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.
54
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Can I just change the whole subplot for a new character?
I have a side character that I'm writing the POV of and their story just opened up so many possibilities for the story. I don't know what happens after this story, but so far it has all been rated E ...
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Do I need a new ISBN when I change an illustration within my existing published book? [duplicate]
I published my picture book with an ISBN. I own the ISBN. Post publication I realized a character pose, on a page, does not represent the emotion, on the page. If I update the character pose and ...
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Writing multiple main characters, who end up being the same person at the end. Need advice
So what started as an attempt to write a memoir, I found myself struggling to commit to just one underlying theme. I also found writing about myself in different time periods, it felt as though I was ...
user59788
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Publishing copyright with regard to novels and comics
I wasn't sure where to post this, but I have a couple of questions about copyright law regarding written and illustrated works.
If I traditionally publish a novel and maintain the copyright, can I ...
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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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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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59
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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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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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2k
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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 ...
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3
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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 ...
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124
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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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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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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 (...
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122
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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 ...
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157
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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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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, ...
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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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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 ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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 ...
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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 ...
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847
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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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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 ...
user47159
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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 ...
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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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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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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
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128
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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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782
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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,...
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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
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240
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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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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 ...
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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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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 ...
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716
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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
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254
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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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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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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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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 ...
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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 ...
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183
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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 ...
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637
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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 ...
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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
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6
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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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