Questions tagged [first-time-author]

Use this tag for questions specifically about issues encountered by authors writing or publishing their first work. DO NOT use this tag simply because you are a first time author.

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4 votes
1 answer
70 views

Is it good practice to submit an update on my work while publisher is reviewing it for consideration?

I sent a publisher my manuscript for a secondary textbook five months ago. They've sent me occasional updates saying they're still reviewing it. The last update I received was two months ago. At the ...
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2 votes
1 answer
86 views

What does working after under contract look like?

I worked on a manuscript for many years. During that time, I was independent, so I could make changes and decisions, without documenting or informing or getting permission. I may soon be working to ...
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2 votes
1 answer
55 views

Is there an industry term for a letter inquiring if a publisher is interested in a work?

I finished writing a non-fiction manuscript and now need to find an appropriate publisher. There are no existing books in this particular niche, so it is challenging to find a publisher to fit. In the ...
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4 votes
1 answer
78 views

How do you reduce a 5-page book proposal down to 1 page?

An article says to write a 5-page book proposal and a 1-page version. When submitting to agents and book publishers, read their submission guidelines for which length they prefer. How much weight ...
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12 votes
5 answers
2k views

How to push through your inner critic

I'm a real perfectionist and the cringe I often feel at what I write is quite strong and distracting. It's taking the enjoyment out of writing and I'm finding it hard to avoid focusing on how bad my ...
2 votes
3 answers
81 views

What is good introductory book to learn scientific academic writing and publishing process?

I would like some help to find a good reference or textbook that covers the following points regarding scientific academic writing : What are the types of different publications and explaining their ...
1 vote
2 answers
113 views

What to expect from the editing process

So I finished my very first novel and decided that I want to get an editor for the manuscript. I found someone offering their services online through a trusted platform and contacted them but now I'm ...
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1 vote
1 answer
47 views

Is it acceptable practice to contact a publisher to double-check they've rejected manuscript?

I sent a manuscript for a textbook to a publisher 2 months ago. I've not heard anything back at all. Though the publisher's process of fully accepting a manuscript can take up to 6 months, they say ...
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1 vote
1 answer
89 views

How to plan for splitting a novel into a series?

I have been working on a first draft of a theological science fiction novel. I am about 1/4 of the way done. I have an idea for how it is supposed to end, plus much insight into the middle point (...
0 votes
2 answers
121 views

How to publish a new religious study tool/study guide that is still a continuing work?

I have been studying the Bible in order to gain a coherent and comprehensive understanding of my Lord Jesus Christ. I narrowed the focus into the 4 Gospels. I then focused even more within the Gospels ...
0 votes
2 answers
69 views

What is the typical maximum page count for a workbook?

I am creating a series of student workbooks for use in classrooms. The page count is quite high, so I'll need to divide it into many separate books, but I'm not sure if I need to split it into 3, 5, ...
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1 vote
1 answer
41 views

Is there any standard format for the title page of a manuscript?

I'm finally ready to send my manuscript to the publisher. I'm wondering if there is any standard way to format the title page of the document. I'm including such details as my name, the working title, ...
  • 325
19 votes
2 answers
10k views

How can I contact JK Rowling for permission to publish my sequel for the Harry Potter series?

I recently watched the entire Harry Potter series in December 2021. I really loved the Harry Potter world and all the characters. Even after days, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it and I'm ...
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3 votes
3 answers
231 views

How do writers in spy fiction overcome problems by naming countries accused of heinous crimes?

I am thinking of writing a spy thriller, and I am in the process of forming an outline. The plot in my mind involves 3-4 countries and would involve accusing some countries of heinous crimes, as an ...
2 votes
1 answer
101 views

Do traditional publishers expect a work to be thoroughly proofread before submitting a manuscript?

I am writing the manuscript for a textbook that I hope to send to a university publisher in 2.5 months. I'll have all chapters flushed-out when I turn it in. If I understand it, the publisher will ...
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5 votes
4 answers
197 views

How should a new author deal with the fact that their first book is unlikely to be published?

