Since going the indie author route with my urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, readers might assume I work alone dawn to dusk. While somedays it feels that way, and other days I wish it was that way, the truth is no one really does the publishing thing alone.
Writing groups and conferences help you find your writing voice and develop your skills in the writing craft. Once you have those things working well within the story you want to share with readers, it’s time to get writing.
There is no set, perfect way to write a book. Because no two writers are the same. While it might be nice if there was a simple task list (beyond getting words on the page) it isn’t going to happen. Paying attention to your process, discovering which hours are your most productive, what tools work, and what actions nourish you along the way will be most helpful.
An author friend of mine does extensive character background and plotting before she starts. I’ve tried her way, but it wrecked the process for me. I’m considered a pantser, (meaning I don’t plot) but really I’m a hybrid now. I start out writing fast and loose, then take a look at what I’ve discovered, whittle that down and aim for the ending I have in mind. (Yes there’s more to it, but you don’t want to know).
No matter how you get to the finished draft. It’s only the beginning.
Teamwork begins when the draft is done – or earlier if you’re working with critique partners. Trading feedback on works in progress is another system that works for some, but not all authors.
Once that draft is complete and polished to your best ability, it’s time to send it out to either beta readers or your first round with an editor.
Beta readers (who read paranormal romance novels, or your specific genre) can be a fabulous asset, letting you know if your book will resonate with readers, if you’ve left something out of the plot, if your characters are engaging. They might even point out continuity errors or typos.
An editor can address structure, pacing, grammar, and/or typos too. To give your book the best experience with an editor, do your best to clean up those little typos so your editor isn’t distracted from what you want them to be looking for.
Readers expect and deserve your best effort and all these extra eyes on your book, all this teamwork, helps improve not only your writing process, but the finished product you will deliver to readers.
And let me offer up a special THANK YOU to my team of beta readers and editors who have helped me bring each of my books to readers, from the non-fiction to the urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels!
Live the adventure!
