Comments on: Advice for Writers Getting Started

By: Tiana Whetstone

Tiana Whetstone — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:11:28 +0000

In reply to Nerine Dorman. I have finished my writing, but am having a hard time finding out who to send it to, who to have edit, and how the process works. Help?

By: Burton Haynes

Burton Haynes — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:09:46 +0000

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By: wry wryter

wry wryter — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 02:32:07 +0000

>Write.
Research.
Believe.
Accept rejection.
Start over.
Repeat if necessary because it will be.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:12:39 +0000

>I'm Glad i ran across this site.Added cba-ramblings.blogspot.com to my bookmark!

By: Jillian Kent

Jillian Kent — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 01:17:02 +0000

>All excellent suggestions that will help each of us. I would add that you MUST persevere and let go of your ego. That's EGO not EGGO. No matter what, be teachable. That covers a lot of ground. And know it may take twenty years. This business is everything but fast. Do you want it that much?

perseverance–noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. (Dictionary.com)

By: Kylie Griffin

Kylie Griffin — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 23:00:43 +0000

>I find it interesting no one seems to have suggested to join a writing organisation of some sort ie. Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of New Zealand.

All three have proven to cater to not only romance writers but writers in other genres.

The resources offered by such an organisation is limitless and any beginning writer will discover a wealth of information and experience at their fingertips.

Why "go it all alone" when you can benefit from the swag of learning in craft, industry, experience, courses and conferences available with these sorts of organisations?

By: Deborah Dinzes

Deborah Dinzes — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:38:34 +0000

>Write every day. Set time aside for your writing, and maybe set aside a place if that helps you. Make a commitment to it and be disciplined about it. And when you hit that groove, clear your calendar and your other responsibilities as much as possible so that you can dive all in.
I'd also agree with Rachel about the developmental editing advice — but I think that comes in later when you do your initial revision (which you'll have to do before submitting your work to others). And I love the quote from Anne Lamont. Really useful advice from one and all!

By: Sierra Gardner

Sierra Gardner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 17:45:54 +0000

>Develop your own writing support group. The people who will read and edit your manuscripts, remind you life isn't over when you receive 15 form rejections in a row, cheer you on when you make one of your goals and invest in you as an author. They are invaluable and will (if you let them) help make your writing stellar.

By: DCS

DCS — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 16:46:44 +0000

>How to get published.

Rule #1: Finish the maunscript

Rule #2 See rule #1

By: Kathryn Magendie

Kathryn Magendie — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:04:50 +0000

>Lot of the good stuff's been said, but if this hasn't:

Decide what your goals are as far as distribution, realistic monetary gains, size of publisher, etc - so you can make a decision whether you would be happy with a small press or would only be happy with one of the Big 6, or somewhere in between. That way you know where to begin looking or when you find your agent, you know what you want and can convey that to them (of course, I'm sure you want to listen to their advice!).

By: J.M. Lacey

J.M. Lacey — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:19:14 +0000

>Single piece? Research.

Multiple? Learn the craft of writing (in other words, brush up on your English/grammar skills, and read books); Research the business of publishing (plenty of quality information out there so there's no excuse for laziness); and attend conferences.

By: kangaroobee

kangaroobee — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 12:15:56 +0000

>I would send an absolute newbie to http://www.cbiclubhouse.com and tell them to read and write.

By: Jan Christiansen

Jan Christiansen — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:16:37 +0000

>Don't forget to have fun with your writing! If you can't do that, the rest is pointless.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 05:41:55 +0000

>If you seriously want to get published, don't ever forget that you're writing for an audience as well as for yourself. Check your self-indulgence at the door, and ask yourself at every turn of phrase, "Will anyone care but me?" As a developmental editor, this is my most common note on a manuscript, as writers are often to close to their projects to notice if they're going off on tangents, putting too much time or focus on insignificant details, or indulging their own unique tastes and interests. It's fine to write what you know and you should certainly write something you love, but take heed not to bore your reader.