Every author begins their writing journey with a manuscript’s first draft. If you are reading this, it is likely your starting point, too. Every aspiring author must grasp the importance of keeping an open mind, especially at the beginning of their journey.
If you are struggling to improve your manuscript as a novice author, here are some tips to consider.
- Acknowledge Your Weaknesses
A novice writer has so much to learn, and admitting their shortcomings can be their biggest challenge. Of course, everyone wants their projects to stand out when they have spent so much time and energy on writing. However, novice writers cannot claim that their work is perfect.
You can never improve your work if you do not admit that it has room for improvement. You cannot improve your work if you are close-minded. It is always advisable for new writers to seek assistance from professional editors and proofreaders in order to enhance their work and establish themselves as accomplished authors in the genre.
- Keep Learning
Just because you have read a number of books in the genre or received a certification from a writing course does not mean that you know everything about writing a brilliant manuscript. It takes years for authors to excel at writing and establish themselves.
Every new thing you learn while writing your manuscript helps you become a better writer, especially when you know your weaknesses.
For example, if you are struggling with world-building for your sci-fi novel, you can research the tips and tricks to master it. From online courses to blogs, you can find the information you need in a variety of formats, many of which are free.
- Create an Outline
Nothing matches the feeling of having a great idea in your mind. Like any other person, you would also want to start transferring your ideas to a piece of paper promptly. You may think that it is a good approach, but the reality is entirely different.
Even the best authors agree that transferring your ideas directly to paper is not a good approach. Instead, it is always better for you to create an outline first. It is your opportunity to plan out your novel in advance. This approach ensures that you will not miss out on any important details while writing.
- Welcome Feedback and Criticism
Every author aspiring to stand out in their genre must know what an editorial assessment is and why they need it. You cannot improve your work without keeping an open mind for criticism.
At first, many novice authors think that someone criticizing their work does not understand it. Authors can visualize their stories perfectly in their minds, but their ideas may not always translate well onto the page. Therefore, keeping an open mind can help you see what your manuscript is lacking and how criticism can boost its potential.
You must remember that criticism by a professional on an unpublished manuscript is better than the disapproval of your manuscript by your audience.
- Try Objectivity
You do not have to be defensive about your work when it is unpublished. Before publication, you must consider opinions to be suggestions that can help you improve your work and possibly save you from embarrassment later.
While being objective for your own work can undoubtedly be a challenge, it is not an impossible one to achieve. You must do your best to keep an open mind and listen to what the critics have to say.
Accepting or rejecting the suggestions from your critics is totally up to you. However, it is always important to give a lot of thought before rejecting similar suggestions from multiple critiques.
- Focus on Grammar
While you may be able to justify minor inconsistencies, there is no way to justify major issues such as grammatical mistakes. Such major errors in your work can make you look negligent and unreliable as a novice author in the genre.
Every novice author trying to establish their presence in a genre must read their manuscript several times to ensure that there are no grammatical errors. Professionals such as proofreaders can also help you in this endeavor.
In addition, you can also use tools to check grammar in your documents. These tools can save you a lot of time and effort by pointing out mistakes that you may have missed out on.
- Dissect the Books You Love
A writer cannot be brilliant at their skill without being an avid reader. Reading different works from the genre allows you to understand what led to their greatness and how you can follow the same lead to make your work stand out.
Reading great works from authors is also a brilliant way to become inspired. These works and their creativity can help you broaden your horizon and create a masterpiece that engages with the readers beyond the surface.
- Establish a Writing Routine
Every writer needs a writing routine, especially when they are just starting their journey to becoming an author. Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, you can always establish a writing routine according to your preferences and availability.
According to Malcolm Gladwell, it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. Establishing a writing routine can help you practice this skill every day and set on your journey to become a brilliant writer with full confidence.
- Keep a Journal
Just like every brilliant author, you can also understand the importance of inspiration in writing a brilliant manuscript. Inspiration can be the driving force for most authors and influence their work long after it has been published.
While everything about being inspired is great, the only downside is that it can hit you at any time. Whether you are out for a walk or lying down on a beach, any moment can inspire you.
Instead of missing out on the magic of inspiration, it is always a good idea to keep a journal by your side. It allows you to keep notes and never miss out on a wonderful idea again.
