Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections?

Publishing can be a rewarding field to work in—especially when it involves helping other authors achieve their dreams. There’s nothing like the feeling that comes from offering a writer a contract. 


But when I first took on my two roles in publishing, I didn’t quite take into account the fact that I would have to say “no” more often than I said “yes.” As an author myself, I understand the determination writers have toward reaching their dreams. I can relate with the emotional roller coaster that writers often find themselves on throughout this crazy journey.

And I know what it’s like to work so hard and have your hopes set on a specific publisher or agent, only to have yet another door shut in your face. A door that you thought for sure could be the one to lead you toward your dream.

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So trust me when I say that it’s painful for me to write rejections as well. Since I’m passionate about motiving writers to achieve their dreams, it’s hard for me to realize that my rejection letter could accomplish the exact opposite. These letters could be a source of discouragement rather than encouragement.

Of course, I always try to come across as encouraging, even in the rejections. But it could still hurt the writer who is on the receiving end. The simple fact that they reached yet another closed door could tempt them to give up.  

The hard truth is, rejections are part of the journey. It’s inevitable. Yet even though us writers might know this, it still doesn’t take away the sting. You might be prepared to receive these letters, but it still doesn’t take away the discouragement. After a while, you might begin to wonder if the journey is even worth the effort. Besides, how is an aspiring author supposed to reach the land of publishing if every route she’s tried seems blocked—as if it leads to a dead end?

When we reach the point when the rejections seem endless, I think it’s important to take a pause. A breather. Remind yourself of why you’ve decided to set out on this voyage to begin with. Allow yourself to dream again.

Then, the next time you receive a rejection, remind yourself of the following truths…

1 – It’s all about perspective.

A rejection doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer, nor does it mean you won’t be published someday. It simply means that your project is not right for the agent or editor at this time. However, it might also mean that your book still needs some work.

Did you set out on the voyage toward your dreams prematurely? Should you go back to the starting line and spend more time honing your craft?

Remember: This is a journey, not a race.

2 – There are still other options.

The great thing about today’s publishing world is that there are multiple options for aspiring authors. There will always be another agent. Multiple smaller houses are providing aspiring authors with the chance to reach their publishing dreams as well. Self-published authors are beginning to earn more respect in the industry. Plus, you could always put the manuscript you’re shopping in your drawer for now and try to pitch another project instead.

The point is, there are always options. A rejection isn’t the end of the road. You simply need to decide which step to take next.

3 – You’re trying to find the perfect editor or agent for your project. Rejections mean that person was not the right fit. (For now, at least.)

Can I remind you of this genius quote by Thomas Edison?

“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

If you receive another rejection, remind yourself that you didn’t fail. You just found yet another person who isn’t right for your project. But that doesn’t mean the right person won't come along at the right time. (Why is this starting to sound like a post on relationship advice? Haha)  

4 – Every successful writer has dealt with rejection at some point.

Again, rejection is simply part of the journey toward publication.

“J.K. Rowling’s first ‘Harry Potter’ was rejection 12 times. Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ was rejected 38 times. I was immensely proud to have beaten them all.” 

– Ashwin Sanghi

5 – The dream will never come to pass if you don’t keep striving toward it.

Wouldn’t you rather try and be rejected rather than live with the regret of not trying at all?

“It is impossible to live without failing at something … unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” 

– J.K. Rowling

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So this year, as you continue to trek along your path toward publication, remind yourself that progress is better than being stagnant. Reaching a closed door is better than to never have knocked on the door in the first place. Besides, the simple fact that you wrote a book and you’re attempting to navigate the waters of publishing should be something to be proud of! You’re already farther ahead than several writers who only dream about writing a book.

The writing journey is simply that—a journey.

A journey that’s often filled with setbacks, failures, and mistakes.

Yet there are bright moments along the journey as well. Moments when you reach milestones that are worth celebrating. Moments when you learn to take constructive criticism and use that to catapult you further in your craft. Times when you hear back from readers who tell you that they couldn’t put your story down. Times when you might win contests or finally sign with your dream agent.

Those are the moments that will make this journey—and yes, even the rejections—worthwhile in the end.

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.”  

– Sylvia Plath

~ ~ ~ 

How do you handle rejections? 

Let me know in the comments!

Tweetable:



Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections? https://bit.ly/2RHJ2Km #writingcommunity #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall

Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 4

Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I finally have a chance to participate! 

Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. (Hopefully!) 

Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!

The Writer's Life:

The Writing Craft:

The Writing Process:

Tweetable:

Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 4 @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife https://bit.ly/2DLeBeh

Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 2

Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I finally have a chance to participate! 

Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. (Hopefully!) 

Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!

The Writer's Life:



The Writing Craft:



The Writing Process:

Which quote is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Tweetable:
Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 2 @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife https://bit.ly/2FfO7ns

Where Do We Find Our Identity As a Writer?

“Writer” has been attached to my name for as far back as I can remember. Writing is how I spent my free time as a kid. English is the subject I excelled in growing up. Every teacher I had in elementary school knew I was a “writer” and that I aspired to become an author some day.


Maybe you, too, have been known as the “writer” in your family, amongst your friends, and/or in school. Perhaps “become an author” is a dream that’s been etched onto your heart for as long as you can remember as well.

When we’re accustomed to viewing ourselves as a writer—when we’re comfortable hiding behind this identity—it can hurt when others question this identity. When others doubt our ability or stomp on our dreams. When we receive a harsh critique or a rejection that makes us question whether we truly are a writer—or simply a wannabe. Someone who has a big imagination and far-fetched dreams.


Where should we turn when our identity as a writer is threatened? How can we find the confidence we need to hold our heads high and continue trekking along our writing paths—even when we stumble upon doubts, insecurity, and rejections?


We can start by reminding ourselves of these 3 things:


1. Our identity is not attached to our writer status.


Whether you’re published, unpublished, a bestseller, award-winning—whatever your writer status looks like, keep in mind that this is not who you are. Sure, it might be a passion. A dream. An achievement. But this is just one aspect of your life.


We’re not defined by our achievements or lack thereof. We’re not defined by our careers.


I think this is one reason why some writers often become destroyed when they receive negative feedback on their work—because they take it as if it were an assault to their identity. Thankfully, as Christians, we can find freedom through discovering our identity as a Child of the Most High. Our confidence is built when we can see ourselves through the eyes of Christ. When this becomes our identity, then we’ll be less tempted to fall apart if and when someone questions our ability to write.


2. People don’t have the authority to remove the calling God has placed on our lives.


Why have we been given this calling to write? So we can bless others through the gift of words. That’s always the intention God has behind giving gifts to His children—so we can use them to further His Kingdom and delve into greater intimacy with Him.


However, the enemy doesn’t want this to happen. His intention, on the other hand, is to thwart our attempts to pursue our callings. Why? Well, think about it: If we don’t believe in ourselves as a writer, then we won’t have the confidence we need to finish our books. And if we don’t finish our books, they won’t get published. And if they don’t get published, then the people we could have impacted through this gift remain unreached.


Obviously, that’s good news to the enemy, right? His plan is to stomp God’s plans, so he’ll do everything he can to prevent our ministry from being furthered. He may use other people to cause us to question our ability to write—all in attempts to steer us off course.


Fortunately, we don’t have to fall for this trap. We can remind ourselves that our calling isn’t diminished when we receive a rejection or criticism.


Yet when we do begin to doubt this calling, let’s return to the moment when we first discovered the joy of writing. When we first felt the nudge to use our words as a ministry. And when others attempt to cause us to trip, let's find reassurance by replacing their lies with the truth of God's promises.


3. We’re not going to please everyone.


That should be a relief, shouldn’t it? Think about your favorite author. Sure, you might purchase every new book this author releases—but if you look at their book reviews, you might find the occasional one or two-starred review. I’m sure there are those who have questioned that author’s ability to write as well.


Not everyone is going to receive and respond to your writing the same way. So go ahead—take the pressure off of yourself to write a book that “everyone loves”. (This can result in perfectionist paralysis, anyway.)


Instead, when you approach your projects, I suggest keeping in mind those who will some day fall in love with your books—those who will be impacted by your words. But even more than that: Write for the One who gave you this gift to begin with. Because true fulfillment doesn’t lie in receiving the approval of everyone; it lies in pleasing only One. Our Father. That can be accomplished when we use our gifts for His glory.


So if you’ve been struggling with your identity as a writer lately, I’d encourage you to return to the moment when you first felt called to write. Forget about the critiques. The rejections. Even the positive feedback you’ve received from others.


