So You Want to Be an Author?

Years ago I embarked on the journey of writing. Unfortunately, I got through nine chapters and stopped. It just didn't feel right and something seemed off. I'd let a few of my co-workers read what I'd written and they were all excited about it, anticipating the ending. Yet, I never finished. I blamed it on life getting in the way. That was true, it had. I let fear drive me to focus on other things, exploring other career options, and I even stopped writing altogether. It was the worst time of my life. About nine years later, I decided that I needed to stop running from myself and get out of my own way. I needed to finish my book. I needed to get my story told and bring people into my world.

I published my first book on August 2, 2016. It was invigorating, stressful, empowering, and I felt established. I was officially a published author after all. I'd done the research which allowed me to avoid many of the "freshman mistakes" and I was ready to be embraced by the world as a best-selling author. I was going to be in Oprah's Book Club, win awards, and become widely known. Until I wasn't.

The reality of it all is that it takes time, and a great marketing plan. You definitely have to think outside the box, turn your book signing into an event, market outside of your friends and family, and find your target audience. One thing is for certain, you have to develop thick skin. I'm sure you have read all of this before. But, have you read about the other side? The depth and fortitude it takes to bring your vision to life? The long nights? Early mornings? Hours without eating? I didn't think so. Being an author is a business. We all hear that the best business is your business, especially if it is your passion. It's true. You don't mind the long hours, or that your business has engulfed your social life. You enjoy what you do. Here is what I have learned. I hope you use these tips as a guide to be the best author you can be:

1. Read. How can you be a good writer if you don't read? Consider reading some of your favorite authors and really explore what makes them great. Implement those techniques into your writing.

2. Write. If you don't sit down and write, you will never be the author you aspire to be. Tell your story!

3. Break. Get up and take a break. I'm guilty of getting so engrossed in the story that I will type for hours, even when I am tired. It results in many typographical errors, grammatical errors, and burnout. When you are tired, take a break. Set time limits for yourself and stick to them. It saves you a lot of time in the end because your corrections won't be so plentiful. Use this time for family and friends. Also, begin to think of how you plan on marketing the book. Your friends can help you with that.

4. Eat. Schedule it. Make sure you eat. This is another thing of which I am guilty and I have taken steps to correct it. It results in bad headaches and other health issues. So grab a snack and eat.

5. Share. This is a tricky one. Share your book with someone you trust, and make sure they have a good grasp on the English language. They can help you get through a few scenes and ensure that what you see in your head is what you have written on paper, down to the most minute detail. Which leads me to my next tip...

6. Find a mentor. Having a mentor who has been through it, and who can help you develop your manuscript, is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Your mentor can help you in ways that other people can't. They have the experience you lack and can guide you and keep you in-the-know. Remember, you don't know what you don't know.

7. Foreword thinking. Find someone to write your foreword for you. It seems small, but is HUGE in the grand scheme of things. If you know someone who has a large following, or fan base. Give them a copy of your book ASAP and ask them to write a foreword that will knock your reader's socks off.

8. Read it aloud. Read, and re-read for errors, then read it aloud. Reading what you've written aloud allows you to determine if you like what you hear. Another great tip is to read each sentence backwards to see if there are errors (ex. missed letters in a word or punctuation errors.)

9. Polish it. Do yourself a favor and hit "select all" then make sure your font is black. Polish up your presentation by ensuring the chapters are marked properly. Is your heading correct on each page? Is your font consistent? Did you include the copyright information? Dedication page ? Author page? Are your pages numbered? Have you asked someone to read over you back cover blurb to ensure it is engaging? What does your cover look like? Do you have your ISBN? Does it look like a book in the book store?

7. Edit. Find a good editor. You need someone with fresh eyes to look for things you did not see. They can also ensure that your manuscript has an easy-to-read flow. It is a great investment.

8. Get involved. Get involved in your community and make yourself known. Find some book clubs to join and develop relationships with them so that they will not only read your book, but share it with others.

9. Find some betas. Get some beta readers, preferably from those book clubs. Ask them to read and provide a review. This is where your ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) comes in handy. You can even vet them to ensure that they are avid readers in your genre and that they will provide a review. Don't expect your betas to always give you great reviews. Instead, ask for honest critiques. That is how you improve your manuscript before you release it.

10. Re-Read. Re-read your book again and make updates based on suggestions from your beta readers and editor. By the time you finish editing, you will be sick of the book, but you will know every nuance of your characters and will be able to answer any question an interviewer throws in your direction. This is also your chance to do your final edits.

11. Polish it again. See number 9. Also, save the document as a PDF file and review it. This is how it will look when printed, so check for color variations and make sure pictures are within the page perimeters.

11. Market it. Implement your marketing plan and be consistent. Remember, even if you have a publisher, it is still your responsibility to tell people who you are. If people know who you are, they are more likely to buy your book. New readers don't know you and want to know if your book is worth the price. Offering book teasers, doing interviews, sending out press kits, etc. allows your reader to get to know you and see what the book is about. Try to get some book bloggers on board to help you get your writing out to the world.

Being a published author is very involved and whether you want to self-publish, or find an agent to help you publish traditionally, these basic steps are a good solid start. Stay tuned for more information about the wonderful world of books.

carmLkisses to you,

Carmen

Carmen L. Hendrix is author of the short-story collection "When Honeysuckles Fall" and the novel "Eight Moments." To read some of her short stories, and for booking information, head over to her blog at CarmenHendrix.com.

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