One of the things you’ll often hear as new writer is that the world of publishing is a competitive, cold place. That writers are figuratively fighting each other to the death, and if another writer isn’t plotting to steal your work, then they are plotting to stab you in the back.
Well, I’m here to tell you that that isn’t the case at all. Most writers are not looking out to harm you or protect their “turf.” NO writers are out there plotting to steal your work. And while the publishing industry may remain a competitive, over-crowed place, publishers and agents are still human, and in most cases, act as so.
I started this blog with the idea that other writers are not our competition at all; they are our support group. At least the ones who get it, understand that we are one big community. While we may have our own tribes and family (fiction vs. non-fiction, genre vs. lit) we are all here doing what we love, hoping to share it with others, and if the hard work, determination, and fate all align properly, we all hope to make a few bucks doing it.
I just love helping new writers learn about the craft and the business. It’s so fulfilling to see the look on another writer’s face when they realize they can get published for the first time. Or that it’s okay to be discouraged sometimes.. And I also feel like the more I help others learn about the craft, the more I learn myself. It’s an all around good things.
So with that said, here are…
5 Ways to Support and Encourage Other Writers
1. Don’t criticize
Critique, but don’t criticize. If another writer asks your opinion on their work, and you choose to give it, be honest. Perhaps brutally honest, but criminary’s sake you don’t need to be mean about. Let them know what works, and what could use improvement. Simply pointing out which parts “suck” and not showing how to improve is for…suckers.
2. Leave reviews
This is SO important. My biggest mistake when I published Holy Fudgicles was failing to ask people for reviews.
Friend or writer: “Hey, I read your book!”
Me: “Uhhhh. Oh no! Hope it wasn’t too sucky or anything. Do you want your money back?”
When what I should have said was: “Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. If it’s not too much trouble, could you do me a fav and leave me a review?”
So as the guy on the side of not being able to get reviews, I try to leave reviews when I can now if I enjoy a book by a local, independent, or generally unknown author.
3. Share resources
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re reading a handful of similar sites. Don’t hide that kind of knowledge from new writers. Let them know your favorite writing blogs, magazines, podcasts. Not only will that help the aspiring writer, but it will also help spread the word about your favorites sites.
4. Invite them to your “clubs”
If you’re a member of a writing group, a critique group, a writers guild, or regular attendee of conventions, invite other writers to join or come along. Writing can often be a lonely activity, but attending events and joining groups is a great way to feel like you’re still a productive member of society, while learning and improving.
5. Don’t point out the negative stuff
I put this last, but it’s probably the most important. It also sounds kind of silly, I suppose: “Say nice things.” But it I mean it. If someone comes up to you and says they have just started writing fiction, encourage them to keep it up. Let them know that you’re in their corner. If they have any questions about the business or craft, you’re there to either answer or point them in the direction of finding that answer. An unpleasant first interaction with another writer might be enough to scare a new writer off for a few more years. And that isn’t fair to anyone.
I’m sure there are many many more ways to support other writers, but these five were a few of the easy ones. How else do you support and encourage other writers? Leave a comment and let us know!
