Essentials For Writers On Their Way To Publication

Starting the journey from writer to authorship is terrifying, exciting, and exhausting all at the same time.

There are days when I open my emails with all the excitement of a child let loose in a candy store and others - I make sure to open them while already lying in bed so that I won't have to go far to scream into my pillow. (This could either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the day.) 

If you're heading into this wonderfully terrifying journey alongside me, here are a few essentials for you to know before you begin. 

Build A Strong Platform 

I wish I could say that your social media following is not a crucial factor in publishing your novel, but in today's digital age, it is. Not just for those looking to self-publish their books, but for those who are seeking traditional representation as well. 

Building a strong platform and establishing yourself in some space such as a website, blog, or some other writing community can only help your chances of an agent working with you or helping an audience find your novel. 

You should begin building your platform long before you begin the process of publication, but if you have already begun it's not too late. 

Have Your Papers In Order 

Unlike writing a Facebook post, there is a bit more to submitting a manuscript for publication such as:

• Research potential agents, and publishers. (Or platforms for those who plan to self-publish.)
• Write PERSONALIZED query letters and pay attention to guidelines.

Don't just copy and paste the same message to each agent you wish to query. This is why the first step is research. Make sure you know who you are sending each letter to as well as the guidelines they have for submission. Each agent is different and it would suck for them to reject you based on something technical such as you gave them a three-page- synopsis when they only wanted one. 

Don't Take It Personal 

Rejection hurts, but it's not always a sign that something you did was wrong, you might just not be what that agent is looking for at the time or they believe that you might need to look over either your manuscript or synopsis and try again. 

A rejection does not mean you are a bad writer.

A REJECTION DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE A BAD WRITER 

Some of the most popular and best-selling books in the world were rejected by dozens of agents before they were considered for publication. 

And you can bet that those other agents were kicking themselves in the pants as soon as they realized. 

Rejection is just part of the process, but you are still allowed to be upset if it happens. Just don't let it stop you. Mourn, and move on to the next one.

Keep writing.

Keep submitting. 

You'll make it.

With love, 

B.K. xo xo

Want to write with me live? I'm now on Twitch! Come join me in some writing sprints most days at 10:00 pm EST

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