Ian Lamont
Four quick answers:
1) You have to make time to write. It doesn't have to be long--an hour in the evening two or three times per week is fine--but you do have sit down, turn off or remove all distractions, and write.
2) Work with whatever format you are comfortable with--manuscript, essay, blog, short story--and try to experiment from time to time.
3) Do not waste time pitching agents or publishers unless you have a solid track record with traditional presses or self-publishing. I hear way to many people say "I'm waiting to hear back from a publisher." Why not get the book out there yourself, using self-publishing services offered by Amazon, Smashwords, and others?
4) Many new writers are shocked to learn publishers don't do much marketing for their authors. Learn how to do basic marketing activities, from writing cover copy and online descriptions to setting up a simple author website. If you don't know how to do this, google it or check out one of the many online forums or blogs aimed at authors.
1) You have to make time to write. It doesn't have to be long--an hour in the evening two or three times per week is fine--but you do have sit down, turn off or remove all distractions, and write.
2) Work with whatever format you are comfortable with--manuscript, essay, blog, short story--and try to experiment from time to time.
3) Do not waste time pitching agents or publishers unless you have a solid track record with traditional presses or self-publishing. I hear way to many people say "I'm waiting to hear back from a publisher." Why not get the book out there yourself, using self-publishing services offered by Amazon, Smashwords, and others?
4) Many new writers are shocked to learn publishers don't do much marketing for their authors. Learn how to do basic marketing activities, from writing cover copy and online descriptions to setting up a simple author website. If you don't know how to do this, google it or check out one of the many online forums or blogs aimed at authors.
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