One thing I see very commonly when reading about famous authors is that their first books were rejected by publishers. Often, an author might have their first several works rejected. This makes ...
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2 votes
5 answers
194 views

As a first time wannabe writer, should I consider going in for Traditional publishing or Self Publishing?

Given that I am a wannabe writer with no real titles under my belt and relatively unknown, what would be a better option for publishing my first book? Should I go for the traditional publishing ...
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2 votes
1 answer
80 views

Am I Too Young To Publish? [duplicate]

I am turning 14 years old soon and currently working on a story called "Royal Wings" that I would love to get published someday. When it is completed it will be intended to be a Young Adult/...
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1 vote
0 answers
52 views

Creating a quotation contract

I am an aspiring script writer who is looking to get his first gig. An overseas firm approached me to write a script for four one minute commercials. I have stated my asking price to them but they ...
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14 votes
8 answers
1k views

How can I get self-confidence when writing?

I like writing in English (knowing that it's not my mother tongue), but I'm always haunted by thoughts of rejection by readers which makes me hesitate to publish my work and sometimes makes me stop ...
0 votes
3 answers
62 views

How to Structure a single-perspective Novel into Chapters?

Now my case is not novel-wide; I have to do this in one part of the novel, but I extended the question to a more generalised one, so that anybody else with the same question will find it useful just ...
4 votes
4 answers
610 views

With this degree of violence, is my book a Middle Grade book, or a Young adult book?

I am a young author writing my first series. I’m not writing my books simply because I want to or that I am frustrated with other books, but those are some reasons. The book I am writing is pure ...
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29 votes
15 answers
9k views

I feel like people would mock me for trying to become an author at 12, what should I do?

So, I'm writing a few books at the moment. I really want to become an author when I'm older, but I'm much too shy to email a proper author about what to do or show it to many people. I really feel ...
user avatar
30 votes
8 answers
5k views

Everyone has a book in them, but in most cases that’s where it should stay. Does that apply to me?

Everyone has a book in them, but in most cases that’s where it should stay I'm not an author. I'm retired. The last time I wrote fiction was probably an essay when I was 10 years old. For years a ...
1 vote
3 answers
1k views

How to write a socially awkward, anxious character without them ending up like Bella Swan?

I'm trying to write a character who is shy and awkward and has anxiety so she would stutter or have social blunders etc. but I'm trying to figure out if the way I write her will end up making her like ...
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3 votes
1 answer
194 views

Are there any disadvantages of excluding an author photo?

I have two different legal names (it's a weird consequence of dual citizenship). When I'm in Taiwan, I use my Chinese name on official business. When I visit America, I use my American name. I'm ...
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3 votes
1 answer
101 views

How can one go about writing with a full time job?

I'm a single working professional who after work, chores, and sleep can manage to find only a few hours to sit down and write each day. I do however try to religiously read everyday. Writing seems ...
3 votes
1 answer
111 views

Third person omniscient or limited?

This is kind of difficult to explain (im sorry if its really long) and I haven't found a question yet that addresses my exact issue. Apologies in advance if this breaks a rule, I can't find them ...
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3 votes
5 answers
632 views

Can I use a real person's name as a pseudonym?

I don't want to use my own name when publishing my book - my pseudonym is the name of a German actress. Is it ok to use it? It's not a common name, but my book is in English, and the actress is German,...
1 vote
1 answer
61 views

Production/edition focus order

Good morning, This morning I have found an ad about a new TV serie, "See", which plot is quite similar (blind civilization with sighted-rare members, although environment and background is different) ...
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6 votes
3 answers
235 views

How do I start off in web comics?

I’m a beginner writer planning on learning how to write webcomics. My main one is an adventure/fantasy webcomic and the other is a card battle webcomic (I draw a lot of inspiration from anime and ...
3 votes
4 answers
288 views

What kind of name should a fantasy author go by?