Instead, allow yourself to be immersed in the creation of your story (or non-fiction project) as you write. Not just because you’re a writer and it’s what writers should do, but because it’s the gift you’ve been given. And gifts are meant to be received by the recipient with joy.


It's only then, when we fully embrace our role (not identity) as a writer, that we can step into the fullness of what He has in store and be the writer He wants us to become. And nothing, not even a one-star review, can take this role away from us!

~ ~ ~

Where do you find your identity as a writer? What helps when you begin to doubt your ability to write or calling as a writer?

Tweetable:

Where Do We Find Our Identity As a Writer? #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall https://bit.ly/2KITrhU

How to Beat Perfectionist Paralysis

Have you ever procrastinated working on your novel out of fear of making a mistake? I’ve found myself doing this several times throughout my writing journey. The crazy thing is, it’s not like I’m procrastinating a chore or activity that I dread. So why do I often delay producing creations that I’m passionate about? {Click here to continue reading at SoulfulInk.com}

How to Become an Author in Today’s Publishing World: P.3 – Building a Career

Many people think, once they sign a publishing contract, that they’ve officially “made it” as an author. And I guess this can be true for some, depending on what their specific goal/vision is. But if you’re hoping to build a career as a novelist, then that first book contract? It’s not the finish line; it’s the starting point. In other words … your career is just beginning!

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In the previous posts in this series (Post 1 & Post 2), I discussed how to set a foundation that could pave the way to attaining publication. I then explained the steps you can take when you’re ready to move forward and seek representation/publication.


Once you’ve finally landed a publishing contract, are there still goals to be reached? And how can you sustain your novelist career, stand out in the publishing world, and sell your next book?


First, let’s discuss what an average traditionally-published author’s career might look like…

1. Author signs book deal and delivers manuscript.
2. Author is taken through rounds of edits with in-house editors.
3. As the six-month pre-release of the book approaches, author begins generating more buzz surrounding book release. They may work with publicists at this point to help strategize promo efforts and create a marketing plan.
4. Author might begin brainstorming a new project during this time.
5. Release day finally arrives! Hopefully the author has planned a launch party—either an in-person event, virtual party, or both.
6. Author continues participating in marketing efforts even after the book is released. If their editor approves of their new book proposal/idea, the author may sign a new contract and get to work writing this new book. (Unless, of course, the author has already signed a multiple-book deal with this publisher.)
7. Repeat.

Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t always what the publication process looks like for traditionally-published authors. There are those who might have no idea how to market a book, so their release comes and goes without hardly any publicity. If this happens, their publisher will be less likely to sign a new book deal with them. It’s also likely that the publisher might prefer to wait and see if this new author can earn out their advance before they offer another contract.


Basically, here’s a brief overview of the hurdles this new author now faces:

• Marketing. Generating and sustaining book buzz. Building a solid readership—one that will help to sell their next book.
• Brainstorming a new book idea and selling it to their publisher (if they didn’t sign a multiple-book deal).
• Delivering the book idea.
• Receiving glowing reviews and ratings and attaining book awards—all in effort to build author credibility and bring more publicity to the book.

With this in mind, what can you to prepare for the road ahead?

1. Build your knowledge of book marketing. Take courses, workshops, listen to podcasts, and read books and blogs. Keep in mind, though, that it’s impossible to do everything. Stay focused by creating a marketing plan and only participating in efforts you’re comfortable with. It might also be a good idea to hire someone who can help spread the word about the book. Of course, don’t forget to continue building your platform during this time! Find where your audience is and strategize how you can connect with them (without necessarily “selling” to them.)
2. Know your brand. This can be a difficult feat, especially for the newly contracted author. Sometimes it’s not easy to establish a brand until you hear from readers and can tap into the reputation your books have within your genre. For now, do what you can to create a brand that suits your personality and differentiates your books from other authors within the genre. You can find out more about how to do this by seeing this post.
3. Stay updated on the industry and know what’s selling in your genre. I don’t, however, recommend that authors “chase the trend” per se. But it is wise to know what’s selling and know if your new book idea will have an audience. (Because if there is an audience for it, then the publisher will be more likely to sign another book deal.)
4. Keep going! Sure, there may be slow seasons in the author’s life. Several of them, actually. But a slow season shouldn’t necessarily be a stagnant season. If you’re actively working at growing a platform, marketing your book(s), interacting with readers, entering contests, staying updated on the industry, making connections, and, of course, writing—then your writer’s journey never has to come to an end.

