Last updated on February 18th, 2019
Since I have recently written my first book, Encountering Darkness, there are aspects of writing I wished I researched as a first time author. I hope this list will help you avoid many of the common mistakes self-published and indie writers make and realize after publishing their first book. Instead of giving just my own thoughts on this topic, I decided I would include websites which already feature helpful information for first time authors.
Writer’s Digest
This website, which lists “5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Self-Publishing,” has helpful information. The first point resonates with me because I have disregarded social media.
Lifehack
When I first started out, I didn’t realize the importance of these four things, with exception to the last one on the list, until I had already published my book. If I were to summarize the point that hit home the most, it would be to expect more work to be done on your book after publishing.
Writer Unboxed
This website is a great source for writers. In fact, a look on the left side shows that this site is highly regarded by authors. Looking at this list, I realize that I have been blindsided by these five thoughts.
Self Publishing Formula
I enjoyed this short list of three because of the different topics introduced, and I am surprised and encouraged by the last item in the list. I try to write what I love and enjoy. The style of writing I produce and the topics do not seem to be popular, but that’s not all that’s important. That is, unless this book writing endeavor is only about money.
Catherine Ryan Howard
With this post, I resonate with the first point. I wanted to keep on editing my book until the next blue moon, but eventually I understood I needed to take a deep breath and publish the book.
A Writer’s Path
I like how the subject matter is laid out for this post. In this guest post, he includes three ideas for how to specifically deal with the book, like editing, and also includes marketing strategies.
Medium
This article goes into a large amount of detail with five pieces of information for what she wished she knew before writing a book. She begins by including a good deal of her personal writing story. Then she reminds writers that everything in the book process takes a lot of work and dedication. While this author is not a self-published author, she gives valuable information. Plus, she is a New York Times bestseller.
Emma Hamm
This website informs on eight thoughts on the matter and has many good reminders for the realities for many writers. For many writers, they are working full-time to pay bills.
Bonus for first time authors
Now, if you’ve finished a book, creating an Ebook is your next step.
On Art of Blog there is a helpful detailed guide on how to create an Ebook. It covers every single step from conception through to release and marketing.
I would love to hear which of these thoughts you resonated with? Is there something in this list these articles did not mention? Have you succumb to any of these on the list? Has this list been helpful?
