7 answers
Ryzel
Student
Conroe, Texas
1
Question
Updated
302 views
How do I start?
I started writing this book in eighth grade for fun, and I forgot about it for a while. Then, when I decided I might try becoming a writer, I told my friends about this short story, and my friends told me to finish it. They are very encouraging, but I don't know what to do. And even if I did finish it, how would I be able to publish it?
The theme of my story is Fantasy, and I'm currently on page 10 of this book.
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7 answers
Violet Florez
Media Production
5
Answers
San Bernardino, California
Updated
Violet’s Answer
Once you finish your manuscript, which is a whole journey on it's own, you need to copyright your work.
Go to the Library of Congress website, which is a ".gov," and follow the copyright instructions. Fill everything out, submit your work, and pay the fee. Be sure to mind your formatting.
After the above is finished you can worry about finding an agent or contacting a publisher.
Note: No real agent or publisher will ask for any kind of fee before they've done they're job.
After all of that, you can consider joining a guild if writing is going to figure into your career plans.
For more specifics ask a teacher or possibly a librarian.
Go to the Library of Congress website, which is a ".gov," and follow the copyright instructions. Fill everything out, submit your work, and pay the fee. Be sure to mind your formatting.
After the above is finished you can worry about finding an agent or contacting a publisher.
Note: No real agent or publisher will ask for any kind of fee before they've done they're job.
After all of that, you can consider joining a guild if writing is going to figure into your career plans.
For more specifics ask a teacher or possibly a librarian.
Thank you!
Ryzel
Jeff Baril
Manage Business Application Software Development and Administration
6
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Ryzel,
It sounds like you have a fantastic story to tell, and your friends encouraging you shows they believe in your potential. Writing a book is no small feat; you’ve already taken an essential step by starting. Let me share some advice that might help you keep going and even get your story into the world.
Step 1: Finish Your Story
The most important thing right now is to focus on completing your book. Don’t worry too much about perfection at this stage; the first draft is all about getting your ideas down. Treat each writing session as an adventure. You might find setting small, achievable goals helpful—like writing one page a day or working for 30 minutes at a time.
Step 2: Revise and Polish
Once you finish your draft, let it sit for a week or two, then return to it with fresh eyes. This is where the magic happens. Read through your story and make notes on areas that can be improved—maybe some parts need more detail, or some dialogue could be sharper. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends who encouraged you to write. They might have great insights!
Step 3: Join a Writing Guild or Community
Writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Joining a writing guild or online community can connect you with other writers who share your passion. Groups like these offer feedback, encouragement, and sometimes even resources for publishing. Websites like Wattpad or Reddit (look for subreddits like r/writing or r/fantasywriters) are great places to start. You could also explore local writing groups through libraries or community centers. These communities often hold workshops or critique sessions, which can help you grow as a writer. The Conroe Art League Writers Group might be a good place to start.
Step 4: Explore Publishing Options
Once you’re happy with your story, you can explore self-publishing through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s a great way to get your work out without needing a traditional publisher. KDP allows you to upload your manuscript, design a cover (or use their tools to create one), and sell your book as an eBook or paperback. The best part? You retain control and earn royalties for every sale. I publish a few through DrivethuRPG, but that's mainly for gaming systems, rules, and world-building. I'm sure there are others, but KDP is the easiest to start with (my niece and a coworker both have books on that platform).
Step 5: Build Your Audience
While working on your book, you can start building an audience. Share snippets of your writing or updates about your progress on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok (especially BookTok), or even a blog can connect you with readers who love Fantasy stories. This will help you when it’s time to launch your book.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Every writer starts somewhere, and you’ve written ten pages of your book, which is fantastic. Fantasy is a genre where you can create entire worlds, breathe life into unique characters, and make your readers dream. Keep going—you have a story that only you can tell, and there’s an audience out there waiting to read it.
You’ve got this, Ryzel. Finish that story and let your imagination soar!
Finish Your Story
Revise and Polish
Join a Writing Guild or Community
Explore Publishing Options
Build Your Audience
It sounds like you have a fantastic story to tell, and your friends encouraging you shows they believe in your potential. Writing a book is no small feat; you’ve already taken an essential step by starting. Let me share some advice that might help you keep going and even get your story into the world.
Step 1: Finish Your Story
The most important thing right now is to focus on completing your book. Don’t worry too much about perfection at this stage; the first draft is all about getting your ideas down. Treat each writing session as an adventure. You might find setting small, achievable goals helpful—like writing one page a day or working for 30 minutes at a time.
