6 Things You Didn’t Know About Becoming a Published Author (Guest Post)

Today’s guest post comes from RaeBeth McGee-Buda, author of the newly released book, Silenced, a Young Adult Suspense. This is the 15th stop on her month-long book tour.

6 Things You Didn't Know About Becomeing a Published Author

1.    It takes time. I thought a writer sat down and wrote until their hearts were content. When they finished their book it was time to throw it together and boom ... it’s done. Boy was I wrong. It takes a lot of time and sometimes it takes many people working together when working against a deadline.

2.    Editing is tough. After I got done writing my book I wasn’t prepared for the extensive amount of editing that needed to be done. I went through the manuscript. Then I had a few close writer friends go through it. Once they were done I went to my critique group. I did another round myself. Lastly it went to a professional editor... twice.

3.   It takes time and devotion. When choosing to be a writer I never thought I’d have to devote so much time to it. At times I catch myself saying I need a staff of people to help. Especially when it comes to promotion.

4.   Bloggers are your friends. At first I was skeptical on reaching out to them for help. I didn’t want to hear no or worse not hear from them at all. But so far I’ve come into contact with some amazing bloggers who I want to thank for all their hard work. Without them I think it’d be harder for authors to get their work out there.

5.   Reviews. Pay attention when its right. Don’t get all worked up over the bad ones. Some may come across harsh. Those are the ones you ignore and don’t respond to. At times reviews can be helpful even if their less than perfect. Authors can learn from them. They can show an author what they need to work on.

6.   Social media is your friend as a published author. At this time I’ve sent out press releases to local newspapers for my release and haven’t seen anything yet. But I’ve had loads of help through all different types of social media sites to help me get the word out. I’m thankful for those.

So with this I go by saying follow your dreams and never stop. Even when the tough gets going. Push through it and it’ll make you stronger.

RaeBeth was born in southwestern Pennsylvania in 1987 and grew up loving to read and write, especially poetry and short stories. Her passion of writing was realized during her eleventh grade literature class. She graduated from American Intercontinental University with her associates in business administration.

In August 2012, she married Gregory Stephen Buda, Jr. after publishing under her maiden name. With any of her other works, she plans to write under her married name. She is a full-time mother of one with another little one on the way. She enjoys spending time writing and connecting with readers is her main goal.

 

Be sure to check out RaeBeth McGee-Buda's website and her book, Silenced on Amazon!

For the readers out there, did anything on this list surprise you? For the author's out there, do you have anything to add? (Do it in the comment section!)

Also, RaeBeth is doing a tour-wide giveaway of one e-copy of Silenced, and author card, and a (fake) razor necklas. Yes, I want one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway