one step at a time.
Instead of heading into write your entire book in a day, you can write it by chapters or chunk it into sub heads with a specific number of words per day.
Setting unrealistic writing goals can get you feeling overwhelmed. But with small realistic goals, you’ll find that you can easily meet your deadlines without feeling stuck.
I once read about an author that made a decision to write a chapter a day for each book, until he was able to finish up the book. I was very fascinated by that idea and how effective it worked for the author.
Such an arrangement might work for you depending on your schedules, genre or niche. But even if it doesn’t, you can evolve an arrangement that work for you and stick with it. The goal is to show up and write when you have to, consistently.
Write Now, Edit Later
Constant editing can slow your progress. There’s a book I wrote for a number of years before it got to the final stages. The major reason it took that long was because I was editing while writing.
At some point, I got stuck. Eventually, the book completely changed its form from the idea I originally had for it. I have also watched this happen to several of my authors.
If you’re writing and editing your book at the same time, outside getting slowed down, you might get stuck. Self-doubt might even creep in at some point as you continue to cut out some parts of your work.
Write and edit later when you’re done. If you’re not sure about it, hire an editor to get professional editing done for you without destroying your work.
While writing your book, expect the normal self-criticism, self-doubt and every other feeling but do not let this interfere with the writing process. Stick to your writing until you’re done before you get into the edits.
Know your Audience
Who exactly are you writing for? What kind of story excites them? These are the questions I needed to answer as a first-time writer but I did not answer them clearly.
I know most aspiring authors also do not have this kind of clarity with their first work but it is needed. If you’re writing to make a living as a writer then one of the most important writing tips for new authors is to know your audience.
Even if you’re writing as a hobby, if you want people to care about your books then you have to know your audience. Find out who they are, the kind of books that excites them. The storylines, tone of voice etc. and then give them just this.
In as much as you have to write for yourself and write stories you care about, if you really want other people to care about your story then you have to write what they care about. So in a nutshell, write about what you and your audience really care about.
Have a Writing Goal
Understand why you’re writing. Are you writing to create a brand and thought leadership or you’re just writing to sell your books or both?
When you understand your goals clearly, it helps you to align your writing journey in a way that it can easily achieve those goals.
For example, if your goal is to become one of the top selling young fiction writers in Africa then you will have to use a specific strategy that will enable you to achieve that goal. And this will include your writing, the book, the stories, the marketing and your brand positioning.
If your goal is to build your personal brand and thought leadership then your positioning might also be different. Whatever it is, one of the most crucial tips for first time authors I always give out is to know your goals.
Promote your Work
I find that a good number of first-time writers are shy about promoting their work. And the reasons are not farfetched. Often times, its because they are not sure if their work is good enough to be read.
Some authors do not even believe they are writers even after publishing a book. But you’re a writer. And you do not need any permission to one.
You need to know that whether you’re writing your first book or the 20th one, you don’t have to write the best book ever written to actually step out there and promote your book. Because you’re your number one promoter.
So, after you’re done with your work, tell people about it. Write about it, post about it on your social media and get the words out. This is a top milestone that should be celebrated.
Final Words
Writing can be hard, messy and challenging for beginners. You’ll have a lot of self-doubts and fears but when you learn to see it as a journey, embrace the challenges and allow yourself to grow through it, you’ll find writing a lot more enjoyable.
Additionally, let me recap some of the lessons I shared with you; your first book is not always going to be your best book. Allow yourself to make mistakes that will get you to learn. Silence your inner critic or ignore it totally until the job is done. And most importantly, never abandon your draft.
Finally, consider joining authors and writing support groups. These groups can challenge you, support you and get you to grow your writing muscles. And remember you don’t have to do it alone. You can also reach out to experts and get help with your writing and publishing, here.
Now, it’s over to you. What are some of your struggles when it comes to writing? Drop your comments below.
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