I'm currently in the middle of writing several fantasy books and, even though I'm not done with any of them, I can't stop thinking about how my name will appear on my books once they are finished. I ...
1 vote
0 answers
53 views

Writing a book in a non native language [duplicate]

I have a fantasy story in my head for several years now. I wrote an outline for a book and draw a crude map of the world. I even started writing the first draft, but one of my biggest problems is my ...
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-1 votes
4 answers
249 views

If you are beginner when it come to writing, should you be pantser? Or plotter? [closed]

I asked my friends this question, they say being a plotter is better for a beginner, then once you get good you transition to pantser. I ask here because I hope to get advice from professional (or at ...
6 votes
6 answers
4k views

How can I add depth to my story or how do I determine if my story already has depth?

I am new to writing. I wrote a lot when I was a kid and teen. I wrote my first book at 6 and then again in high school. I was also in journalism. After high school, life happened. I took an almost 20 ...
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11 votes
4 answers
2k views

Am I a new writer?

I have a very crudely written book that I self published through Amazon in 2013. I did not do any advertising for the book and it only sold about 80 copies. I am now in the process of a query letter ...
6 votes
3 answers
709 views

Help/tips for a first time writer? [closed]

I’m starting to write a fiction novel. A friend of mine works in publishing and she thinks the plot for my book is great but I’m not sure how to start. I know a lot of the details and I’ve thought up ...
4 votes
1 answer
193 views

Written and illustrated children's book: what now?

I have written and illustrated a children's book and am looking for advice about where to go with it now. My thoughts are: approach independent bookstores, contact an illustrator's agent, approach ...
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8 votes
4 answers
159 views

How can I trim my word count and still be proud of what I've written?

I am a new writer. My work is focused on real people. I ask a series of questions and go from there. Its all about their personal journeys with health. I like to capture the feeling of what people ...
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7 votes
4 answers
3k views

As a new poet, where can I find help from a professional to judge my work? [duplicate]

I often write short poems and quotes here: https://www.mirakee.com/atd, but I really want to hear from someone professional to give their valuable feedback on my work, so that I know where exactly I ...
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6 votes
5 answers
246 views

Consulting experts - why should they talk to someone who isn't a published writer yet?

Whatever subject I am researching for my story, the common recommendation is "talk to the relevant professionals". If I need medical information, talk to a doctor. If I need information about the ...
5 votes
1 answer
170 views

Can using my name as author harm my book sales?

My name is Vinícius Morais, and I'm new to writing books. I have finished my first fantasy novel. But do I keep my name as the author or create a pen name? The main problem is there's a great poet and ...
5 votes
2 answers
168 views

Fictionalizing firsthand accounts from history?

I am currently in the research phase of writing my first novel that is based on a true historical event. Having obtained a ton of sources in more than three different languages, I have come across ...
10 votes
6 answers
634 views

Write now or learn?

I have a story that I wish to write. I like my story and genuinely believe it to be interesting. My issue is that I have never really written anything before. When I have read advice in the past, I ...
7 votes
6 answers
1k views

Will the publisher/agent tell me what to write?

I recently read this answer, which suggested that an author's first novel will be rejected, and the publisher will instead get the author to write the novel they want to publish, assuming they feel ...
3 votes
6 answers
240 views

I have lots of ideas to write, what should I do? And what writing groups online that can keep me motivated?

I have three different ideas for three novel series , each one of them needs work on plot holes, world building and reasoning. My problem is that I wish to do them all but I get overwhelmed and I get ...
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2 votes
3 answers
241 views

How do publishers expect authors to use social media to promote their books?

I am new to the world of writing, and was initially surprised to read on some publishing advice website (eek) that authors should use social media to interact with readers and promote their books. How ...
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3 votes
4 answers
537 views

Can I publish in English in Mexico?

I'm writing a novel, my first ever, and I hope to finally finish the story and get it published. I live in Mexico, but I am writing in English. Could I get the book published here, or would I have to ...
9 votes
1 answer
4k views

First-time meeting with publisher & editors (What to expect)

My fiancée is a first-time children's book author. What should she expect from her first meeting with the publisher and editors? Any advice? They've already seen some samples of her unpublished ...
31 votes
10 answers
2k views

What are some online guides for starting writers? [closed]

I've always wanted to start writing (in a totally amateur way), but whenever I want to start something I instantly get blocked having a lot of questions and doubts. Are there some resources on how to ...
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