Writing is not just what you do for the fun of it. It requires talent, dedication and zeal. As an aspiring writer, you need to have this at the back of your mind; becoming a successful writer, isn't something that can be achieved overnight. Firstly, you need to muster the courage to get your work out for the whole world to read. Indisputably, at some point, people are going to criticize your work, but that doesn't mean you have to stop writing, because someone commented "why are you even a writer? Your book sucks!" Without a doubt, these type of comments can be demoralizing, but you just have to turn a blind eye. Their are people out there — jobless, frustrated human beings that would say all sorts of gibberish to a writer, with the sole aim of discouraging the person. Not one, but many writers have faced such challenges. Some quited, while some didn't and those that didn't, have gone far in the writing world. No one is perfect. First time always sucks, but with time and experience, we tend to get better. Now, there are two types of criticisms — the first being 'hate' while the second is 'constructive'. I gave an example of the 'hate' above. Now, for the constructive criticism, a reader or reviewer may comment something like this "hi! I just recently started reading your book and I must say, it's awesome. I absolutely love it, but there are some few errors I sighted. The punctuations weren't used right and the paragraphing too. You should also begin your sentences with capital letter, same goes with names. Your book has potentials. The storyline is great! If you'd just try and edit or find an editor, I'm sure your book will go places" as a new writer, getting such feedbacks would trigger your zeal to improve and not disappoint your faithful readers. The bottom line is that, you should be able to differentiate between a hate and a constructive criticism.
Secondly, create a captivating cover for your book. They say, do not judge a book by its cover, but a really good cover would attract readers to your book. A trashy cover with great contents may end up undiscovered. Cover ideas • do not make the cover too dark • the title should be in a font that can be read easily. • the picture in the cover should be able to give the readers an insight of what the book is about. • your name should be written on the book cover • a sub title is a good idea, but optional. • avoid excessive words on the cover.
Thirdly, let the words flow. Often times, writers get ideas on what they want to pen down, but once they sit in front of the desktop, their minds turn blank — this may be as a result of stress or nervousness. Alternatively, this should work, immediately an idea pops into your mind, pen it down on a piece of paper. Do not wait for the story idea to accumulate, before working on it.
Fourthly, update your book regularly. Readers love to read completed books, but if it's an ongoing book, you should ensure you don't keep your readers waiting for too long, because slow updates chase readers away from your book.
Fifthly, do not be in a rush to end your book. Often times, readers tend to pressurize writers to end the book already, especially if the book becomes too long and they think it's ng boring already. Go at your own pace and end the book in a good way. It can be either an 'happily ever after' ending, a 'tragic ending' or a 'sad ending'
Sixthly, if you are keen on making money through your talent — through what you love doing, you can take up freelancing online writing jobs online, either as a proofreader, editor, content writer, ghost writer, and the likes. You can also join writing contests/competitions with cash or publishing online. It is a stepping stone for writers to earn money or become a published author.
Lastly, when you get rejected, do not get discouraged. Many of our published authors today also got rejected by publishers in the past. Just keep on writing and never stop writing, until your goal is achieved.
©deey_jah
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