Tips for young authors and writers

If you're a young, aspiring author, you may find that there is a lot of headway to be made in order to hone in on your craft, and make a sustainable living from it. Successes can be few and far between when starting out, but don't dismay. Here are some tips to help keep you going.

Don't stop learning

As a young author, it's important that you continually gather information about your craft. Not only will this make you a better writer in the future, but the more you know, the more you have to inspire you for future books and publications. There are a lot of resources available to you online, and a good majority of those are free. However, don't be afraid to spend money on resources if you believe they will help you in your endeavor.

Never stop writing

While you soak up as much information as you can in order to perfect your craft, you also need to practice writing. Write often and do daily practice exercises. Find a group of writers that share your common interest, and critique each other's work. The more you write and edit your work, the better you will become. Start by setting aside an hour a day, and then each week add more time.

Study the industry

It's going to be very helpful in your career if you understand the publishing, marketing, and editing worlds. The more involved you get in the industry, the more connections you'll find. Even if these relationships don't serve a purpose for you at this moment, in the future they can turn out to be very beneficial.

Learn to network using social media

There are some great online tools you can use to help promote your book. You should be utilizing social media outlets for more than just personal purposes. Be sure you set up separate accounts for your book, though. While you'll want to be yourself and engaging, you also want people to take you seriously so you need to portray a sense of professionalism. 

Don't listen to naysayers

Let's face it – everyone has a different taste for what they read, and not everyone is going to like what you put out there. That's okay! Every famous author (or creator of any kind) has gone through rejection and people not liking their work. Here's the thing though: the more you work at it, the easier it is going to be to find the audience that you are writing for. Don't let people get you down and cause you to stop writing. Keep plugging away, and you'll be glad that you did. 

Believe in yourself

Even though it is listed last, the number one thing to remember as a young author is to believe in your craft. As long as you study, practice, and keep trying, you will succeed. It is only a matter of time. If you find yourself getting discouraged, write it down in a journal, and then move forward. And remember that each day is a new opportunity!