Being an author means making yourself vulnerable to potentially millions of strangers. Criticism can be harsh. As any aspiring author knows, you need to develop a very thick skin to make it the literary world. Tips are useless if you cannot handle feedback.

“For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.“

Ernest Hemingway

I have written thousands of pages. Most of them have ended up in the trash basket. Out of the surviving few, my books have emerged. It is a painstakingly slow and arduous process. In the end, was it worth it? Yes!

J.K. Rowling’s manuscript for the first Harry Potter book was rejected by 12 publishers before it was finally accepted by Bloomsbury. Stephen King was rejected by 30 publishers for his debut novel, Carrie. And J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit, was finally published after a whopping 55 publishers rejected it. I have been rejected too many times to count. So, you are in good company if you don’t find a publisher the first time. Don’t quit!

Tips for new authors:

1. Write, write, and write some more. Every day for at least an hour. Don’t stop.
2. Read, read, and read. Look at how other authors write. Analyze their style, syntax, and structure.
3. Let your imagination run wild. Nothing is too far-fetched in writing, especially science fiction. Jot down notes on whatever comes to mind.
4. Keep a journal of your ideas and thoughts for reflection.
5. Go to step one.

What are your tips?