Readers, what tips would you like to share with writers? Writers, what tips would you like to share with other writers? This includes newbie writers in addition to the veterans.
In one of the RAW Groups, we did Tuesday Tips for Writers earlier this week and a lot of wonderful, wonderful tips were shared. Since I haven’t gotten permission to post tips from others here, I wanted to extend the offer to those who would like to add to the list.
Here are some of mine:
- Always follow directions — Nothing annoys people more than to get a reply saying “go to my website” or see a bunch of attachments you threw together. Ummm seriously?
- Always be professional — As a reader, I don’t care that you had a bad day. Keep that away from the book-signing or chat you’re doing.
- Do it 100% or don’t do it — Speaking of chats, why schedule a book tour with a site if you’re not going to show up or a book-signing if you’re not willing to draw the people in who are walking by the bookstore? Seriously go all in with what you’re doing or don’t book it.
- Learn patience — The publishing industry is not a fast route for most folks. Keep writing and studying the craft while you wait and you’ll get there, eventually.
- Write what you love — Chasing the market will hardly get you anything but out of breath. Write what you love and even if it takes years to sell it or publish it, keep going. The market is flaky. What sold yesterday might not sell tomorrow. On the flip side it might sell 5 years down the road. Write a great story, one so great that the “market” won’t matter.
- End the book – Please end the book and stop with the cliffhangers. No, I’m not interested in what I think happened. You wrote the book, end it and stop trying to set yourself up for a sequel. Seriously? Do I want to wait a year anyway to see what happens as ole girl is coming around the bend going 90? Seriously? No!
- Accept rejection and/or unfavorable reviews graciously — Not everyone is going to like your work, but sometimes even in that rejection or unfavorable review there is a nugget you can use for future work. And stop telling that reviewer “everyone else loved it.” OMG…seriously? Who? mama & ‘nem and one other reviewer who loves everything anyway? Seriously?
- Learn to Communicate — nothing annoys me more than people who are unable to speak up (respectfully) if there is an issue. How can an issue be fixed if both parties aren’t aware there’s an issue? And also, don’t be two-faced. Mean what you say…and own it if you say it.
- Stop complaining – yeah yeah…you’re stuck in the Af-Am section of the bookstore, so the non-blacks don’t see your work. Okay, sorry about that. But your core audience sees them right? Save your money and budget to do marketing to those audiences you want to cross over into. Go to the non-black libraries, bookstores, etc., and pitch yourself. Go to non-black events, do your research. While I agree that some black books don’t get the exposure of our counterparts, I don’t think that’s an excuse to sit on the bench and complain. Do something about it, even if it means you only get one new non-black reader, or be quiet and sit down.
- Don’t settle – on the flip side of the complaining, do NOT settle for just anything. So, the publisher offers you a $25 advance. If you think you’re worth more than that, then DON’T accept the contract. If they want to block you from writing any other genre, under any other name unless they can see it first (but only after the current books are published), ummm…does that work for you? If not, do not settle. Be willing to walk away if you can’t negotiate better terms. They want you to sex up your story? Ummm…does that work for you? For the story? Don’t settle. While I realize the publisher is giving you a wonderful opportunity (in most cases), what’s for you will be yours, so wait for it. Don’t be one of those desperate authors willing to take anything for a nibble.
- Stop thinking you’re entitled — I’m sorry for this one, as some may not like it, but the world does not owe you anything. Just because you’re a great writer or you may have a lot of fans, publishing doesn’t owe you anything. Don’t flounce around thinking you’re the end all be all and PLEASE definitely don’t do this if you’re a new author. Yeah, your mama and ‘nem like your book, but seriously…do they read as much as the average reader?
- Get your own mailing list — Again…I’m sorry, but online groups and public forums are great for networking, but who is going to really “see” you when all you’re doing is me, me, me and my book. OMG, sit down and shut it up. How many readers ignore messages from authors on these groups because they hardly EVER participate? It’s obvious they’re in the group for one reason, to sell themselves. And, that’s sad.
- Rethink that status update on FB or that tweet on Twitter — Yes, it’s wonderful to network with readers, editors, and other authors, but seriously…do I really want to know what color your underwear are? Do I really need to know about you cursing out your landlord, or how good your one night stand was? Or even worse, the fact that you hate reading or that you don’t believe in editing? There’s a balance and while we all slip up and post something every now and then and think “dang, I shouldn’t have said that” just be a bit more cautious. And please STOP with the every other minute email messages to the fans of your fan page or group. Seriously? If you have that much free time, go write or do some research. If we want to see what’s up with you, we’ll come to your wall. We don’t need all the email.
- Don’t give up — if this is your dream, continue to study the craft, submit your work over and over again, despite the rejections and listen. Don’t think you know it all (or that you have to believe everything an “expert” says.) Look it up, keep moving toward your dream.
*These are the opinion of Tee and not those of RAWSISTAZ as a whole, even though I am the founder. 
Wonderful advice~ I am going to think of some stuff and come back~
angelia
OMG…..I couldn’t have said these any better!! Great tips Tee! My favorite one is the accept rejection and/or unfavorable reviews graciously tip. Second favorite……End the book.
Great tips Tee! I will definitely keep them in mind as I continue to work on my own writing. Thanks for keeping it real!
This is so true and real live advice. Great tips, some may even receive a wake up call.
