First-time authors face many challenges that they often discover along the way in their writing journey. These challenges can lead to depression, procrastination, poorly edited books that harm their reputation, and a strong aversion to publishing, which may even push them to consider changing careers. This is why we take it upon ourselves to prepare writers for the obstacles they might encounter and offer the best strategies to overcome them. In doing so, we ensure they’re well-prepared and equipped to navigate their journey successfully. The challenges and ways to overcome them are explained below:
1. Developing a Unique Writing Style
New authors often struggle to find their voice. They try to emulate the works of famous authors or doubt their natural style. However, it’s important to note that every writer has their own voice and should not undermine their skill.
How to Overcome It:
Trust your instincts—your perspective is what makes your writing unique. Every writer has their instincts to guide them, and they must always listen to them. For example, while writing or rewriting, the next word of a sentence comes to mind. That is what you should put down. Finish writing that chapter, take a break, and then come back to it. You’ll ask yourself, “Did I really write this?” You just have to trust your instincts. At times, your instincts may even deviate from the outline you have prepared. However, in all things, trust your instincts, and you will have a great story to tell.
2. Battling Punctuation and Grammar Errors
Grammar mistakes, misplaced commas, and awkward sentence structures can make your writing seem unpolished. Badly edited books can stop sales and gather negative reviews from readers, which is the last thing a first-time author needs. Hence, the writer must take great care to clean their books of all errors.
How to Overcome It:
Use editing tools to catch basic errors. AI-assisted editing tools have proven to be invaluable for many writers. You can use both the free and paid versions to make your work cleaner and more polished. However, writers should also read through editing textbooks and learn the right way to edit their stories, as this skill will stay with them for life.
Invest in a professional editor if possible. A fresh set of eyes can significantly improve your manuscript. First-time authors can hire a professional editor to work on their books. This is one of the services offered at Bukkie Allison Consulting, and we are happy to help. The writer may not see the loopholes in their own work, but a fresh set of eyes will scrutinize and fish out every error. Editors walk around with microscopes to catch every overlooked mistake.
Read your work out loud—it helps identify awkward phrasing and punctuation issues. First-time writers should form the habit of reading their stories aloud. You can pinpoint where commas, full stops, or quotation marks should be placed. Reading aloud helps you spot which sentences flow and which need adjustment.
3. Self-Doubt and Loss of Confidence
Many first-time authors experience impostor syndrome. Thoughts like “Am I good enough?” or “Will anyone care about my book?” can be overwhelming. Writers also experience self-doubt about their writing, but this should not stop them from writing. Instead, the writer can seek feedback or encouragement from writing groups or communities by posting snippets of their work. Alternatively, they can hire a beta reader to review the work and open themselves up to constructive criticism.
How to Overcome it:
Write as much as possible without overthinking. Your voice will emerge naturally. “Writing is the solution to writing problems. It is the solution of itself.”
Write a short story, article, or poem—anything to help you develop your style. Read through your work, and you will begin to discover a similar pattern in it.
Read widely but analyze different writing styles to understand what resonates with you. Do not copy a writing style hook, line, and sinker. Analyze it and see if it works with the way you have structured your story.
4. The Pressure to Create a Perfect First Draft
First-time authors should shy away from the notion of producing a perfect first draft. Many new authors believe they must create an extraordinary book on their first attempt. This pressure can lead to perfectionism, which often results in procrastination or writer’s block.
How to Overcome it:
Writers are often advised to write their first draft without editing—the goal is to get all the ideas down first, and refinement can come later. It’s not supposed to be perfect or clean. It is that second or third draft that takes on the heavy editing. Writers should accept that their first drafts can be messy. All books need to go through multiple revisions.
Writers should be realistic with themselves and stay positive. Writing is a process, and improvement comes with time.
5. Learning from Established Authors
One of the best ways to grow as a writer is to study the work of accomplished authors. However, some new writers feel intimidated when comparing their work to literary giants.
How to Overcome It:
Instead of feeling discouraged, analyze what makes their writing effective. Pay attention to their storytelling techniques, character development, and dialogue.
Read widely across different genres to understand various styles and techniques.
Remember that even great authors started as beginners—your journey is just beginning
Conclusion
Every writer faces challenges, not just the first-time author. The first-time author should remember that others have overcome these challenges, and so can they. Writing is more than just finishing a manuscript; it’s about growing as a storyteller. First-time authors should take special care to produce their best work first, as this is how readers will communicate with their subsequent books.
So, if you’re staring at a blank page, doubting your abilities, or frustrated with rejections, take a deep breath and keep going. The world needs your story, and only you can tell it. Do not quit.