Some Newbie Lessons:

I have not been at this whole writing deal for too long, but already I’ve learned so much!

1. Do not send out your first query! Brush it up, send it to tons of people and/or a critique group, then you can send it out. Inevitably if you don’t follow this advice, you will send your WORST query to your Dream Agent and possibly destroy your chances of winning over that agent.

2. If you enter a contest or a critique session, DO NOT edit your 1000 words down to 250! There is absolutely no way to get your point and plot across properly. There will be something important missing no matter what. So the reviews will not be pertinent.

3. Study, study, study. Find lessons on writing techniques and anything you can get your hands on to help you grow as a writer. Anything new that you learn will only help you.

4. Don’t hide your manuscript from helpful critique fearing it will be stolen. I have attempted to pass mine out to many different people because I desperately need the feedback, good or bad. Read up on copyright laws and don’t worry too much.

5. We all have our favorite Agents who we dream of representing us, under no circumstances should you follow them relentlessly on Twitter, FB, or their blogs. It’s not a big deal to pop in or check up on them. There are some WONDERFUL Agents out there who give advice you need daily. But be aware that when you follow them you will be sitting on the edge of your seat each time you see them post something new. My dream agent mentions doing things and going places and at first I was a bit ticked. I wanted to yell “Wait! You haven’t responded to my query yet.” How ridiculous it that? Honestly, I don’t want an agent who doesn’t make time for themselves and their family. So save yourself some heartache and back off a bit, lay low and follow #6.

6. While waiting for a response from Agents find something else to do besides wait. Write another book or small story, find a new hobby, clean the house- HAhaha!-, anything to keep your mind occupied.

That’s all for now. Like I said up at the top, I'm a newbie. You don’t have to listen to me; after all I’m not published YET! But I have learned some hard lessons and I wish to keep you from making the same mistakes I did. And trust me, there will be many more to add to this list!

Do you have any advice for a new author? I’d love to hear it.

Blessings

Andrea