Random advice to new writers

Take it or leave it

It turns out there are a ton of things to learn when you begin your publishing journey. Some of them you know to worry about (like public speaking, perhaps), and some are less obvious.

To help get you started with things I wish I’d understood as a new author, here’s a random assortment. A few items have longer letters I’ve written in the past, if you want to dig a little deeper.

1

Always write out your book’s full title when talking about it in your newsletter or on social media. Even out loud, when you’re speaking to someone in person or on the phone.

I know we all love an acronym, but keep in mind that not everyone in your audience is going to know what you’re talking about. Make it easy for them to follow the conversation and do a search for the book if they want to know more.

It does make sense to shorten the title when you’re in private, speaking with your agent or editor or friends who already know the context. But give everyone else the best chance possible to keep up.

2

Don’t worry about promoting your book until there’s actually something for people to preorder. Share the deal announcement if that comes out first. Share the cover. But there’s no point in doing active promotion on a book that no one can actually order. It’s frustrating to be unable to take action.

Besides that, the internet has a short attention span. And importantly, other books are coming out right now — books readers can buy and read and talk about. Let those books have their time. Your time will come soon enough.

3

Before you post something personal or vulnerable, ask yourself, “What am I hoping to get out of this?” You know my position — that not everything is content — but, of course, that’s not everyone’s feeling. And that’s okay.

Still, I think it’s wise to ask yourself why you are doing something. As an author, you’re now a Public Figure. What you say weighs more now than it might have before. So take a moment. Think about whether this is something you want associated with your Author Brand. And make the call from there.

4

You can learn how to do events, ask a bookseller if you can sign stock of your book, and how to pitch your book to others. I know it can be scary. I’ve told you about the time I nearly fainted in the waiting area of a Cheesecake Factory after one of my first events! But it wasn’t long before I realized that once I learned how to do one book signing, I’d learned how to do most of them. The structure of the events — and the things people want to know about — are mostly the same.

Think of it as a performance, if that helps. Write yourself a script. Practice saying it until it sounds natural. Here’s further advice on that front, with more examples of things you can practice. (And if no one shows up to your event, I’m sorry, and congratulations you’re in good company. Most of us have had no-show events. There’s a script for this, too, though. Yep. You can learn how to do no-show events.)

5

Talk to your agent first. About whatever it is.

Your agent is there to help you. If you have questions, ask. If you need advice, ask. If you’re worried you’re sending too many emails with ???? in the subject line, that’s fair. Save up all your questions throughout the day in a draft, then review it the next morning before you hit send. If there are truly a lot, mark which ones are urgent or you’d like them to prioritize. Keep in mind they aren’t mind readers. (As far as I know.)

You can also ask author friends who’ve been around for a bit. (Don’t know anyone? You know me.) But remember that everyone has a different experience in the industry, so opinions and advice (including this letter!) are always going to be colored by that.

6

Remember that your situation can change.

We talked about this in What Happens When You Aren’t Your Publisher’s Chosen One, and that remains true. Your position with your publisher is not static.

Some of that is out of your control, like how much they’re able to budget to promote your book. That can depend on sales, the money folks, and what’s popular at the moment. But the thing that is in your control is your relationship with them: how enjoyable you are to work with, how you respond to disappointments and bad news (and good news), and generally whether you treat the people who work on your book as fellow humans.¹

An author with great sales may stick around even if they’re difficult to work with. But the people who have to put up with the author are less likely to continue doing that if those sales slip.

So don’t be a d . . . urp.

7

Remember: you’re living someone else’s dream right now. You’ve written a book — a whole book — or you’re agented, or you have a publishing contract. Or whatever!

I know other people can’t know all the big things going on in your life, and that some of those things are pretty tough. But the thing they do know — that’s really big. Your accomplishment is significant. So when writing/publishing feels hard, take a moment and think about what you’ve managed to do.

It’s not just someone else’s dream you’re living: it’s also something Past You dreamed of. And now you’re doing it.

That’s amazing.

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1. I don’t mean being a pushover, or not advocating for yourself. Sometimes publishing is about being the squeaky wheel! Squeak when you must! But no one should be bracing for impact when your name pops up in their inbox, you know? You can advocate for yourself and be respectful of others at the same time.

And if you need someone to be the bad guy . . . get your agent to do it.