I've been doing this so long, sometimes I forget what starting out looks like. Several people on both Threads and Facebook who are going to write their first book ask questions. Lots of questions. Keep in mind I can forget a sentence while I'm speaking it, but here are some things I believe will help.
1. Everybody is against AI. Everybody loves AI.
To be honest, it's a witch hunt out there right now. I believe AI can be used as research. I don't believe, however, it should be used to write a story. Any story. AI lacks soul. That's why it will never, ever, be able to produce art. Art needs passion. Art needs soul. AI lacks both.
2. YOU'RE it. Like...all of it. Some of us, with prior control issues, embrace this craziness. I like being the one in charge of writing, editing, creating a book cover, I loathe marketing--but who doesn't? Be prepared to wear every hat necessary to make this dream come true. There will be LOTS.
3. Even if you're multi-genre: Create a logo. Have a phrase or catch-line. Pick two or three colors you will use throughout your writing career (unless you decide to rebrand). Consistency is key. When people see these things over and over and over, they start to relate them to you.
4. USE the same name on all socials. I fucked this one right up. Probably because I started to do socials and then burnt myself the hell out. Needed to start fresh.
5. Authors are in a big snit if someone has the same title as their current WIP. Okay. Yes. I usually check. But, I'm also open to using the title, especially if it's nothing like the other book with the same title. This is an option you need to think about. Something fresh? Something with the same name but completely different identity?
6. DO NOT mention celebrities, movies, or other things such as these by name. I'm incredibly careful not to do this unless said objects are in the public domain. A lot of people were excited that Sherlock fell into the public domain a few years back. Here's a link to go see what's PD now, and what will be PD. You can, however, make pointed references and many will read between the lines.
7. ISBNs. You can only buy them from Bowker Publishing Services. They are expensive. And you'll need one for each format you dive into i.e. paperback, digital, and audiobook. You CAN use Amazon's ISBN provider, but then they'll be the only seller for that book.
8. Don't pay someone else for something you can do. I can't draw a straight line with a pencil. No joke. But I've played around enough on Canva (which I recommend), that I feel fairly comfortable. I'm still learning new shit. And there's a lot to learn. I had a huge curve to get around. But Canva premium is $15 a month. I went on a binge the other day and created four new reels for my books. The more you play, the less you'll pay.
9. ARC readers are hard to find. The world is inundated in books, unfortunately some are AI or put together so poorly, it's nearly inconceivable. But even the good ones are often looked over and dismissed.
TAKE HEART. Keep at it. Keep pushing. Keep advocating. You can do this!
10. Prolific. I'm out here writing a book in a month and a half. I could not imagine piecing them out over the next six or seven years. I'd be so backed-up, I'd most likely lose my shit. I need to be able to publish as I'M ready. Not wait a year and a half for someone else.
Alrighty, guys! Going to pop off here and go look at see what I can do.
Heavy med day so that may not be much. My eyes are already irritated.
