11 Tips to Help You Become a Published Writer

Becoming a published writer is not as difficult as you might think. All it takes to get published is to follow the proven tips that helped other writers in the past. Keep reading this blog to find four actionable tips that will help you get published by the end of this year!

1. Identify your genre

Some newbie writers make the mistake of writing in all genres they like. Remember that if you plan on getting published, you have to identify your “genre” so you can easily target publishers. Choosing a genre will help you write a book that hooks your readers.

Many newbie writers struggle with choosing their genres. You don’t necessarily have to write in a genre you don’t like. Choose the genre you have liked the most as a reader so you can write easily.

2. Improve your writing skills

Some newbie writers think they’ve got what it takes to write a great book, while others keep doubting their writing skills. Remember that both these mindsets cannot help you publish a book. You have to understand your shortcomings as a writer and try to improve your writing skills.

One of the easiest ways to become a better writer is to enroll in writing workshops. Learning from a skilled writer can help you improve your expression and delivery as a writer. You can join online or on-site writing courses offered near your home.

3. Understand the publication process

As a newbie writer, you might think that the publication process is easy. But contrary to what most writers think, you’ll have to go through a tedious process to publish your book. You have to understand all the stakeholders involved in the publication process.

You’ll also have to contact the publishers to propose your writing ideas. The “traditional” way of approaching a publisher is sending a query letter. You can read query letter examples to learn how to write a compelling query letter that persuades the publishing house.

4. Start reading more books

Reading more books is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills. Reading allows you to learn how other writers have presented their ideas in a persuasive way. The more you read, the easier it gets for you to write your own book.

You don’t necessarily have to lock yourself in a room to improve your reading habits. It’s better to set some time for reading in your daily routine so you can constantly improve your skills.

5. Create a proper outline

When writing your first book, you might try to write “whatever” comes to your mind. Remember that this approach will not help you in the long run as a writer. The only way to stick to your genre and write persuasively is to start with an outline.

An outline will make it easier for you to focus on the main theme. Avoid stressing out when creating your first outline, and get started with a basic map to jot down your ideas.

6. Get rid of perfectionism

If you want to write like Shakespeare and other great writers, you might trap yourself in the cage of “perfectionism.” There’s nothing wrong with trying to write better than any other writer you’ve read in your life.

However, you have to ensure that you don’t let perfectionism overcome you. Trying to rewrite a single sentence over and over again is never going to help you write better. You should get your ideas down on paper to finish your first draft, and then you can focus on improving your initial draft.

7. Avoid procrastination

Procrastination can make it impossible for you to achieve your goal of becoming a published writer. Instead of pushing your writing deadlines ahead and giving yourself “more time” to think, it’s better to stick to your original plans.

Many newbie writers start procrastinating because they hit “writer’s block.” The only way you can overcome writer’s block is to start writing.

Letting your creativity flow will allow you to streamline your ideas. Instead of waiting for a better time to write, you should get started with writing as soon as you can.

8. Connect with other writers

As a newbie writer, you might find it hard to stay motivated and overcome the challenges you face. One of the best ways to streamline your journey as a newbie writer is to connect with other writers. Adding more writers to your circle will help you exchange ideas and discuss your thoughts.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time networking to connect with fellow writers. You can either join a writer’s club in your area or follow writing groups online to befriend more writers over time.

9. Create your social brand

One of the best ways to increase your readership and sell more books when you get published is to improve your social brand. Strengthening your social media presence will help you convince more people to give your book a read.

Getting started with social media branding is not as difficult as you might think. You don’t necessarily have to run ads on social media to get followers. All you need to do is to create your account on social channels and learn how to grow your audience along the way.

10. Value your readers

As a writer, you might try to use the best words and expressions to make your book interesting. But remember that this approach can backfire if you don’t do it the right way. Your primary focus should be entertaining and informing your reader instead of showing off your writing skills.

It’s better to avoid using jargon, so your sentences are easy to read. Instead of writing long, difficult-to-read sentences, you should write concisely and avoid jumping through topics.

11. Create a writing schedule

It will get hard for you to complete the first draft of your book if you don’t have a writing schedule. With a proper schedule, it will get easier for you to stay on your main topic. You will also find it easier to complete your book if you follow a proper schedule.

Creating a writing schedule is not as difficult as you might think. You can get started by allocating some time in your daily routine to focus on your writing. Make sure you stick to your writing schedule and don’t procrastinate.