Writer’s Frequently Asked Questions
We have written down a few frequently asked questions from the many wonderful writers who come to us for help. We hope these answers will help you as you continue to write and produce your best work.
I have a story to tell, but I’m not a writer. What do I do?
· Write down all and any thoughts on the subject that you have.
· Assemble your thoughts in an order that makes sense to you–an outline form is best, but bullet points work too.
· Write down the goals you have for the story. Do you want it to be an article, a book, or a blog? What is the overall message or messages you want to deliver to your readers?
If and only if, you think you can’t write this story on your own, then get a ghostwriter. But if you can write it yourself, know that there are many resources to guide you along the way including a good content editor, writing groups, or a writing consultant.
What is the best writing process for a new writer?
The best writing process is the process that works for you. There is no one correct way to write. However, it’s best to pick a time when your mind is most relaxed and open to allow for creative flow. Free time is great, but writers often find the opportunity to write does not correlate with their ability to be creative. Determine when and where you are most creative.
· Know your daily schedule and see when your free time matches with your creative time. If there is a mismatch, then try and create free time by moving things around.
· When inspiration hits and you don’t have time to write, take notes. You can use your phone or always keep pen and pad handy. This way when you do have time, you can refer to your notes to get back into the creative mode.
· Then decide where you write best. Some writers have a place at home, while others prefer the library, a café, or even in their parked car.
· Know that with any skill, you need make sure you practice it consistently over time. So, write often and learn to accept not every session will produce a masterpiece and that’s ok.
When you start writing do you need to know where the story will go?
Again, this too varies from writer to writer. Some writers claim they know everything the moment they sit down to write. Others have a vague idea but let the story unfold for them as they write. It’s all dependent on how the writer processes their ideas and inspirations.
I personally find that an outline works for me. I can and do deviate from it when the story leads me down a different path but it’s always there to provide reference and structure. Knowing how you write comes with time. If you are new to writing, give yourself time to discover what works best for you.
How should you develop characters?
Before you start creating characters in your story, know your target readers. Build characters that both support the story and that your readers can connect with. Know that building characters is a lot like building a house. You need a strong foundation and structure around who that individual is. Then add the different layers that will make the character unique–from their physical traits, to habits, to their fears, and emotions for example.
Many times, you can be inspired by people around you. Think about your neighbor who is wound way too tight, and how in the fall when a single leaf drops on his lawn, he runs out to pick it up. Think about the cashier who randomly picks up items off the belt, holds them up and asks you how you plan on using your carton of ricotta cheese while the other shoppers stare at you. Think I’m exaggerating? These are real people I know and yes, one day they will make it to one of my novels.
What is a target read and why is it different from an editor?
For target reads or beta reads, CLP then matches your manuscript, full or partial, with a reader from your specific target market. It’s like getting your book read by your future audience before it’s published. Except our target reads come with a comprehensive and detailed content review. It comes very close to a content edit, except much less expensive because the feedback is summarized and not line by line. Essentially, you could use just a target read and a copy editor (also less than a content editor) and still produce a quality read. Although for your best results, we highly recommend all three: target read, content edit, and copy edit.
I’ve been sharing my manuscript with my writing group and getting feedback, why do I need a target read or content editor?
Writing groups are not only great tools but a must for any writer. However, not all writing groups are created equal. And even if your writing group is the perfect match for you and your work, they will never be a substitute for a professional editor. It just doesn’t work that way and here are the reasons why:
1) Time. You may or may not get to read every meeting and even if you meet every week, it could take a very long time to review your entire manuscript.
2) People. There is a great chance that not every person in your writing group is your target reader. Having a reader who does not generally read the genre you’ve written, diminishes their ability to give quality feedback.
3) Comprehensiveness. You could read your work every meeting until the whole manuscript is read and it doesn’t equate even close to a target reader or beta reader review or a content edit. First, you won’t get a comprehensive, written critique. Second, there is an inherent disadvantage on the part of the group as they cannot read your manuscript all the way through from beginning to end. They won’t pick up all potential inconsistencies with the story, character development, or plot development. They simply will never have the same vantage reading point as a target or beta reader.
4) Consistency. Every group seems to have its core attendees but also some frequent but not constant fliers. So generally, you are not always dealing with the same group in every meeting. And when the dynamic changes so do the quality of edits.
5) Objectivity. Hiring a target reader or content editor is critical for critiquing your manuscript. They will read your story without hearing how you would have read it aloud or knowing what you intended. This ensures objectivity to making sure the words you put on paper coincide with how you intended them. This objectivity is more invaluable than many writers think.
My friends and family are my readers so why do I need editors or target reads?
Just like the reasons listed above, family and friends still will miss the mark. Friends and family who are your part of your target market would be your best choice, but again, they will still lack objectivity more than they or you will ever admit.
I don’t have any money to publish, so how can I get help with putting my book out?
As a author you have 2 choices, find a mainstream publisher or self-publish. Here are the facts:
· A mainstream publishing contract, as a first-time author, is difficult to obtain. But it doesn’t cost anything but time to try, so we always recommend that route first.
· Self-publishing is a guarantee for publication, but you will have to do a lot yourself such as, editing, covers, and marketing.
· Self-publishing a mainstream quality book can cost but it’s the only way we recommend you do it. People will tell you they wrote a book and put it up on Amazon for free, but it’s almost guaranteed the quality shows from the cover, to the content, to the story.
So, what do you do if you want to produce a quality self-published read but you have little money to invest? You pick and choose where to invest that money and with which hybrid-publisher. CLP works with each client individually to come up with a plan that works for them both from a goals and financial perspectives. Not all hybrid publishers have the same level of individual attention. Be wary of spending money for a garage full of books that you won’t be able to sell.
I’m just going to put my book on Amazon without hiring editors and people will still read it with the errors I might have missed. Why invest money when I can do it for free?
Let’s put it this way, I know writers with this attitude, and they have little to no sales. If we want to change the perception of self-publishing, then we, as writers, must invest in the books we produce. Target or beta readers, editors, and graphic designers are critical professionals to creating a quality read.
CLP is dedicated to changing the self-publishing stigma one book at a time. We can help you tailor our services to fit your needs and budget. Just don’t be that author that goes it on their own or relies solely on writing groups, friends, or family. I assure you that you will end up with little to no sales – we don’t want that and neither do you.
If there is a specific question you have, please email us and we will get back to you as quickly as we can. We are responsive to our writers as we value their time and want to provide the individual attention each writer needs to reach their goals.
Happy writing and stay well!
Celeste
The Ten Steps to Self-Publishing Success Checklist by CLP is an essential guide for every author’s journey. It includes valuable steps and information about how to get prepared for self-publishing. We hope it sparks you to get writing, and get published!