How to Become a Published Writer in the UK
Read as widely as possible., Share your writing and ask for feedback, in a writing class or from friends or family., Cut about 40%., 'Kill your darlings'., Try to gain some work experience in the publishing industry, if possible in the sector you're...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read as widely as possible.
Read from genres you wouldn't usually consider, and keep a journal where you write down what you consider to be the most and least successful features of every book you read. -
Step 2: Share your writing and ask for feedback
Generally the less well you know the person, the more unbiased the feedback will be.
Some of the feedback will be excellent: other parts of it you should discard.
Trust your instincts on this. , Cut out or combine characters if possible.
Too many characters is boring for the reader.
If in doubt about whether any piece of writing is necessary, cut it out.
Your work will be much more interesting because of it. , Cut anything that you particularly love.
It's probably self-gratuitous and not in-keeping with the tone of the book.
If in doubt, ask an honest friend if your book can do without it. , It will give you valuable experience into what stands out in a letter to a publisher, what is selling now, and any upcoming trends you can grab onto.
If you can think like a publisher you are more likely to appeal to one. , Agents will accept writers who they think they can make a profit with.
Think in advance about who your work will appeal to and why, so you are prepared to answer questions. -
Step 3: in a writing class or from friends or family.
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Step 4: Cut about 40%.
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Step 5: 'Kill your darlings'.
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Step 6: Try to gain some work experience in the publishing industry
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Step 7: if possible in the sector you're trying to write for.
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Step 8: Be prepared to explain to an agent who you think the book would sell to
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Step 9: what the USP is
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Step 10: why you are the only person who could have written this book
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Step 11: and how soon you are able to write another (be realistic).
Detailed Guide
Read from genres you wouldn't usually consider, and keep a journal where you write down what you consider to be the most and least successful features of every book you read.
Generally the less well you know the person, the more unbiased the feedback will be.
Some of the feedback will be excellent: other parts of it you should discard.
Trust your instincts on this. , Cut out or combine characters if possible.
Too many characters is boring for the reader.
If in doubt about whether any piece of writing is necessary, cut it out.
Your work will be much more interesting because of it. , Cut anything that you particularly love.
It's probably self-gratuitous and not in-keeping with the tone of the book.
If in doubt, ask an honest friend if your book can do without it. , It will give you valuable experience into what stands out in a letter to a publisher, what is selling now, and any upcoming trends you can grab onto.
If you can think like a publisher you are more likely to appeal to one. , Agents will accept writers who they think they can make a profit with.
Think in advance about who your work will appeal to and why, so you are prepared to answer questions.
About the Author
Rachel Ruiz
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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