A Letter to New Authors from Some Old Authors

Dear author with the newly-released book,

The publication of your first novel is exciting. Just ask any author who has gone before you. I'm sure you're awash in so many emotions it's difficult to choose just one. That's understandable, and we certainly don't want to take any of your happiness away or steal your joy. What we want to do is give you some insider tips that will come in handy now that you've become a published author. 

These aren't strict, dyed-in-the wool guidelines you must follow. They're just things we've noticed, obstacles we've overcome, and mistakes we've made that you, hopefully, won't have to make because we're sharing them here. 

• Don't focus so much on the reviews. This is your first book so cut yourself some slack and don't obsess because Reviewer A didn't like your work. --Rachel Carrington
• Educate yourself on the ever-changing industry and stay educated.--Lisa Renee Jones
• Engage with your readers. Being a writer doesn't have to be a reclusive job. --Rachel Carrington
• Don't get disappointed if you don't hit the USA Today Bestseller List with this book or even your next one. Building readers can take time which means good sales can take time. --Rachel Carrington
• Or in Tim Havens' words, don't expect to get rich quick! 
• Be nice to your readers; they're your bread and butter--Trista Ann Michaels
• Your work has just begun; it's publicity time!--Lynn Tincher
• Be true to yourself and your readers by writing what you know and not what you don't. Your readers will know when you don't know what you're talking about.--Leslie Montgomery
• Do thorough research and go the extra mile in doing so. It will pay off.--Leslie Montgomery
• Network, network, network, and network with everyone. You never know who the person is you're talking to - they could be a person who buys twenty of your books. --Leslie Montgomery
• Try not to give away too many books. You worked hard, and this is your pay off for doing so. --Leslie Montgomery
• Don't wait to write your next book - get on it now.--Leslie Montgomery
  
• Your first published book only comes once so enjoy it! --Louann Carroll
• Listen to your editors. They don't hate you, and they're not out to make your life miserable. Their experience is your direct key to industry knowledge, and pride won't get you very far. --Stephanie Taylor
  
• Research is your best friend. Don't rely just on your friends or the first things you find on the internet-dig deep, dig hard, and verify, verify, verify!--Cynnara Tregarth
  
• It takes time to succeed. --Bridget Goller Lashbrooks
• Avoid the urge to respond to a negative book review. You're not going to change that reviewer's mind, but you could damage your reputation as an author. --Rachel Carrington
• Appreciate your readers. They give you impetus, accolades, income, and inspiration. The first is always the one you will remember most for a lot of different emotions: elation, euphoria, crushing let down, and the black hole of your next project. Bask, indeed, but do not lose your discipline. And make your fans your friends. Good Luck. We all share in your joy and success. --Muffy Wilson
• Word of mouth is your best friend. Tell people about your book. They can't buy it if they don't know it exists. --LaShaunda Hoffman
  
• Get a Publicist and create a unique logo. Print business cards and book marks and give them away at every opportunity.--Lori Leigh
  
• Now that the book is completed, the work begins to brand your name. --Lori Leigh
  
• Never give up; there is always more to come. --Shirley Kiger Connolly
  
• Writing is only the beginning. Signing a contract to publish is only your first hurdle. Getting your name out there is a sea of others is key to success. Never forget, your readers are your best form of publicity, support them as they support you. --Dottie Taylor-Lillie J. Roberts
  
•  I recently read a quote by Maya Angelou that resonated with me. Ive added it to my own website, and at least for now, it's the advice I'm giving new authors (via Maya): "Write it so that people can hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart." --Delia Dawson Latham
  

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So there you have it. Some truths from authors who have taken the journey you've just started. We've all been published; we've all made mistakes; and we've all survived them. You can, too, but you have to commit to this career. Writing isn't a get-rich quick scheme. It might not be as back-breaking as digging ditches or repairing roofs, but it takes the same amount of effort. And you have to determine you're in this for the long haul. It won't be easy. There will be times you'll feel like quitting. But if this is a dream for you, a true calling, you'll never give in to that urge. Because writing is your life.