Whether you dream of being traditionally published or plan to self-publish, every author begins in the same place: with a blank page and a decision to start. Writing a book can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to begin wisely, stay realistic, and keep moving forward even when the process gets hard. Here are practical tips to help you get started—and stay committed—on your journey as a first-time author.
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1. Start Small and Write What’s Manageable
Don't attempt to write a 500-page work and expect the book to sell out overnight. Readers will not buy a tome (a large, lengthy book) from an unknown author. You will save yourself time and lots of money on printing if you keep it small, typically no more than 200 pages for a printed book, and even fewer for an e-book. Actually, it only takes fewer than 50 pages to launch your career as an author.
Instead, start with a smaller, focused project. A printed book of 150–200 pages is more than enough to introduce yourself as an author. In fact, an e-book or a short book of fewer than 50 well-written pages can launch your writing career. A brief, clear book that solves one problem or shares one strong message builds confidence, experience, and momentum.
2. Learn from Published Authors
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you know authors who have already published, ask them about their experiences. If you don’t know them personally, follow writers you admire online, read their interviews, or attend workshops and author events.
Most authors are happy to share what they’ve learned—what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier. Their insights can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration, and they can help you avoid common beginner mistakes.
3. Set a Consistent Writing Routine
Talent matters far less than consistency. You don’t need to write for hours each day, but you do need a regular rhythm. Even 20–30 minutes a day adds up quickly over time.
Choose a realistic schedule you can keep—daily, three times a week, or weekends only—and protect that time. Treat your writing like an appointment you don’t cancel. Progress comes from showing up repeatedly, not from waiting for inspiration.
4. Focus on Finishing, Not Perfection
Many first-time authors get stuck revising the first few pages over and over. While quality matters, perfection can become a form of procrastination. Your first draft doesn’t need to be flawless—it needs to be finished.
Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. You can revise later, but you can’t revise a manuscript that doesn’t exist. Completing your first draft is a major milestone and a powerful confidence boost.
5. Be Prepared for Disappointment—and Don’t Take It Personally
Rejection and criticism are part of the writing life. You may hear comments like, “This doesn’t interest me,” “It’s good, but…,” or even, “Did you really write this yourself?” Those moments can sting, especially when you’ve poured your heart into your work.
Remind yourself that not everyone will connect with your writing—and that’s normal. Every author, even the most successful ones, has faced rejection. Learn to receive feedback with humility, discern what’s useful, and release the rest. Your worth as a writer is not defined by one opinion.
The Importance of Perseverance: Don’t Give Up
What separates authors from aspiring authors is not talent, education, or luck—it’s perseverance. Writing a book takes patience, resilience, and determination. There will be days when you feel inspired and days when you want to quit. Expect those moments, and decide ahead of time that you will keep going anyway.
When doubt creeps in, remind yourself why you started. When progress feels slow, remember that small steps still move you forward. Every page you write is proof that you are becoming an author. Perseverance is not optional—it is essential. Keep pressing forward, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Final Encouragement: Finish the Book You Started
Becoming a first-time author doesn’t require perfection or massive ambition—it requires starting wisely and refusing to quit. Start small. Learn from others. Write consistently. Accept rejection without letting it define you. Most importantly, persevere until the manuscript is complete.
Your unfinished manuscript cannot impact readers, open doors, or fulfill its purpose. But a finished book can. Keep writing, keep believing, and keep moving forward. The most important step you can take today is the next one—toward finishing your manuscript soon.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you know authors who have already published, ask them about their experiences. If you don’t know them personally, follow writers you admire online, read their interviews, or attend workshops and author events.
Most authors are happy to share what they’ve learned—what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier. Their insights can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration, and they can help you avoid common beginner mistakes.
3. Set a Consistent Writing Routine
Talent matters far less than consistency. You don’t need to write for hours each day, but you do need a regular rhythm. Even 20–30 minutes a day adds up quickly over time.
Choose a realistic schedule you can keep—daily, three times a week, or weekends only—and protect that time. Treat your writing like an appointment you don’t cancel. Progress comes from showing up repeatedly, not from waiting for inspiration.
4. Focus on Finishing, Not Perfection
Many first-time authors get stuck revising the first few pages over and over. While quality matters, perfection can become a form of procrastination. Your first draft doesn’t need to be flawless—it needs to be finished.
Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. You can revise later, but you can’t revise a manuscript that doesn’t exist. Completing your first draft is a major milestone and a powerful confidence boost.
5. Be Prepared for Disappointment—and Don’t Take It Personally
Rejection and criticism are part of the writing life. You may hear comments like, “This doesn’t interest me,” “It’s good, but…,” or even, “Did you really write this yourself?” Those moments can sting, especially when you’ve poured your heart into your work.
Remind yourself that not everyone will connect with your writing—and that’s normal. Every author, even the most successful ones, has faced rejection. Learn to receive feedback with humility, discern what’s useful, and release the rest. Your worth as a writer is not defined by one opinion.
The Importance of Perseverance: Don’t Give Up
What separates authors from aspiring authors is not talent, education, or luck—it’s perseverance. Writing a book takes patience, resilience, and determination. There will be days when you feel inspired and days when you want to quit. Expect those moments, and decide ahead of time that you will keep going anyway.
When doubt creeps in, remind yourself why you started. When progress feels slow, remember that small steps still move you forward. Every page you write is proof that you are becoming an author. Perseverance is not optional—it is essential. Keep pressing forward, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Final Encouragement: Finish the Book You Started
Becoming a first-time author doesn’t require perfection or massive ambition—it requires starting wisely and refusing to quit. Start small. Learn from others. Write consistently. Accept rejection without letting it define you. Most importantly, persevere until the manuscript is complete.
Your unfinished manuscript cannot impact readers, open doors, or fulfill its purpose. But a finished book can. Keep writing, keep believing, and keep moving forward. The most important step you can take today is the next one—toward finishing your manuscript soon.
Do you need assistance with getting your manuscript prepared for publication? Then contact MANA. We provide consultation, editing, and proofreading services. Contact MANA at info@MarketingNewAuthors.com or call 734-975-0028.
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