Pro Tips for Authors
By Kim Childress
1. Be an Avid Reader in Your Genre:
-Writers should also be avid readers, especially in their chosen genre.
2. Understand Childhood Development (For Children's Book Authors):
-Authors of children's books benefit from understanding childhood development and stages.
-Immersion in children's lives through volunteering or tutoring can provide valuable insights.
3. Plan for a Day Job:
-Expect that writing alone may not provide a stable income; plan for a day job.
4. Passion and Perseverance:
-Authors need passion and perseverance to navigate the publishing journey.
5. Writing Takes Time:
-Understand that getting traditionally published can take years; be prepared for the long haul.
6. Write Your Heart, Find the Market:
-Write the story in your heart first, then seek the market that fits it.
7. Seek Critique and Research:
-Seek feedback from critique groups or professional editors to improve your work.
-Research comparable titles and publishers for a better fit.
8. Connect Through Experience:
-Writing is about sharing experiences, connecting with readers, and putting emotions into words.
-Vulnerability in your writing helps readers across demographics connect.
9. Trust Your Editor:
-Trust your editor's expertise and realize they advocate for your book within the publishing house.
10. Conference Involvement:
- Attend conferences and join professional organizations for networking opportunities.
11. Patience in Publishing:
- Patience is key in the publishing world, especially when facing delays like those caused by COVID-19.
12. Social Media Strategy:
- Focus on quality content and building a dedicated following rather than just amassing followers.
13. Stay True to Yourself:
- Define your values and maintain authenticity in your online presence and career choices.
14. Don't Overreact:
- Choose your battles wisely, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and respond thoughtfully.
15. Rejections Are Part of the Journey:
- Rejections are common; don't take them personally, but keep persevering.
16. Finding the Right Publisher:
- Explore smaller and mid-size publishers that align with your work.
17. Diversify Your Creative Pursuits:
- Don't limit yourself to one project; explore multiple creative disciplines.
18. Build Your Personal Brand:
- Develop a blog, newsletter, or online presence to build your fanbase and market yourself.
19. Protect Contract Details:
- Avoid sharing contract and financial details on social media, as it can lead to unrealistic expectations.
20. Be Skeptical of Generalities:
- Beware of one-size-fits-all advice; not all situations apply to everyone.
21. Choose Your Battles Wisely:
- Don't feel compelled to respond to every issue; assess the situation before reacting.
22. Don't Seek Universal Approval:
- Focus on your work, not on pleasing everyone; not everyone will like you.
23. Avoid Overexposure:
- Don't exhaust yourself trying to maintain an image of perfection; authenticity is key.
24. Marketing Skills Matter:
- Learn essential marketing skills or consider hiring professionals to help with branding and promotion.
With over thirty-five years in publishing, Kim Childress is an award-winning editor, author, speaker, and reviewer. She has built a distinguished career while also raising a personal focus group—her four children now adults—whose experiences have enriched her insights into children's and young adult literature. More.
Founder, Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink
Author ~ Editor ~ Reviewer ~ Speaker
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