Wattpad brings you a guest post from Lia Fairchild, author of the mystery thriller “Vigil Annie”:
“Writing is my life.” Chances are if you’re reading this, then you’ve uttered these words at least once in the last year. You’ve discovered putting pen to paper (or rather text to screen these days) is like breathing in oxygen, filling you with life. Maybe it started out being just for fun, or maybe it was a healing process for life’s troubles. Whatever the reason, you’ve found yourself allocating more and more time to it. But what is the next step if you want to share your writing with the world? Where do you go from here? For every person that answer is different, but I’d like to offer a bit of general advice that I hope will apply to any lover of writing.
Continue below for do’s and don’ts on Social Media, Publishing, Reviews & Other Feedback, and Scheduling Your Time.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
DO
Use outlets like Facebook, Goodreads, LibraryThing etc., to connect with readers and fellow authors to learn more about your craft, find support, and get tips for publishing and marketing your writing. Post information about your book where acceptable and with caution on the frequency of posts.
DON’T
Don’t spend too much time getting caught up in endless debates, posting your book to a myriad of book pages and groups, complain about reader feedback or condemn other authors for their decisions.
PUBLISHING:
DO
Review all your options before making any decisions. Getting an agent, pursuing a publishing contract, and self-publishing are all options worth pursuing. You may even consider doing more than one. Whatever you decide, make sure your book is ready before putting it out there for all to see.
DON’T
Don’t base your decisions on what others are doing. Don’t rush it because you’re anxious. It’s worth repeating, especially if you are self-publishing; your manuscript must be polished. A professional editor can prevent those nasty reviews about mistakes in your book.
REVIEWS AND OTHER READER FEEDBACK
DO
Take in initial feedback and reaction to your book. Consider what they’ve said and see if you agree.
DON’T
Don’t let bad reviews bring you down. Everyone has their opinion and ever best seller out there has one star reviews. And most importantly, don’t comment or contact a reviewer if you disagree with their assessment. They’re entitled to it.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
DO
Make time for both writing and reading above all else. As Stephen King said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Marketing and social media, as mentioned before, are great for connecting and learning. But, your writing is what should sell your book. If people love it, they will make sure word gets around.
DON’T
Don’t overdo it. Filling each day with too many tasks can be stressful and make your writing time feel rushed. Remember all this is because you want to do what you love.
Lia Fairchild is a writer and author. Her new thriller, “Vigil Annie” is currently available on Wattpad. For more books by Lia Fairchild visit her Amazon author page. You can also connect with her on Facebook.
Read “Vigil Annie” on Wattpad:
Annie Crawford is an ex-cop living a double life. After her fiancé is murdered and she is left for dead, she’s desperate and seeking vengeance. She turns to a vigilante agency headed by a man with his own secrets. Annie must work for them as they investigate the murder and help her find the answers she needs.
Now working on the wrong side of the law, Annie’s life has one purpose: justice. Justice for her fiancé and for the city she lives in. But as Annie’s strength grows, the agency struggles to control her, putting everyone involved at risk. And the deeper Annie sinks into this new life the more she fears she may never return.