Gabrielle
I just got some wake up calls from this. I am guilty of more than one. Thanks, Tee. You should have an “Ask Tee,” column. Seriously
I should seriously consider NOT saying seriously so much. I’m working on it. LOL. Glad it helped, DJ and I appreciate you acknowledging that there are some you need to work on. While others may or may not agree, I know they are things I run into all the time with writers.
-Tee
We ALL got stuff to work on, and once we figure out one thing, we discover there is another thing…
angelia
.-= — Visit angelia´s site & last blog post at: LET MY WORDS~ =-.
Accepting rejection and/or unfavorable reviews graciously. This is so true and great advice. I remember sending my work to an agent. She rejected it, but she also gave advice along with it. I really appreciated the mini critique of my work. I was not upset or nasty because I know I have a long way too go.
Fabulous post. Authors need to read this…several times….and then one more time for good measure.
.-= — Visit zaji´s site & last blog post at: something different week 16: your existence =-.
These are some really good tips! I know that as a new writer, it’s harder for us and these tips really, really helped me understand just a little bit more. Thanks!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Hello Group,
I hope all is well. I haven’t had a chance to read the other responses, but in my case I will offer the following tips.
1. Learn the business. I researched the business side of writing two years before jumping into it full-time. Regardless of how much people blow smoke up your butt, at the end of the day IT’S ALWAYS BUSINESS. Therefore keep you’re (I)’s dotted and (T)’s crossed at all times.
2. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Though this group is African American, I deal with writers of all backgrounds including pets, vampire, science fiction, etc. I’m determined to know as much about writing resources and/or events as possible, and you can’t do that by being afraid to talk to others outside of your comfort zone.
3. Understand your not THE SHIT to everyone you meet, though they might front like you are. I have met several writers with crappy attitudes, flat out rude. This world is small and you never know who you might need, therefore think twice before you look down at others. Also, be willing to accept the fact everyone isn’t going to kiss your butt because you wrote a book. If you come at me the wrong way I can easily keep it moving because you’re not my source God is. So don’t be hurt if the public doesn’t jump through hoops because you are on the scene.
4. Take your brand seriously. I am a fickle person and will not submit query letters to just anyone. I take my brand seriously and prefer to write for others that believe in quality, as well as professionalism
5. Shoot for the top at all times:)
6. Many blessings to all!!!!
Kanarian K
Stay true to yourself. Do not write to please anyone else.
Just getting around to reading this. GREAT ADVICE and comments. Some of these could apply to more than just writers. I need to make note of those and keep them at my desk and just point to them every now and then (and read them for myself on those bad days).
Since the post a sent to the list was more of a rant than a tip I will say it with a bit more calm this time.
I DO NOT APPRECIATE SPENDING MY HARD EARNED MONEY ON CRAP SO PLEASE CONSIDER ME AND MY POCKETBOOK WHEN YOU WRITE YOUR BOOK AND ASK ME TO SPEND MY MONEY ON IT.
Yes I took it there. I love my authors and do everything in my power to support them including using my cash to buy books (this includes review books) Yes some of my review books are purchased (especially review books for BBW Reviews since the site has a goal and a purpsoe and I am determined to keep make it happen). I do this willingly for love of reading and a appreciation for the writers that have choosen to put a piece of themselves out there for my entertainment. Given all this my money and time are valuable. There is so much out there for me to read why should I support you if your only goal is to sell a book. Last time I checked being an author was about more than the sale. I understand this is a business but when the check becomes more important than that finished product something is very wrong and guess what reader notice. Eventuallty we will stop reading your books. I personally am very loyal to author that make the effort to put out good work. They have earned not just my cash and my voice cause I will spread the word about a good book in a hot minute.
OK all that said you may ask what is my tip to author.
Tip 1) OK Read your own work and ask yourself the question if you did not write it would you read past the first chapter.
Tip 2) Don’t take on more than you can chew. Readers are not idiots and we notice when your skill is not up to the challenge.
Tip 3) FB, twitter and all those other spots are fine but if your spending more time there than you are working on your writing something is wrong. Yes FB may catch my attention but it is the book that keep me coming back.
Tip 4) Think outside of the box. I love my AA authors but I think it is a shame that yall don’t market more outside of the AA community. AA events are not the end all and b all of the literary scene. With the lit world changing as a whole you need to work on finding your nitch because we are being pushed into a corner and it is going to take more than AA readers to bring us out.
Tip 5) This comes from running a book club, being a reviewer, and having a website that offers a service to authors. Understand that we have alot of things going on. You are not the only author we are dealing with, your book is not the only book on our review list, your presentation is not the only thing we are working on. So please be patient if you do not get back to you right away I will trust me I will and if you need something ASAP please tell me in advance so I can let you know if it is possible. I understand that your time is valuable but guess what so is ours and we are very often spread thin yet still working with multiple authors books and projects. I personally have work on 3 sites 2 of which are updated monthly and if I am not updating I am researching, if I am not researching I am reading, If I am not reading I am writing a review, if I am not writing a review I am editing a review, and the list goes on.
Thank you Tee C.! I am guilty of making those TMI personal status updates! It’s such naughty fun, but my time would be better spent working on my sequel. Yes, I am also guilty of not ending my first novel, “Her Husband Made Her Do Him.” LOL.
Seriously, I love sequels though. One of my faves is the Nappily series, and oh how I long for a sequel to Terry McMillian’s “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
Thank you for your dedication and helpful assistance to writers like me. Where would we be without you? I value your input, and I’m constantly checking out what you have to say here and on twitter. I also spend time tweeting about you!
Ms. Downlow