2020 has delivered plenty of challenges. Thankfully there have also been quite a few silver linings.
Here are 5 things I’ve managed to do as a new author that have kept me energised this year. They might inspire you, too!
1. Sending off my first manuscript submission
This was a huge step for me earlier this year. Sending my precious manuscript off into the world was a little like sending a child off to school on their first day. It also signalled a shift in the way I’d been thinking about my writing. Since that moment, I’ve felt that I can really call myself a writer. I can wear my ‘First Submission’ badge with pride. Even if this one isn’t successful, I’m now much more prepared for the next one and many more to come!
2. Getting personal feedback from people in the industry
One of the silver linings this year has been that publishers have been trying to find new ways to connect with new authors. I was lucky enough to be part of a personalised writing program with Exisle Publishing, Exisle Academy, for three months this year. It gave me direct access to the Exisle’s publisher as well as the publisher at their children’s books imprint, EK Books. Gareth and Anouska dedicated hours to working directly with me and my manuscript. It was an incredibly invaluable experience, that has helped me improve my writing and grow as an author, and has also taught me a great deal about the publishing industry.
3. Going to a (virtual) writers’ conference
Another unlikely benefit this year has been the chance to attend virtual writers’ workshops, talks and conferences that are a long way from home. This year, I had planned to go to my first CYAll Stars Conference in Brisbane. In the end, we couldn’t get there in person, but the organisers were able to deliver a brilliant online conference. As well as learning so much about each presenter’s topic, the conference gave me a great deal of confidence and motivation. I learnt that even successful writers experience self-doubt from time to time, but with hard work and determination, it is possible to be a successful author.
The CYAll Stars Conference also runs an annual manuscript competition, which I entered for the second time this year. It’s a great opportunity to get some outsider feedback on your manuscript from two of the volunteer judges, and much cheaper than a formal manuscript assessment. Of course, there’s also the possibility that yours might be one of the winning manuscripts!
The conference was a fantastic experience, and I definitely plan to go next year (one way or another). They also run bootcamps, as well as agent and editor sessions, which can be a great way to meet industry representatives.
4. Building an author platform
If you’re serious about becoming a published author, then sooner or later you’re going to need to build your author platform. The advice I’ve received from Anouska at EK Books is that it’s a good idea to start early. This year, I’ve begun to grow my online presence through this website and my Facebook page. Social media is a great place to start, since it’s free and is easy to connect with people.
5. Joining a writers’ Group
I had been undecided about joining a writers’ group. But having listened to other writers talk about how valuable the experience had been for them, this year I signed up to SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and joined a picture book critique group. There are lots of benefits to being part of a writers’ group. Firstly, you get to interact with other members of the children’s writing community every week. Also, having regular deadlines encourages you to keep writing and refining your manuscripts. One of the other great things is that, in a group like ours, we all come from very different backgrounds and that allows us to look at each manuscript from very different perspectives. Perhaps the greatest benefit of the group is that we understand what it’s like and can support and encourage each other, and celebrate each other’s success!