5 Things to Keep in Mind When Writing Your First Book

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If you're writing a book for the first time, congrats! I love working with aspiring authors who are writing their first books because it's such an exciting and valuable process. That said, you'll likely face some roadblocks along the way. For those on the journey right now, here are some book writing tips to get you in the right headspace and ensure you keep writing productively. You can do this!

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:

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RELATED LINKS:

WRITING ADVICE FOR FIRST TIME AUTHORS:
00:47 - The first book you write doesn’t have to be the first you publish
01:56 - Revising can be harder than writing
03:36 - Sometimes, it’s best to put the manuscript away
05:02 - Don’t fear your readers
06:53 - Writing a book is a huge accomplishment

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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[robinyourhood]

I set out as a kid to write a full length novel. This is my 3rd attempt at finishing one and I seriously think I have something I can be proud of. I've never been overly concerned with getting published but your channel as inspired me to try. I'm in the editing process now and it really is a pain but when it's done, I'll be soooo satisfied with simply completing a novel.

[susanbrougher]

It took me a long while before I felt it was time to stop editing my story. But with every edit I saw how much better my story got. Like you said put it aside then go back, I did this many times. I'd think my writing was good after each revision but when I went back later I found I could make it so much better, learned from the process. And I actually discovered my own voice and writing style. I see others mention 3 or 4 drafts. I probably did 50 drafts or more but now I am truly satisfied with my novel. Thanks again.

[georgedye]

Hi Alyssa, Many thanks for your valued guidance, I'm currently revising my first book with a hand axe.
I'm still working my way through your videos. The more I see of your work the more of mine gets the chop. sad case huh?. George

[MCshowuhz]

Well, this was timely and helpful, thank you.

[soccerguy]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement Alyssa. Sometimes it can feel hopeless pursuing your dreams when so many others have fallen through the cracks, but with your videos writing can be made so much easier. That last tip in particular really made us long-haulers feel good :)

[livefree]

Thank you. Your videos have been quite helpful in having a clear, grounded approach.

[jameshansen]

First time watcher (and subscriber) to these videos, they were really good!
Revising, oh yeah, that was hard, I was taking notes on every chapter to make sure there either weren't loose ends, or that plot points weren't missed out/rectified, etc. The only book I've ever wanted to publish is actually my second book I've written, all the others I lost passion for, and just didn't like. Yup, restructuring happened too. Thanks for the encouraging note at the end. It was really nice and helpful.

[rowan]

I know I have learned a lot after I have written my first book. I have just started writing without any real research and thought books are based on number on pages. Thankfully I had some good betas and a good editor who have been really helpful.
Also had a beta who wanted me to change pretty much everything about my characters and story to her vision. Took a stand there and we parted on good terms.
Currently, I'm working on my 4th novel while I'm still awaiting a response from an agent for my third one. So far, rejections only. At least I have written and self-published my series and won awards too. Just really like to make it a full time job and quit my crappy retail job.

[mikefinley]

Your vids on structure is informative, however, it would be of help to point to a planning template for each. My present panzer, is a plot of revenge for lossing a lawsuit, there are !multiple characters in a detective / security specialist firm who are close nit as a family mostly not blood related. It's subplot is Thier personal relationships and romance suggesting the idea of soulmates in some who come together. These are not all dragged out individually but each has Thier moments as the main plot moves on. It's very family sort of oriented in a world where family isn't always blood but the bonds formed as friends and coworkers. There are some comical moments. Sacrifices, betrayal, within the main plot within the agency but trying to put it to a structured template doesn't seem to work, suggestions?

[cynthiaking]

educate yourself on format/font if your goal is querying. do a grammar online course. its hard enough writing your own ms and when you revise and spend a lot of time fixing freshman mistakes.

[thisisdmc]

Thank you for the reinforcement! I am rewriting my book, and it gets really overwhelming some days😓 But your supportive content surely helps!

[TheresaPisani]

Thank you. This made me feel better about the whole process.

[monicac.]

Monica C.
Awesome, I’m writing a cookbook and looking forward to work with a good editor and agent. On the look.. thanks for all the tips!

[jesterjay]

Currently on Project #3 (technically my fifth, sixth, and seventh book). Figured I’ve got enough experience and a great series to publish this time around. Subtracted 150, 000 words in revisions so far.

[akshaylakhani]

Encouraging and supportive advice. Thank you for sharing :)

[autumnparks]

Thanks for the tips! Your channel has been really helpful for me.

[somehydro]

This is excellent content that I find really useful as someone who is working on his first novel. I hope you keep making these videos because I certainly need this. This might be the first time I have ever commented on a YouTube video and that should give you a sense of how much I value this content!

[imabodybuilder]

Thank you! Your videos are encouraging and inspiring. After 20 years I finished my first draft last year. Currently in my second draft and doing plenty of rewrites.

[SultanSezam]

Thank you very much! I'm still working on a first draft

[coreya]

Great video! I’m on my 5th draft an urban fantasy about Chaos Magick and Lovecraftian cults. Wish me luck!