Most new writers query too early.
The manuscript isn't rigorously edited. They don't fully understand their genre. They haven't nailed their pitch.
And they burn through their entire agent list wondering why no one is biting.
Before you make the same mistake, ask yourself honestly...is your manuscript REALLY ready to query?
With a decade of editing and hundreds of manuscripts under my belt, I've compiled a list of the 7 signs your manuscript isn't ready to publish yet.
This isn't meant to discourage you, but to empower you to put the absolute BEST version of your book in front of agents.
It's tough out there, and I want you to give it your best shot!
https://t.co/biZF6cHXin
@HistoryBoutique Dude I wrote books about the Viking women who sailed to North America before Columbus—I was in a film documentary w/other authors to speak on them. Meanwhile Wikipedia won’t list my books or the film, likely bc the main character converted to Christianity. Like she doesn’t exist.
@budman_mark My issue is when AI states human writing is AI. I used a human-written MS that I don't plan to publish and asked AI to check it for AI content. It pointed out many areas that might be considered written by AI...it then offered to rewrite my own words to look more human. 🤦♀️
Agatha Christie knew poisons so well, her books have been consulted when diagnosing patients. In 1976, a London infant was dying of a rare illness. Her nurses, having read The Pale Horse, realized she had been poisoned with thallium. Murder mysteries saved her life.
To all the writers - it occurred to me today how rarely writers get told they’re doing a great job (and no, I’m fine, this isn’t for me.) But it can be a seriously lonely job, lots of time inside your head, too much time staring at a screen, deliberately listening to voices that aren’t real. So tag a writer today and tell them they’re great, and that they’re doing something good. Tell them to keep writing. Tell them those books mean something to you. Because writers do need it, not often, but every now and then. You’d be amazed how rarely we hear it. Thanks lovely readers x
I've interviewed nearly 100 successfully published authors and literary agents over the past four years.
Here's what I always ask them: what's one thing you wish every aspiring author knew sooner?
Here are 9 tough truths about the publishing process that
most writers learn the hard way (so you don't have to).
When I left Chattanooga a decade ago, I was the loneliest I’ve ever been.
No wife. No kids. $470 to my name.
I sold my car because I couldn’t afford the gas.
Today, I drove back in with my family.
If you’re in a rough patch, hold on.
The hard seasons don’t last forever ❤️