What do you recommend for hesitant writers who want to break into the professional field?

Kate Quinn I would recommend finding fellow writers and befriending them whether online or in person. I made wonderful friends online through Goodreads groups who are fellow writers; and even more through a local writing chapter who meets in person once a month. Don't feel you have to stick to fellow writers in your genre - my monthly writing chapter is mostly romance authors, but even though I don't write romance, I have benefited hugely from their marketing savvy, their self-publishing knowledge, and their supportiveness. Supportiveness is key - it doesn't matter what you are feeling hesitant about (taking the plunge to email an agent, taking the plunge to self-publish your work, taking the plunge to start writing at all). The best cure for feeling hesitant is to find like-minded people who have done it before you, who can advise you, and who will cheer you on.

Once you are filled with confidence, that's when it's time to take the plunge and move forward into professional waters.

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