Personal Essay: Newbie Mistakes

During my first year, as a totally inexperienced self-published author, I often made the shameful mistake of viewing low reviews as personal attacks. I'd gone as far as social-media venting (for days … sometimes weeks), as well as … deleting and blocking numerous low-rating reviewers. (I know. Sigh. Oh, how I’ve changed …) As a newbie, I had a damaging perception of low-rating reviewers: I gifted them my book, but they dislike my writing … Blah. Blah. Blah … Unfortunately, it's easy to believe such notions. After all, most writers view their work as cherished treasure. Like many novice indie authors, I had the misconception that my debut book was original and well-written (but it wasn't). Now, according to recent feedback, and thanks to low reviews, as well as additional months added onto my previous years of creative-writing study—my storytelling skill has significantly improved. Moreover, I've prolonged my publishing process, since, let’s be honest: more than two people should evaluate any book before an author hits publish. My newbie mistakes have helped me understand that it's self-sabotage when an author completes a first draft and then prematurely emails it to anyone. Frankly, regardless of a writer's skill, I’ve gleaned that a manuscript requires at least two rounds of self-editing before it’s critiqued. Offended and lazy authors (yeah, I said it: lazy) may say: "Oh, but that's too much work, KZ. I don't have time for that—I have deadlines!" Folks, I strongly believe that it's a writer's responsibility to prepare polished (to their ability) manuscripts before an experienced analyst receives it.

If we (creative distributors) want readers (consumers) to pay for our stories, then we should make our books worth buying and reading. We cannot expect our writing to produce a career—but treat our book process like a cheap hobby. Therefore, when an author submits a first draft to an editor, publisher, beta reader, etc., and the pundit mentions that the story requires revisions—then that's the writer's job to rework their manuscript! Furthermore, it's my experience that slacking off at any level of the book-production process will attract negative feedback and reduce audience growth.

Is it acceptable to attend an interview in our pajamas with hot-mess hair and breath? No, right?! Well, sending a manuscript without self-editing—to anyone—is like asking for harsh rejection. Our readers/fans can love us all they want, but if our books are poorly edited/written—and non-fans negatively review them—then we must do what all mature people have done for centuries: Instead of making social-media jackasses of ourselves, we should learn and grow from our mistakes.