10 Publishing Secrets Every Author Needs

Hey there, aspiring wordsmiths! Ready to dive into the murky waters of the publishing world? Buckle up, because I’m about to spill some tea that’ll make your manuscript sizzle. As an industry insider with a soft spot for underrepresented voices, I’m here to share 10 juicy secrets that’ll give you the edge you need. Let’s get this literary party started! 1. Debut Authors Are the New Black Contrary to popular belief, being a newbie in the publishing game isn’t a death sentence. In fact, debut authors are hotter than a freshly printed book off the press1. So, if you’re fretting about your lack of a track record, take a deep breath and relax. Your fresh perspective is exactly what agents and editors are craving. Embrace your debut status like it’s the hottest fashion trend of the season! 2. The Assistant Mafia Here’s a little nugget of wisdom: those “assistants” you see scurrying around literary agencies and publishing houses? They’re not just fetching coffee. These literary ninjas are reading, editing, and influencing decisions left and right1. So, when you’re communicating with an agency or publisher, treat every interaction like you’re talking to the big boss. Because, let’s face it, that assistant might just be your secret weapon in the publishing world. 3. Publishers Don’t Expect You to Be the Next J.K. Rowling Breathe easy, my friend. Publishers aren’t expecting your book to fly off the shelves faster than a limited edition Hogwarts acceptance letter1. The big publishing houses use their bestselling authors to balance out the risk of taking on new voices. So, don’t stress if your psychological thriller isn’t compared to “Gone Girl.” Your unique story is valuable in its own right. 4. Nonfiction: The Sneaky Shortcut Hold onto your quills, fiction writers! This might ruffle some feathers, but nonfiction can sometimes be an easier path to publication1. If you’ve got expertise in a niche area, consider flexing those nonfiction muscles. It could be your golden ticket to getting a foot in the publishing door. Who knows? Maybe your guide to underwater basket weaving will be the next big thing! 5. Polish Those First 100 Pages Like They’re Cinderella’s Glass Slippers Listen up, because this is crucial: those first 100 pages of your manuscript? They’re your literary lifeline4. Agents, editors, and reviewers will have pretty much made up their minds by then. So, polish those opening chapters until they shine brighter than a vampire in sunlight. The rest could be written in interpretive dance for all they care (but please don’t actually do that). 6. Build Your Author Brand (Without Selling Your Soul) I know, I know. “Author brand” sounds about as appealing as a root canal. But hear me out: it’s not about becoming an Instagram influencer overnight. It’s about authentically connecting with your potential readers5. Share your unique perspective, your writing journey, your cat’s opinions on your latest chapter. Be real, be you, and watch your tribe grow. 7. The Money Talk: It’s Not Taboo Let’s get down to brass tacks: money matters, and it’s okay to talk about it. The publishing industry can be as transparent as a brick wall when it comes to finances5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out information, and share your experiences. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it might also be dollars in your pocket. 8. Embrace the Power of Newsletters In the digital age, newsletters are the new black… again5. They’re a direct line to your readers’ inboxes, bypassing the fickle algorithms of social media. Plus, they’re a great way to stay informed about industry trends. So, start building that mailing list like it’s your new favorite hobby. 9. IP Projects: The Back Door to Publishing Success Ever heard of IP (Intellectual Property) projects? These are books based on ideas owned by someone else, and they could be your secret weapon6. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, especially if you’re a fan of certain franchises or topics. Your encyclopedic knowledge of obscure sci-fi trivia might just land you a sweet gig! Rachel Renee Smith is a speaker, author, editor, and writing coach with a B.S. in Communication (Seton Hall University) and an M.B.A. (University of Phoenix). She mentors writers and has published three books: She co-founded the Women’s Life Support Group and co-owns L&R Beauty, Books, and Gifts in Clayton, NC. Rachel launched Rain Publishing in 2013 to support aspiring authors. Website: www.RachelReneeSmith.com

The Writing Un-Blocker: 6 Tips to Start Writing Without Pretentious Fluff

People often call on me for help to simply start writing and I have found that writer’s block is definitely something that can be conquered. We all deal with different obstacles when it comes to our creativity. Here’s the first tip:

How To Find Time To Write a Book

Writing a book is a dream many harbor, but finding the time to bring that dream to fruition can be a daunting task. Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, carving out time to write can seem nearly impossible. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s entirely possible to turn those fleeting thoughts into a fully-fledged manuscript. Here’s how to find time to write a book, even with a packed schedule. If you’ve ever dreamt of writing a book but struggled to find the time, you’re not alone. Many aspiring authors face the same challenge. The good news is that you don’t need to quit your job or sacrifice your personal life to write a book. Instead, it’s about smart time management, commitment, and sometimes, seeking guidance from a book writing coach. By integrating writing into your daily routine and leveraging practical tips, you can make your book a reality. Prioritize Your Writing The first step in finding time to write a book is to prioritize your writing. Just like any other important task, writing needs to be scheduled. Block out specific times in your calendar dedicated solely to writing. Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or late at night, find a time that consistently works for you and stick to it. Treat these writing sessions as non-negotiable appointments. Set Realistic Goals Setting realistic goals is crucial in making steady progress. Break down your writing project into manageable chunks. Instead of focusing on completing the entire book, set smaller, achievable goals such as writing a certain number of words per day or finishing a chapter each week. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and provides a sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone. Eliminate Distractions Creating a conducive writing environment is essential. Identify and eliminate distractions that might interrupt your writing time. This could mean turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet space away from household activities, or using apps designed to block social media during your writing sessions. The more you can focus during your allotted writing time, the more productive you will be. Leverage Downtime Finding pockets of time throughout your day can significantly contribute to your writing progress. Carry a notebook or use a writing app on your phone to jot down ideas whenever you have a few spare moments. This could be during your commute, waiting for appointments, or even during lunch breaks. These small snippets of time can add up and help maintain your writing momentum. Seek Support and Accountability Having support and accountability can greatly enhance your writing productivity. Share your writing goals with friends or family members who can encourage and remind you to stay on track. Alternatively, joining a writing group or working with a book writing coach can provide the motivation and structured guidance you need. A book writing coach can help you stay accountable, provide professional advice, and keep you focused on your writing goals. Embrace Flexibility Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might miss a writing session. Instead of feeling discouraged, embrace flexibility. Adjust your schedule as needed and get back to writing as soon as possible. The key is to maintain a steady overall progress and not be too hard on yourself when disruptions occur. Writing a book is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By prioritizing your writing, setting realistic goals, eliminating distractions, leveraging downtime, seeking support, and embracing flexibility, you can find the time to turn your writing dreams into reality. Remember, consistency and commitment are crucial. Are you ready to take the next step in your writing journey? Consider enlisting the help of a book writing coach to provide personalized guidance and keep you on track. With a coach, you can overcome obstacles and ensure your manuscript reaches its full potential. What strategies have you used to find time to write? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you’re interested in personalized support, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Your book awaits! Rachel Renee Smith is a speaker, author, editor, and writing coach with a B.S. in Communication (Seton Hall University) and an M.B.A. (University of Phoenix). She mentors writers and has published three books: She co-founded the Women’s Life Support Group and co-owns L&R Beauty, Books, and Gifts in Clayton, NC. Rachel launched Rain Publishing in 2013 to support aspiring authors Website: www.RachelReneeSmith.com