Up Close: The Year in Review – The Best Advice for Writers

When all else fails, we write. We tell stories. Then we revise them. And then we revise them again, and again. And if you’re anything like me, again. And during all that time, the world keeps spinning, burning in some places, healing in others, hungry, even ravenous for escape, understanding, empathy. And so we write. Or we at least try to. Which brings me to this year in review summary and the encouragement I hope you’ve received from the advice shared in my Up Close column. Over the past year, I’ve had the good fortune of interviewing a number of publishing professionals. From a successful self-published author to a former acquisitions editor, and everything in between, their advice shared a common thread: keep going, keep querying, keep writing. So here’s a review of the best advice from Up Close this year.

Terra Weiss, Author of the Wingmom Series: Advice for writers considering self-publishing 
Ask yourself the important questions. The first one is whether you want to make writing into a career or not. If the answer to that is yes, then the second is whether or not you want to be an entrepreneur because, as you’ve learned, successful self-publishing means running a business, not just writing books.

The third is if you are—deep down in your heart—okay with writing to market. Some people lose the joy of writing if they have to fit their books into a genre or trope. Which is fine, but it may mean you need to pursue the trad route. The fourth question is whether you can produce books on a tough schedule, around 3-5 books a year. This means you’re spending about a month on drafting, a month on editing, a month giving it to critique partners, betas, and editors, and a month on allowing advanced readers to have it and review it. Also ask yourself if you’re an “I’ll figure it out” type of person because you’ll be scrambling to learn something new every day, whether it be the latest technology, understanding the updated rules for sending newsletters, or how to reposition your books or marketing strategy to fit in the current market, which shifts almost overnight.

Finally, read books that are like yours. This one sounds simple, but so many authors aren’t reading their successful comp authors, which means they’re unaware of what the standards are in their genre. It’s impossible to do anything well if you don’t know the target you’re aiming for.

Linda A. Duggins, Media Strategist: What authors should know about media and publicity 
It’s optimal to create a compelling e-media kit. Be sure to include a detailed and concise author bio, author photo, an engaging and succinct book synopsis, press release, upcoming book event details, and pre-prepared questions to guide interviews. Producers and hosts are notoriously busy. Some of them don’t have time to read your book. Work to develop and rehearse four to six key messages you want to convey about your book and ensure the messages are consistent across the various media engagements and platforms. If you are working with a publicist, allow them to take the lead, as your publicist has established media contacts and will be able to strategically pitch your book to the right outlets.

Amanda DuBois, Activist and Author of the Camille Delaney Mystery Series: What every author should know

Simple as it is, I’d tell a newbie writer don’t give up. Persistence. My books sat on the metaphorical shelf for 20 years, and I think they’re better for it.Also, I think that because I live in a world of high conflict (I’m a litigator, after all), I don’t take anything very personally. When I get a manuscript back riddled with track changes, I don’t lick any wounds. It becomes part of the challenge. I think part of getting good at this craft is being willing to take feedback seriously. And what seems like harsh criticism is just your editor pushing you to make your story better. It would be hard to be in the world of writing if you’re unsure of yourself or are uncomfortable being self-reflective. You might also have to adjust your idea of success as a writer. I’m no John Grisham. But if we write a story and get it launched into the world, we will have succeeded at our craft.

Margeaux Weston, Author and Former Acquisitions Editor: Working out a roadmap to publication

First, I suggest becoming an avid reader in the genre you want to write. It’s a great way to better understand the genre and discover your own writing style. I always advise those new writers to read more than what’s popular. Read comparative titles—books that are similar to your manuscript—and study what makes them work. Without that knowledge base, you may struggle to complete your manuscript. Research is your biggest asset.

I also advise writers to listen to writing podcasts or read author interviews. I am a huge fan of the Lifewriting podcast hosted by Steve Brown and Tananarive Due. Listening to how authors think and their writing process has given me countless tips for my own process.

Lastly, I suggest finding a good editor. We’ve always heard that writing is rewriting—and boy is that an understatement. Revising is a crucial part of the writing process, and finding a good editor will help make the process easier. Find an editor who has worked with authors in your genre and who has a good understanding of the publishing industry. Be prudent in researching an editor, and take the time to interview a few. The right editor will help shape your manuscript and provide quality suggestions.

Over to you, WU: Share some of the best writing advice you’ve gotten in 2024 and thoughts on what you plan on doing writing-wise in 2025.

Grace Wynter

Grace Wynter is an author, editor, and workshop facilitator. She has an MBA from Georgia State University and a Professional Certificate in Editing from the University of Chicago. She has conducted workshops for organizations such as Writer Unboxed, Wake Up and Write!, Sisters in Crime, and the Atlanta Writers Club where she is also a freelance editor for their biannual Atlanta Writers Conference. Her editing clients include traditional publishers such as Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, and Hachette, and an array of indie publishers and self-published authors. Grace is the community architect behind Tessera Creatives, an online directory that connects authors and publishers with skilled, culturally competent freelance creatives who provide services for the publishing industry.

When she’s not alternating between the Marvel and DC universes, Grace resides in Atlanta, Georgia. You can connect with her at GraceWynter.com.