Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers by Mary Ellis

Happy Wednesday, suspense lovers,

Since we have many fledgling writers in our readership, today I offer helpful hints so you don't make the same mistakes I did when I first got started. Please leave me a comment or one of your own helpful hints and you will be entered in a drawing for a hardcover copy of Sweet Taste of Revenge. Book two of my Marked for Retribution Mysteries by Severn House.

Ten Common Mistakes Made by New Writers

1. Not setting aside time most days to write. If you wait too long between writing sessions you’ll lose your train of thought.

2. Not having any idea where your story will go after your brilliant beginning. Even if you’re not a plotter, at least have a general idea of the middle and end of the story so you don’t get stuck.

3. Starting too many creative projects at the same time. Don’t be too quick to abandon the idea you thought was brilliant weeks before. See this story through to the end to prove you can.

4. Not reading sufficiently in the genre you wish to write. Readers have certain expectations with their favorite genre. Publishers would be reluctant to buy a manuscript that goes too far afield.

5. Thinking that once you finish your manuscript your work is done.

6. Thinking that your mom, dad, sister, brother or best friend would make a great editor for your book. I thought my first book was ready for submission because my mom liked it. Those who love you won’t point out too much description or a major gap in your story.

7. Thinking that since you read the manuscript over twice your book doesn’t need any editing. Authors often see words that are supposed to be there, not what’s actually there.

8. Submitting your manuscript to the wrong agent or publisher such as sending your book to publishers who accept books only from agents, or submitting your book to publishers who produce only non-fiction. Do your homework.

9. Not following a publisher’s guidelines regarding word count, format, language and sensual content of the story.

10.    Giving up too soon. Just because you receive one, two or dozens of rejection letters doesn’t mean you have no future as an author. Read books on crafting the novel, take writing classes, attend conferences, and join critique groups. Every published author has experienced rejection. The only difference is they didn’t give up.

Please leave me a comment for a chance to win Sweet Taste of Revenge. US only. You must leave your email address in order to win. Drawing in one week.