Fiona Snycker’s first five tips for new writers discussed ways to get down to work. Her next five hints give good advice to writers on how to start successful careers as published authors.
Publishing Your Book: It’s Never too Late to Start
1) It is never too late to start writing. Don't get panicky when you see younger writers getting wonderful book deals while you are still trying to get off the mark. There is no cut-off time - no sell-by date - for authors. And just because you have suffered numerous rejections, that is no reason to stop trying. The writing world is full of stories about famous manuscripts that were repeatedly turned down before one editor finally spotted their potential.
Creative Writing: Start a New Book
2) Having said that, there is no point in being pig-headed about a project. If the publishing world is telling you loud and clear that your manuscript is no good, draw a line under it and move on. Every single thing you write is part of the learning experience and will make you a better writer later on. If you are sitting with a dud on your hands, put it away in a drawer and start a new project. Chances are it will be much better.
Become a Writer: Keep Writing
3) Everything you have ever heard about writing being one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration is true. It takes an iron self-discipline to keep your bum glued to the seat when the words aren't coming easily. Writing can be boring, frustrating, disheartening and depressing. It takes a special kind of determination to push through those difficult times without losing your momentum. But if you do, it can also be the most rewarding thing you have ever done.
Learn to Write Fiction: Writer’s Groups
4) Publishers and literary agents very seldom give detailed feedback to an author. They are much more likely to send out standard-form rejection letters. This can be very frustrating to writers who would like to know exactly what it is that is not working in their manuscripts. Most of us cannot afford to pay for a professional evaluation of our work. That's why it's a good idea to start your own writers' group. You can meet once a month to read and discuss each other's work. Criticism should always be positive and constructive. And even if you don't know any other aspirant writers personally, there are several writing forums on the internet in which writers assess each other's manuscripts.
Become a Writer: Read, Read, Read.
5) If you want to be a writer, you need to keep up to date with current literary trends. Make sure your own reading list is fresh and up to date. The work of other writers will inspire and guide you. But remember, there is a fine line between being inspired and being derivative. And it is very easy to cross the line even further into plagiarism, which will damage your career forever. Keep yourself open to modern literary voices without trying to adopt them as your own. Look out for emerging trends and gaps in the market, but don't position yourself cynically within a genre simply because it seems to be selling well. Tell the story you really want to tell, and your passion will show itself in your writing.
Fiona Snycker’s Trinity Rising and Trinity on Air have both received critical acclaim. Learn more about how she went about becoming a published writer.
Helen Brain - I am a writer and writing teacher, living in Cape Town, South Africa. I published my first book in 1997, and now have over thirty books ...