Summary: The writer’s journey is filled with new milestones—not necessarily finish lines. Once you become an author, don’t take for granted the unfolding of your dream, but do continue working to ensure that your career is sustainable. And no, I don’t think it’s ever too early to prepare for life after publication!


~ ~ ~


What are you doing to prepare for publication? If you’re an author, do you have advice you’d like to add?


Tweetable:


How to Become an Author in Today’s Publishing World: P.3 – Building a Career #authorslife #publishing @TessaEmilyHall http://bit.ly/2G0vl0d

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 2 – Launching Forward

Once you’ve established the foundation of a writing career, how do you know when it’s time to launch forward and seek publication? What does the process even look like, and where should an aspiring author to begin?


Last week, we discussed how aspiring authors can set a foundation by writing a book, researching publishing, building a platform, gaining publishing credits, winning contests, etc. So what's the next stage? You guessed it—the submission process.

But wait … if you move ahead too soon, you could risk sending your book into the public pre-maturely. It could even cost you a publishing contract.


So how can you know when it’s time to submit?

• You’ve built a foundation (platform, writing credentials, understanding of the publishing industry, etc.)
• You’ve taken the time to write and polish a book that you’re proud of
• Critique partners/editor(s) have reviewed your manuscript
• You’ve prepared yourself—mentally and emotionally—to receive rejections

Where should you start? First, ask yourself these questions:

• What is my overall goal and vision as an author? (The answer to this will steer your publishing-related decisions.)
• Should I seek publication with a small/medium-sized publisher, which doesn’t typically require an agent? (See this post for a glimpse at pros/cons of publishing with a smaller press.)
• Would it be best to take the self-publishing route? (If you’ve reached this point, then you should know the pros and cons of self-publishing.)
• Or do I want a literary agent, someone who can bring me into traditional publishing and negotiate contracts on my behalf?

With your goals and vision in mind, it’s time to launch forward!


If you’ve chosen to seek publication with a small/medium-sized publisher, it’s not necessary that you submit to an agent. (Although there are several benefits to having representation, and some smaller-sized publishing houses still require agented submissions.) To find publishers, you may want to purchase the Christian Writer’s Market Guide or Writer’s Market Guide. Make a list of potential publishers, then do research to make sure that your book would make a good fit. Study the house’s previous works, then submit your book proposal according to the submission guidelines. (Not doing this could result in an instant rejection!)


Tip: You can also meet with editors at smaller houses at writing conferences. This is how I sold my first book, PURPLE MOON, without an agent.


If you choose to self-publish your book, it’s vital that you know what you’re getting into and understand the risks involved. If you choose to self-publish, you’re no longer the author; you’re both the author and the publisher. This means it’s up to you to present a quality overall book to the market. You’re 100% in charge of publishing, sales, marketing, etc. I recommend that you do research beforehand and build a team (cover designer, editor, formatter, etc.) who can accompany you in this process.


Tip: Before diving into the unknown waters of self-publishing, you may want to first speak with authors who have successfully self-published their books. Writing conferences are a great place to make these connections.


If you choose to sign with an agent, you’ll want to begin by making a list of prospective agents who represent your genre. Where can you find a list of literary agents? Research. You may want to subscribe to Writer’s Digest. Oftentimes, authors will mention who it is they’re represented by on their website, social media, or in the acknowledgements section of their books. Once you’ve written an impressive query letter, it’s time to submit! I advise that writers submit to prospective agents in batches of about 5 – 10 emails at a time. That way, if you continue to receive rejections and constructive criticism, you can take their feedback and make necessary revisions to your manuscript. That way, you won’t burn several bridges at once.


Tip: You can also meet with agents at writing conferences. Meeting face-to-face is a great way to potentially rise to the top of their slush pile.


The timing of this process varies from writer to writer. Some writers see success instantly, but most writers have to wait months—if not years—before they finally receive a yes. The key is to keep going. While waiting to hear back from editors/agents, don’t waste any time; get started on your next book! Keep plugging away at your platform. Enter contests. Attend conferences/workshops. Gain publishing credits.


The writer’s journey is just that—a journey. Patience is a vital quality to possess, especially as you wait to hear back from editors and agents.


It’s only those who give up who are guaranteed to never see success.


Sure, that might sound cliché—but it’s true. I recently found a quote (source unknown) that says this: 

"The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried."

