Today’s letter answers a question I received from a new writer:
Q: I would love for one of your blogs to address the path from the first sentence as a new writer to advancing one’s craft to working with an accomplished editor like yourself. How will I know when my craft is “good enough” to approach an editor of your caliber? And, more importantly, how do I get there?
A: These are two great questions, and ones that many new writers face. Before we touch on when you might approach a children’s book editor like me, let’s start with the more important question: what steps should a new writer take to improve their craft?
This is where I wish I could offer something like, “Seven easy steps to become an award-winning writer” or “The writing secret all bestselling authors know.” Fortunately/unfortunately (depending on your perspective), the best advice for becoming a better writer is the equivalent of “eat vegetables and prioritize movement”: read as much as you can and write as much as you can.
In fact, as I began writing this letter, I realized that I was repeating some of my earlier posts in which I share my top three tips for writers. If you only follow three pieces of writing advice, I would encourage you to follow these:
While there are no shortages of writing books, workshops, courses, seminars, and conferences (I’ve purchased and participated in many myself!), there is no substitute for reading as widely and deeply as possible. You can hear someone speak for hours about creating compelling main characters or crafting satisfying plots and still not reach the same level of understanding you could by studying a book that features both and trying to apply its techniques to your own work. To use another common adage: seeing is believing.
Unpacking the craft elements within published books allows you to add new techniques to your writing toolbox. Applying these tools to your own writing, across multiple drafts and through trial and error, allows you to master them. In this way, as you continue reading and writing, you will also continually strengthen your craft. It’s not a coincidence that many published authors come from other reading-and-writing-heavy backgrounds, from English majors and lawyers to teachers and writers of fan fiction.
When it comes to seeking feedback, I’d recommend waiting until you’ve first completed a full draft. Particularly for newer writers, inviting feedback while you are still working on your first draft can often do more harm than good. If you’ve completed this step and are unsure whether your manuscript is ready to share, you might find this post about how to know when your book is finished helpful.
When you feel ready to start sharing your work with others, you might begin by tapping into your creative community, such as joining a writing or critique group where you can receive feedback from other writers in your category and/or genre. While editors work with projects at nearly every stage of development, I think it is helpful for new authors to first seek feedback from peers. This allows you to gain experience in receiving feedback on your work, in separating helpful feedback from unhelpful feedback, and in identifying the stage of your writing process when you find feedback the most useful and inspiring (rather than demotivating or confusing).
Sharing your work with other readers first can also allow you to address any issues that may be readily apparent, which will ideally allow your work with a professional to focus on more nuanced or detailed feedback.
Your Editor Friend,
Julie
P.S. If there’s a topic I haven’t covered or if you’d like to submit a question for me to consider answering in a future letter, please let me know! I’d love to hear from you.