Step 2: Revise and Polish
Once you finish your draft, let it sit for a week or two, then return to it with fresh eyes. This is where the magic happens. Read through your story and make notes on areas that can be improved—maybe some parts need more detail, or some dialogue could be sharper. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends who encouraged you to write. They might have great insights!
Step 3: Join a Writing Guild or Community
Writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Joining a writing guild or online community can connect you with other writers who share your passion. Groups like these offer feedback, encouragement, and sometimes even resources for publishing. Websites like Wattpad or Reddit (look for subreddits like r/writing or r/fantasywriters) are great places to start. You could also explore local writing groups through libraries or community centers. These communities often hold workshops or critique sessions, which can help you grow as a writer. The Conroe Art League Writers Group might be a good place to start.
Step 4: Explore Publishing Options
Once you’re happy with your story, you can explore self-publishing through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s a great way to get your work out without needing a traditional publisher. KDP allows you to upload your manuscript, design a cover (or use their tools to create one), and sell your book as an eBook or paperback. The best part? You retain control and earn royalties for every sale. I publish a few through DrivethuRPG, but that's mainly for gaming systems, rules, and world-building. I'm sure there are others, but KDP is the easiest to start with (my niece and a coworker both have books on that platform).
Step 5: Build Your Audience
While working on your book, you can start building an audience. Share snippets of your writing or updates about your progress on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok (especially BookTok), or even a blog can connect you with readers who love Fantasy stories. This will help you when it’s time to launch your book.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Every writer starts somewhere, and you’ve written ten pages of your book, which is fantastic. Fantasy is a genre where you can create entire worlds, breathe life into unique characters, and make your readers dream. Keep going—you have a story that only you can tell, and there’s an audience out there waiting to read it.
You’ve got this, Ryzel. Finish that story and let your imagination soar!
Jeff recommends the following next steps:
Thank you! This is really helpful!
Ryzel
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
56
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Just write.
I know that's simplistic and doesn't go into great detail, but details come later. You want advice on what to do now? Just write and see where it takes you, and how your world builds. Everyone is giving you honest and valuable answers, and many people will go on and on to try and help you with the process and tell you what comes next.
Right now, the most important thing is this:
Just write.
I know that's simplistic and doesn't go into great detail, but details come later. You want advice on what to do now? Just write and see where it takes you, and how your world builds. Everyone is giving you honest and valuable answers, and many people will go on and on to try and help you with the process and tell you what comes next.
Right now, the most important thing is this:
Just write.
Thank you so much!
Ryzel
Rich Feitelberg
Novelist
9
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Take it one step at a time; when you are ready you can self-publish the book. But you have to finish it first. So focus on the story and the characters and figure out what happens and what you want to say. The rest will keep until you’ve got the best story you can make.
Thank you!
Ryzel
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
70
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
1. Focus on Finishing the Draft
Outline the Story: Even if you don’t have a full outline, jot down key events, characters, and the ending you envision. This will guide your writing.
Set Small Goals: Commit to writing a little each day or week, whether it’s a paragraph or a page.
Don’t Overthink Perfection: Allow the story to flow naturally. You can refine it later during editing.
2. Revise and Edit
Take a Break: Once you finish the draft, step away for a few weeks before revising. Fresh eyes help you spot areas to improve.
Edit in Phases: Focus on big-picture issues like plot holes or character development first. Then, fine-tune grammar and style.
3. Seek Feedback
Beta Readers: Share your story with trusted friends or family who enjoy Fantasy. Their feedback can help you refine the plot and pacing.
Join Writing Communities: Online platforms like Wattpad or writing subreddits can provide feedback and encouragement.
4. Prepare for Publishing
Traditional Publishing:
Research agents and publishers who specialize in Fantasy.
Write a query letter to pitch your book.
Submit your manuscript following their guidelines.
Self-Publishing:
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark allow you to publish and sell your book online.
Consider hiring a freelance editor and designer for professional-quality results.
5. Build Your Presence
Author Platform: Start a blog or social media accounts to share updates about your book and connect with readers.
Engage with the Fantasy Community: Participate in discussions, book clubs, or forums to learn more about the genre and market.
Outline the Story: Even if you don’t have a full outline, jot down key events, characters, and the ending you envision. This will guide your writing.
Set Small Goals: Commit to writing a little each day or week, whether it’s a paragraph or a page.
Don’t Overthink Perfection: Allow the story to flow naturally. You can refine it later during editing.