Why is this?


Because those who succeed are the ones who kept pressing forward. Closed doors are an inevitable part of the journey. When they receive rejections, they take whatever constructive criticism they need to hone their craft/career—then they try again, and again and again until a door has finally opened.


Eventually, you might just find yourself with a contract. And when that happens, it’s just the beginning! There’s still more to learn. More opportunities to grow. More waiting seasons that will stretch your patience. More criticism that will test your humility.


In the next post I’ll discuss how you can sustain momentum and build a career once you’ve stepped through that open door. (No, it’s never too early to plan ahead!)

 ~ ~ ~

Have you reached the submission process yet? If so, what do you think is the most difficult part of this stage?

Tweetable:

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 2 – Launching Forward @tessaemilyhall #writerslife #publishing http://bit.ly/2EW5w3X 

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 1 – Setting the Foundation

An author’s role in the publishing world has changed drastically from what it used to be. Decades ago, the average fiction author had almost zero contact with their readership—other than the fan letters they’d receive in the mail. Authors weren’t expected to understand marketing; their publishers handled it for them. In attempt to land a deal with a literary agent, it wasn’t required that the fiction author already have an established platform. That platform could come after the book was published.

Now, though, authors are expected to wear more than just the writing hat. Most publishers expect to see at least somewhat of an established platform for fiction authors. Oh, and let’s not forget about marketing! Aspiring authors should know what it takes to promote their book once it becomes a published product.


Other factors that play into the probability of landing an agent include: placing in contests, attending writing conferences, publishing articles, etc.


It’s no wonder so many aspiring authors are scared away from moving forward in their publication dreams!


However, it’s not impossible to break into the industry—even if you’re a writer with zero experience and zero platform. The process isn’t as intimidating as it seems. And yes, it can be tackled when it’s broken down into bite-sized pieces.


So, how can an aspiring author go from virtually a “nobody” in the publishing world and stand out in the pile of submissions on an agent’s desk?


In this series, I’m going to walk you through how to become an author in today’s publishing world by presenting the process in achievable steps. That way, you can map out the journey that will lead you to Destination Publication. ;)


Today, I’m going to start by explaining how an aspiring author can begin their journey. What can writers do to set the foundation for their writing dreams?



1 - Write. This one should go without saying. Make it a priority to finish your book and write it to the best of your ability.


What this looks like: Schedule writing sessions into your weekly/daily routine. Create goals, if necessary, to prevent procrastination. The best way to learn how to write a book comes through experience. Once it’s written, find critique partners who can provide valuable feedback, then consider hiring a freelance editor. (Shameless plug: I recently launched a critique service for writers! Click here for details.)


Posts that might help:

How to Finish Your Book This Year by Creating Writing Goals

10 Ways to Defeat Writer's Block During NaNoWriMo 

5 Must-Haves for the Writer Struggling to Focus

2 - Research. Research the craft of writing, the publication process, and stay updated on the publishing industry.


What this looks like: Attend writing conference. Enroll in writing courses. (Check out Serious Writers Academy, Young Writers Workshop, and Write Now.) Subscribe to Publishers Weekly. Stay updated on writing and publishing blogs such as this one. ;) Understand how a book is published. You’ll want to research the writing craft, how to build a platform, and how to market a book.


Posts that might help:

• How Important Are "Writing Rules"?
• How Publishing a Book is Similar to Climbing a Mountain
• 16 Publishing Terms Every Aspiring Author Should Know

3 – Read. When you’re not writing, read books in the genre you’d like to write.


What this looks like: Carve out time every day/week to catch up on your TBR pile. Read the bestsellers in your genre so you can stay updated on what’s trending and become familiar with genre expectations.


Posts that might help:

• 10 Tips for Reading Through the Eyes of a Writer
• Read Reviews Before Your Novel is Published
• Book Dissection

4 – Connect. Connections will take you far in this industry.


What this looks like: Find a local writer’s group to join. Attend a writing conference and pass out business cards. Interact with other writers on social media. Join private FB groups for writers.


Posts that might help:

• How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writing Conferences to Attend!}
• The Three C's of Why Writing Conferences Are Valuable
• 10 Things You Can Do Now to Make the Most of a Writing Conference Experience

5 – Establish your platform and brand. No, it’s never too early to attract a potential readership!


