What New Writers Should Know
Basic Tips for Beginning Writers
Apr 28, 2007 Kimberly Dawn Wells
Beginning writers often email to ask, "What should I know about writing?" The answer to this isn't simple and isn't even often easy to swallow. Here you will find a short summary of the basic things every new writer should know.
How to write
The first and foremost thing you must know is how to get words and ideas out of your head and onto paper. This doesn't require any special tools, in fact, you don't need to know basic grammar for the writing part. All you need is a pen and paper, or computer, and the ability to write the words that are in your mind.
Ability to organize thoughts
Separate from 'how to write,' this includes structuring ideas into linear thoughts. First idea first, middle idea middle, last idea last.
How to edit
First of all, you should know that you SHOULD edit. Secondly, you should understand a few basics for HOW to edit. Editing isn't as hard as it sounds but can be very time consuming. Some say writing is 10% of the process, and editing 90%.
How to submit
Where to submit your work, how to write a query letter, and how to follow publisher directions are skills you can easily learn as you go. Each genre has slightly different rules and traditions.
Publishing techniques
You aren't necessarily expected to know how to publish your own book, but you should be educated on the printing and marketing processes that publishers use to get your book from rough manuscript to the bookstore shelves. You should also be familiar with the basic publishing terminology and contract issues.
How to promote
Don't expect your publishers to be your marketing agent too. Every writer needs to know how to promote him or herself and his or her own works.
Understand you are competing
Thousands and thousands of writers just like you are vying for the attention of a limited number of editors and publishers. It is your responsibility to make yourself as appealing as possible by being as skilled and knowledgeable as possible.
Be open minded
New writers tend to be considerably emotional about their work. They are highly sensitive to criticism, and as a result often ignore advice, don't get help, and continue to submit work that isn't ready. Get over it so you can get on with it.
Be an avid reader
No writer is an island. By reading voraciously, you'll learn what else is out there and what is getting published. You'll also learn great new techniques, vocabulary, and style ideas.
This isn't a complete list of everything you need to know as a new writer, but it will certainly get you started. As you start from the beginning, build on your skill base as needed, and you'll soon have the knowledge necessary to take your writing hobby or career anywhere.
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