2. Revise and Edit
Take a Break: Once you finish the draft, step away for a few weeks before revising. Fresh eyes help you spot areas to improve.
Edit in Phases: Focus on big-picture issues like plot holes or character development first. Then, fine-tune grammar and style.
3. Seek Feedback
Beta Readers: Share your story with trusted friends or family who enjoy Fantasy. Their feedback can help you refine the plot and pacing.
Join Writing Communities: Online platforms like Wattpad or writing subreddits can provide feedback and encouragement.
4. Prepare for Publishing
Traditional Publishing:
Research agents and publishers who specialize in Fantasy.
Write a query letter to pitch your book.
Submit your manuscript following their guidelines.
Self-Publishing:
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark allow you to publish and sell your book online.
Consider hiring a freelance editor and designer for professional-quality results.
5. Build Your Presence
Author Platform: Start a blog or social media accounts to share updates about your book and connect with readers.
Engage with the Fantasy Community: Participate in discussions, book clubs, or forums to learn more about the genre and market.
Thank you for the advice!
Ryzel
Ratika Mishra
Senior Content Strategist
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Ratika’s Answer
I agree with all the above answers, and to add to it-
Re-read what you have already written. Then try creating a bigger story around it.
Writing an outline first will help.
Then, work on detailing that outline.
Next, create a draft of your entire story in a more gracious manner.
Once you are ready with your first draft, go ahead and try proof-reading it. Then, find publishers.
Some publishers take submissions of your first draft to get back to you. So, submitting your stories there will help in finding a publisher.
And yes, just begin by writing every day and evolving your story. Eventually, everything will fall into place. And most important of all, believe in yourself and your story.
Re-read what you have already written. Then try creating a bigger story around it.
Writing an outline first will help.
Then, work on detailing that outline.
Next, create a draft of your entire story in a more gracious manner.
Once you are ready with your first draft, go ahead and try proof-reading it. Then, find publishers.
Some publishers take submissions of your first draft to get back to you. So, submitting your stories there will help in finding a publisher.
And yes, just begin by writing every day and evolving your story. Eventually, everything will fall into place. And most important of all, believe in yourself and your story.
Thank you for the advice.
Ryzel
Gregory Glading
Novelist
2
Answers
Polk City, Florida
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Hi,
I am a published author of seven novels. Firstly, realize the creative process is intrinsic. Stick to the general rule of good drama and character development. Never be afraid to write a underwhelming story. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to write. Relax and let it flow. Secondly, rewrite your first ten pages. Your first paragraph is critical. Often a prospective agent, publisher, reviewer, or reader will pass judgment on it. No such thing as a first draft should exist. Write and rewrite again and again. Let your story and characters develop as your story progresses. An important rule is that no one is 100% good or 100% evil. Give your characters obstacles. Give your story intrigue. The important thing is to write. Don’t worry if your writing is substandard . You will develop your craft. You will need to revise and rewrite. De-emphasize left brain concepts like goal setting, outlining, and note cards. Creativity is about letting your thoughts flow. As a first time author, you may have trouble landing an agent or getting traditionally published. Find a good hybrid press that will give you full creative control of your work. Don’t bother with guilds and writers social groups. Amateurs can’t help you. Only you are the master of your destiny. You will never fulfill your destiny by sitting on your gluteus maximus and shiftless dreaming. Get off of that thang and write!
I am a published author of seven novels. Firstly, realize the creative process is intrinsic. Stick to the general rule of good drama and character development. Never be afraid to write a underwhelming story. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to write. Relax and let it flow. Secondly, rewrite your first ten pages. Your first paragraph is critical. Often a prospective agent, publisher, reviewer, or reader will pass judgment on it. No such thing as a first draft should exist. Write and rewrite again and again. Let your story and characters develop as your story progresses. An important rule is that no one is 100% good or 100% evil. Give your characters obstacles. Give your story intrigue. The important thing is to write. Don’t worry if your writing is substandard . You will develop your craft. You will need to revise and rewrite. De-emphasize left brain concepts like goal setting, outlining, and note cards. Creativity is about letting your thoughts flow. As a first time author, you may have trouble landing an agent or getting traditionally published. Find a good hybrid press that will give you full creative control of your work. Don’t bother with guilds and writers social groups. Amateurs can’t help you. Only you are the master of your destiny. You will never fulfill your destiny by sitting on your gluteus maximus and shiftless dreaming. Get off of that thang and write!
Thank you!
Ryzel