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What are the common mistakes that authors make when seeking publishing advice?

Zela Kinnie

As a user of various social media platforms, I have observed that most authors, especially new ones, tend to make certain mistakes when seeking publishing advice. These mistakes can be attributed to a lack of knowledge or experience in the publishing industry. In this response, I will discuss the common mistakes that authors make when seeking publishing advice, and provide ways in which they can avoid them.

Firstly, one of the most common mistakes that authors make is failing to research the publishing industry. Many authors approach publishing professionals with little or no understanding of the publishing industry or how it works. This mistake can make an author appear unprepared and unprofessional. To avoid this mistake, authors should extensively research the publishing industry before seeking advice, and familiarize themselves with the different stages of the publishing process, such as querying, pitching, and editing.

Secondly, authors often make the mistake of seeking advice from the wrong people. While seeking advice from friends and family may seem like a good idea, their opinions may not be objective or unbiased. Additionally, authors may seek advice from people who have little or no experience in the publishing industry. To avoid this mistake, authors should seek advice from professionals in the publishing world, such as literary agents, editors or publishers. Joining writing groups and attending conferences and workshops can provide opportunities to connect with professionals in the publishing industry.

Another mistake authors make is not following submission guidelines. Every publisher and literary agent has specific guidelines on how to submit manuscripts. Ignoring these guidelines can result in rejection of a manuscript before it has even been read. To avoid this mistake, authors should always carefully read and follow submission guidelines before submitting their work. This may involve formatting their manuscripts to a specific standard, following a specific word count, or including specific items in their submission package.

Lastly, authors often make the mistake of not taking constructive criticism well. Feedback is crucial for authors who are trying to improve their craft and succeed in the publishing industry. However, some authors may take criticism as a personal attack, which can limit their growth and make it difficult to take on board feedback that could improve the quality of their work. To avoid this mistake, authors should approach feedback with an open mind and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer.

In conclusion, authors can avoid these common mistakes when seeking publishing advice by researching the publishing industry, seeking advice from professionals, following submission guidelines, and taking constructive criticism well. Writing and publishing can be a challenging and complex process, and seeking advice can help authors navigate the industry effectively. By avoiding these mistakes, authors can increase their chances of success in the publishing world.