How to be a Published Novelist
February 25, 2014
View over seafront at Aberystwyth, now well on way to recovery after winter storms.
I took part in the Publishing Industry Event at Aberystwyth University yesterday, along with a literary agent, publisher and two former students who have writing related careers. The room was packed with Creative Writing and English Lit students and as I ran out of my handout on How to Be A Published Novelist, I’m posting it here on the blog:
HOW TO BE A PUBLISHED NOVELIST
by Phillipa Ashley/Pippa Croft
DON’T GIVE UP THE DAY JOB
Even if you get a publishing deal, an author’s life is financially precarious for all but a tiny few, so assume you will need another source of income, either from a writing-related job or a totally different career. Having another job will give you vital life experiences and inspiration – so meet people, do things, go places and get out there!
READ WIDELY
Read, read everything – popular fiction, literary fiction, classics, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines – and keep an open mind about all the things you read. Everything informs your writing life, develops your voice, helps you to see what the market is like and what you actually might like to write. Above all, write what you enjoy writing, not what you think you ‘ought’ to write.
WRITE EVERY DAY
Write. That may seem obvious but Just Do It. Write every day if you can – even if it’s only a few words – try different projects, experiment. Write even if you think your work is rubbish; all writers think that at some point. A successful writer also knows s/he’s going to rewrite. The magic happens in the rewriting/editing process.
SELL YOURSELF
Finishing a book is only part of the story; you need to decide how it will reach an audience. You’ll need energy, professionalism and courage to approach agents and publishers and market your work.
NEVER GIVE UP
Develop a thick skin; learn to deal with knockbacks, book snobbery and self-doubt and Keep on Writing.
Posted by Phillipa @ 9:59 am | Leave a Comment