What this looks like: Set up your social media accounts and decide which ones you’d like to remain active on. Then, create a scheduling plan. As you do this, keep your brand in mind. How do you want to be viewed in the industry? Who is your audience, and where can you find them?


Posts that might help:

• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform - P.1: Purpose of a Platform
• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform P.2: Finding Your Readers
• How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform P.3: Benefits of Branding

6 – Gain credentials. In your future book proposal, you’ll need to create a list of writing credentials. Begin building that list now.


What this looks like: Purchase the latest copy of Christian Writers Market Guide or Writer’s Market Guide and submit articles for publication. (Not only will these publishing credits look impressive on your proposal, it’ll also bring more exposure to you as well—thus increasing your platform.) Enter contests. Enroll in writing courses. (Again, check out SeriousWritersAcademy.com, Young Writers Workshop, and Write Now..)


Posts that might help:

• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Published - Guest Post by Teen Author, Jaquelle Crowe
• 5 Tips for Teen Writers: Things I Wish I'd Done

Summary: Being a published author doesn’t happen overnight. Even though the process is no longer as simple as writing a good book and sending it off on submission, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, either. The key is to approach the journey step-by-step. Step one? Build a foundation.


Then, once the foundation is built, it’ll be time to launch forward and seek publication. We’ll discuss that in next week’s post.

~ ~ ~

What’s your favorite and least favorite step on this list? How do you approach the writer’s journey? What questions do you have that you’d like me to answer in the next posts?

Tweetable:

How to Become an Author in Today's Publishing World: P. 1 – Setting the Foundation @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife #publishing http://bit.ly/2BD7vHH

5 Must-Haves for the Writer Struggling to Focus

I've recently been working hard at meeting my tight fiction project deadline that arrives this month. (Which is to explain for today's short post!) Even though I absolutely love working on this project, it's sometimes tough for me to eliminate distractions and focus. I often struggle with hitting the pause button on my life and hitting the play button to my character's life. 

However, the ability to eliminate (distractions) + concentrate is a quality that every serious writer must work to cultivate. Especially those who hope to complete a book.

So if you, too, are struggling with concentrating -- whether you're writing your first book or working on the edits to your NaNoWriMo project -- perhaps you'll find these must-haves useful. I've chosen the top five things that have helped me to block out the world, get into the zone, and lose myself in the story. 


1. Your preferred writing method.

Some writers can't even consider using any program other than Microsoft Word to complete their project. Me, on the other hand? I have to use Scrivener. I love the special features it offers that helps me to keep track of my scattered notes and organize my plot. 

Whatever writing program you use -- or even if you prefer to write by hand -- make sure you're comfortable with your method. If you're writing by hand, choose a nice pen. If you're typing, select your favorite font and size. 

2. Inspiration.

Every serious writer knows that it's best to write even if you lack inspiration. But why not try to find the inspiration when it feels lacking? 

I create a Spotify music playlist for every fiction project I work on, and this is usually the music I listen to as I write. I also create a private Pinterest board for my projects which contains "pictures" of my characters, the setting, quotes and scriptures that relate to the theme, etc. Then, when I'm working on this project, I set the background wallpaper on my laptop to display these pictures (sort of like a slideshow). 

3. The perfect writer's space. 

Okay, so we can't always write in our dream writing spaces. Sometimes, especially when we're on a deadline, we have no choice but to work wherever we are -- whether it's in a car or even on our iPhone. But if you have the flexibility to arrange a writer's space, I recommend that you do so, as it might aid in your concentration. Find a room in your house that eliminates distractions. You might want to add an inspirational ambiance as well by lighting candles, opening windows, cleaning the space, etc. (Fun fact: A clean work area promotes productivity, whereas clutter will often hinder progress in our work.)

4. Snacks + drinks.

I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to write unless I'm sipping on something. In the morning and during the day, coffee and smoothies are my preferred drinks of choice. In the evenings and at night, I put on a pot of hot tea (decaffeinated), or I sip on other healthy and low-carb drinks -- such as Kombuchas, carbonated water, or Zevias.  


5. A timer.

Does it often take forever for you to get into the zone? Here's a tip: Set your timer for a short period of time, between 15 and 30 minutes. See how much you can get accomplished in that short amount of time. Usually, once we get past that first hurdle, the words start to flow easier. But make sure you don't stop typing until you hear that timer go off!



