We asked 9 of our authors: ‘What piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?’ And they all brought some great writing and publishing advice to the table! We’ve complied it here for you so if you are an aspiring writer, use these words of wisdom to guide you and build your confidence!
Kate MacGuire author of Resisting The Off-Limits Paediatrician
“Please take advantage of all the support that Harlequin offers aspiring writers. Their blog and newsletter are an amazing resource with writing advice, wish lists, and examples of what they are looking for. I am not aware of any other publisher that reaches out to unpublished authors like this! The Facebook group is also hugely helpful. Some of HQN’s published authors hang out there, and occasionally, an editor will jump into a discussion. In fact, reading the advice an editor gave another writer gave me the confidence to submit my manuscript.”
Rosie Maxwell author of Billionaire’s Runaway Wife
“Never give up. Keep writing. Believe in your story and your voice. Read as many books as you can in the series you are interested in writing for. If you’re fortunate enough to get any feedback on your submissions, really take the time to read through and absorb that advice.”
Lissa Morgan author of An Alliance With His Enemy Princess
“Write the book that is in your heart rather than the book you think you ‘should’ write. Trust in your own unique voice and don’t try and imitate. Keep your characters central and dig deep into their hearts and minds to bring them alive.”
Sophia Williams author of How The Duke Met His Match
“Read, read, read and write, write, write, as everyone says. But also: get as much feedback as possible. It might be that you’re writing psychological thrillers with limited success but everyone agrees that your voice and plots would be perfect for cosy romance. Or it might be that you’re very much on the right track already but just need to make a few tweaks to your stories and you’re there.”
Ally Blake author of Faking It
“Read lots. All kinds of books. Watch movies. Binge great TV. Absorb story anywhere you can find it till it becomes part of your DNA. Write a story all the way to the end – no matter how hard it is – because once you know you can, it’s a hurdle you’ll always know you are able to jump. When reading your work back, don’t only pay attention to the bits that need fixing. Find the parts you love. The things that make you laugh, or cry, or get shivers. Circle those bits. Relish them. For that’s your unique voice.”
Annie Claydon author of Best Friend To Royal Bride
“I submitted what eventually became my first book to the first Medical Romance Blitz in 2010 and I know first hand how terrifying and thrilling the process is and how rewarding it can be. So my first piece of advice is to try it out if you can. Read every word of the guidelines (twice), prepare your query letter, first chapter and synopsis and then take your courage in both hands and submit your work! Remember that the Editors are on your side – they’re committed to finding and nurturing new voices. This is such a great opportunity to get an Editor’s feedback on your work, and their advice is always worth its weight in gold!”
Laura Martin author of An Unlikely Debutante
“Make time to write. It can be difficult with all the demands of life, but the only way you are going to be successful is if you invest the time in your writing. Write what you enjoy and what makes you happy. I estimate each book I write I spend between one hundred and two hundred hours on. That is a long time to engage with something if you do not love the subject matter. Have a strong sense of your characters before you start. Knowing how they react to everything you throw their way makes it so much easier to write their story.”
Helen Dickson author of Conveniently Wed To A Spy
“Do your homework well. Trawl the book shops and the internet and see what books are popular, books that people like to read, books that sell. Write about something that interests you. You might very well have a talent for writing the books you enjoy reading yourself.”
Justine Lewis author of A Fairytale Bride
“Keep writing! Celebrate the highs and try not to worry too much about the lows. I submitted to Mills & Boon a few times before I got the call. I’m so glad I kept at it. Also, time isn’t going to fall into your lap – you need to make it. But if you can manage even half an hour and a couple of hundred words a day, and do that consistently you will get there. And faster than you think.”
The resounding message from all these successful authors is to read as much as possible and not give up! We hope this advice is helpful and we look forward to reading your future novels!
