Hi there everybody!! So, to try to make a long story short, I came down really sick this past October. Dizzy, had no feeling from my left foot up to my left shoulder, killer headaches, etc. Was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Basically, I was dealing with so much stress that had to be released, that I had a stroke without actually having a stroke. I cannot work or drive (blind in my left eye). My therapist recommended I write thoughts and whatnot done, which has transformed into me writing a novel (I have always loved writing). Just started chapter 30 (282 pages), and am going to have it professionally edited and published. Anyone out there have any pointers or suggestions for someone entering the writing world? Thank you in advance, and take care.
On Writing : Professional Writing by Bert E Davis
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Hey Bert, this is Karen from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Anything Goes to Authoring & Playwriting (since you are talking about writing a novel), as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!
Bert, pointers or suggestions at this point might not be that helpful, without more information. I've written a ton of novels, lectured on novel-writing, etc., and might have tips that could help, but I don't know where you're struggling (if you are), what you might need help with, whether you're planning on traditional publishing or self-publishing, etc. All my novels have been traditionally published.
Explore self publishing options. You’re at a new experimental phase and there’s many free or low cost outlets to test the waters whilst building genre fan base. Also writing platforms to progress and improve projects.
Bert E Davis, the reason I suggested letting us know what you're writing, what your goals are, etc., is because that's the best way for us to give advice that's actually helpful. I know Lee Child and like him just fine (except for a nasty smoking habit that often makes him smell like an ashtray), but I wouldn't recommend you try to write like him unless that's your natural inclination. It's a fine style for certain types of books, but if you're writing literary fiction or epic fantasy or any of a number of other genres, it might not work so well. Every author needs to find his or her own voice; simple and clear might be it or it might not.
As for publishing options, again, that should be determined by your goals. A really good first novel can earn a nice advance, review attention, and strong sales through a traditional publisher. Agents and publishers look at sales records before taking on an author--with a first novel, there is no sales record, so it's the best chance for the book to stand on its own merits. The vast majority of self-published books sell only a handful of copies, which makes it tough to move into traditional publishing--if that is your goal. But if it's not, if you just want the book in print but you're not interested in bookstore presence, reviews in the prestigious magazines, etc., then self-publishing may be your best option.
Every author is different, and one-size-fits-all suggestions aren't the best way to go.
Professional editing is very expensive. Not sure what you mean by professional published, but I'm guessing that you mean to have a traditional publishing house take it on and publish it for you. That's if you can get an agent (another overhead) to represent your work to take it to them. Of course, if it's utterly brilliant and gets noticed, then it'll get picked up and you'll have people climbing over themselves to publish it for you. But it's a big, over-saturated field out there and new writers barely get a look-in, so be prepared for a long slog. My first book, Access Denied, has 100% positive reviews, has been featured on television and radio and still hasn't had the coverage I'd have hoped it would. It's been sent to agencies and celebrities and book clubs etc., but still no pick-up despite everyone telling me how great it is and what an astonishing story it is. Breaking through is the hardest bit. You might get lucky but that might well come down to who you know, not what you know. Good luck!
Finding a group of authors who write in a similar genre or vein and getting feedback from them is something I've found very helpful when it comes to novel writing.
Ditto on the professional editing. And the cover art. Both will cost you.
As for self-publishing, there's so much advice out there. Beware of expensive courses on how to create the perfect ads or become an "overnight success." There's a lot of that out there, too.
Do a search on Amazon or wherever you buy books on the term "self-publishing". You'll get loads of results.
Joanna Penn writes lots of books about self-publishing. Check them out: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/
Good luck! :)
Hi Bert E Davis. Great to hear your writing your thoughts down. When I lost my Mum, writing became a therapy for me, as it did through the process of losing her. Now I can't stop. Write from the heart, which I'm sure you'll do. You yourself are as much the story as your writing, so don't forget that. I think lots of people so far in the comments have all had really great ideas. Explore traditional and self-publishing and potentially an agent too. Community support is key too, so, as Debbie Mack said, finding a group in your genre is a great way to help. If you're writing is as powerful as your story, people will sit up and read. I'm excited to see how it turns out for you. Fantastic stuff!
How’s everyone doing do you know how I can find and literary agent that matches me and my story