Trust me: Once you can get into the zone, there's no turning back! In fact, you might just find yourself struggling to hit the "pause" button on your character's life so you can return to your own. Not a bad problem to have, if you ask me!



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How do you "get into the zone" and focus on your current writing project?

How Beginning Writers Can Build a Platform P.2: Finding Your Readers

In the first post of this blog series, we discussed why it’s important for today’s aspiring author to build a platform. To summarize: Most agents and publishers search for writers who already have an established readership. Why? Because this readership often translates into book sales. If you establish a platform before you begin pitching to agents/publishers, then you’re more likely to be given more consideration. 

So how can writers find their target reader? 

Sure, there are services you can purchase and instantly receive 1000s of new followers. However, this isn’t considered an authentic platform. Why? Because the followers you gain online should consist of the target readership of the books you write. 

For example: I write young adult fiction. So, I try to stay present and engaged with teen readers on Instagram. Is Instagram my favorite social media platform? Definitely not. I much prefer Twitter. However, teen readers are mostly found on Instagram; therefore, I need to produce content that they can find and enjoy. 

The content you post should… 


1. be easily found by your target readership. 


This is possible through utilizing hashtags and engaging with accounts/posts similar to yours.


2. pique their interest. 


What are some of the core interests of today’s average teen girl? Once we answer that question, we can then make it even more narrow and ask, what does today’s 15-year-old book-loving teen girl enjoy doing in her spare time? Perhaps she likes to shop for new books at the bookstore, hang out with her friends at Starbucks, and post #Bookstagram pictures.


3. consist of your passions as well. 


Where does the interests of your readers and your own passions intersect? Thankfully, I’ve always been a coffee-lover. This is a passion that I have in common with Starbucks-loving teens and many book lovers today.


4. reflect your brand. 


How do you want to be known in the industry? What kind of books do you write? How is this reflected through your choice of color scheme, Instagram filters, and fonts? Your brand should remain authentic and true to who you are. This brand is the reputation you will have amongst your readers. (More on branding in the next post.)


5. remain consistent. 


If you want to target your specific readership—and stay true to your brand—then it’s important that your followers know what kind of content they can expect from you. Each post should have a purpose and needs to be geared to your specific target audience.


For example, let’s say your followers on Instagram follow you because of the artistic photos you post of your bookshelves. Don’t you think they’d be confused if you randomly posted a picture of Trump and expressed your political views in the caption?


You also want to remain consistent in how often you post. When can your followers expect new content? Once a week? Once a day? This is how you can build a steady stream of followers that eventually snowballs. 

If you’re new to platform-building, where can you start? 

Do your research. Find out where your readers are found. (Pinterest? Twitter? Facebook? Instagram?) Then, set up an account in 1 – 3 social media platforms. (Hint: You may want to start out on one social media platform to begin with.)


Study other authors in your genre, and take note of how they attract their readership. What kind of content do they post, and how often? What hashtags do they use with their posts? Do they invite readers into conversation by including open-ended questions in the caption? 

Then, make a plan. After evaluating your notes, decide on the following… 

• which social media platform(s) you'll start using
• the kind of content you'll post. (Remember to keep your target audience in mind and to only post content you’re passionate about and that reflects your brand.)
• how often you'll post 
• the hashtags you'll use in your posts. (You’ll want these hashtags to vary with each post. Again, you may want to do research to discover which hashtags are best for your type of content and audience.) 

Once your plan is in place, take action! Post content and engage with others. Follow other social media accounts that are similar to yours. Interact (like and comment) on their posts. Find posts in the hashtags you use and like those posts and follow the accounts that posted it. 

No, a platform isn’t going to be built overnight – so go ahead and take pressure off of yourself. Instead, make simple and attainable goals to start out with. Approach this in bite-sized pieces. Do your research. Celebrate every milestone, despite how small. 

The more interactive you become, then the more you’ll enjoy it—especially as you watch your followers and engagement increase. 

Is your platform remaining stagnant? I’d advise taking a step back and evaluate, 1) what you’re posting, 2) who you’re posting it for, and 3) how often you’re posting. Sometimes it’s just a matter of trial and error. But keep in mind that your platform certainly won’t be increased if you decide to give up. 

Next week, we’re going to discuss how to use your brand to boost your platform. Don’t forget to leave your questions/thoughts in the comments! 

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If you’ve established an online platform, would you mind sharing with others the steps you took to build this readership?



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