The top two skills you’ll gain writing your first novel
Hard work pays off. Well, that is, if you follow through and actually commit to getting things done, especially when you write your first novel.
Nevertheless, there is more work to be done after you finish writing your story.
I know that it can seem overwhelming. However, the effort you put in can make all the difference.
But what exactly do you get out of writing a novel?
In this post, you’ll learn the top two skills gained as you write your first novel.
Editing
The first skill you gain is editing. You don’t just read your novel once and call it quits.
Re-reading your craft multiple times and making the necessary changes is a critical part of editing.
An easy way to overcome the challenges of editing is to work through the main 4 types of edits.
Developmental edits
Developmental edits are also known as substantive edits. Instead of editing every single word of your novel, you view it as a whole. It all depends on the type of novel you created.
For instance, if you wrote a fiction piece, the way the characters interact is crucial. Thus, the dialogue needs to come off as natural. Each scene has to make sense.
Your main goal when you do developmental edits is to see where the plot holes are missing and fill in those gaps.
In a nonfiction piece, developmental edits take place by reviewing topics that relate to the theme of the story.
Line edits
Line in by line edits. Make sure what the story mentions conveys the right emotion, the style, and the voice for each of the characters.
Readers want to feel like they are in the story themselves.
Leave readers wanting more of your story.
Copy edits
In order for a sentence to become complete, it’s essential that the grammar, spelling, and punctuation are on point.
This is your chance to remove anything that doesn’t fit into the master piece you created.
Proofreading
The last stage of the process is proofreading your book.
Check for minor errors.
The fewer errors, the better.
These are the types of edits you want done to your book.
Nevertheless, self-editing can only take you so far.
Don’t be afraid to go through the process or hire a professional.
Work within a budget that works for you.
Marketing
No matter how good your book is, you must promote your work. There are many ways you can get potential readers. However, there are many ways you can let people know you exist.
Create an email list
Once you have a reader’s email list, you can reach out to your audience. Let them know when your novel is published. Emails can be a main form of contact if social media apps disappear.
Website
Creating an author website can allow your readers to get to know you. Furthermore, it’s a way to build your email list.
Connection is imperative.
Have fun and be creative when setting up your website.
Socials
Pick one social media platform to promote your work.
For example, you can post a clip of images that represent your story through a simple reel on Instagram.
Other social platforms are:
Tiktok
YouTube
Can you do to much when it comes to skills you gain?
There are no limits to how you can reach your targeted audience or a fan base. All the skills you learn during and after you write can be the very thing that changes your life for the better.
Go for your dreams.
Never give up on yourself.
Hello there, my name is Vikita. I’m an aspiring author. I’ve written my first fiction novel and want to share the tips, tricks, and some of the things I learned throughout my journey. And I figured this was the perfect way for you to get to know me.
