WHY YOU NEED A DISTINCTIVE WRITING VOICE AND 8 WAYS TO FIND IT

Take, for example, Ernest Hemingway’s terse, economical writing style laced with simple direct language. Or Toni Morison’s writing—known for its poetic and lyrical qualities, and praised for its beauty, complexity, and profound insights into the human experience. Or even J.K Rowling’s voice, characterized by its witty, whimsical style and its ability to create richly imagined worlds and characters.

These are just a few examples of the diverse and wonderful writing voices that exist in literature.

The terms "writer's voice" and "writing voice" are often used interchangeably. While "writer's voice" generally refers to the overall persona or identity that the author projects through their writing, “writing voice,” on the other hand, implies more specifically to the author's writing style and technique. Going by the logic that writing voice leads to writer’s voice, let's refer to either term as “writing voice.” 

Why a Distinctive Writing Voice is Important For Authors

For first-time and self-published writers, developing a solid writing voice is crucial for several reasons.

A distinctive voice can capture readers' attention and make them want to keep reading. It helps the writer stand out in a crowded marketplace where there are many other books competing for readers' attention.

When readers identify with the author's voice, they are more likely to become fans and return to read more of their work. A unique voice can also make the reading experience more enjoyable for the reader, helping them to connect with the story and characters in a more meaningful way.

A distinct writing voice can help self-published authors establish a brand that sets them apart from other authors in their genre.

Improving Your Writing Voice

Your writing voice comes naturally from your own experiences, personality, and writing style. The more you write and assess your work, the more acquainted you’d be with your writer’s voice. And given the concept is unique for every writer, there is no one right way to go about improving it- but rather many things put together.

Don't worry too much about finding your writing voice or style; focus on writing passionately and honestly, and your voice will emerge naturally over time. That said, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and experimenting with different styles, techniques, and genres can be helpful. Trying new things can help you discover unique strengths and weaknesses in your writing and can help you develop your voice in new and unexpected ways.

Here are eight tips to get you closer to finding your writing voice:

1. Stay True to Yourself

Your writing voice is unique to you, so don't try to copy or imitate someone else's style. You may draw inspiration, though. Stay true to your own voice, even if it means going against the norms of your genre or audience.

2. Reflect On Your Experiences and Perspectives

You might draw inspiration from your own life experiences or use your unique perspective to approach familiar topics in a fresh way. Think and self-influence on how your own experiences and perspectives might shape your writing.

3. Write From The Heart

Tap into your emotions and experiences when you write, and try to write with honesty and vulnerability. That said, try out different writing styles, genres, and techniques. This can help you explore your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and discover what feels most natural and authentic to you.

4. Read Plenty

Exposing yourself to different writing styles and genres can help you find inspiration for your own voice. Read a variety of authors and styles, both within and outside of your genre. Observe how authors use language, pacing, structure, and other elements of craft to create a specific voice or tone. Reading can also help you to build your vocabulary and language skills, which are essential for developing a strong writing voice.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Writing regularly is essential to developing and maintaining your writing voice. Set aside time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a few minutes. The more you write, the more natural and authentic your voice will become.

6. Be Open To Feedback

Feedback from readers, critique partners, or editors can help you refine your writing voice and identify areas for improvement. Find trusted readers, writing groups, or beta readers who can offer constructive criticism and feedback on your work. Consider their feedback seriously, but don’t shy away from trusting your instincts and staying true to your own voice.

7. Edit Carefully

Take the time to edit and revise your work carefully. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and true to your own voice. Strive to identify patterns in your writing, refine them as required, play around with tonalities, and cut the fluff wherever possible.

8. Embrace Imperfection

No one's writing is perfect. Embrace the imperfections in your writing, and don't be afraid to take risks or try new things. Over time, you'll find that your voice becomes stronger and more refined.

Finding and refining your writing voice is a process that takes time and practice. Be patient and consistent with yourself, and trust the journey. You will soon develop a writing voice that is unique, authentic, and captivating.

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Content credit: K. Dinkin

Image credit: Shubham Dhage

15 STRATEGIES TO HANDLE WRITER'S BLOCK

Take a Break
One of the best ways to overcome writer's block is to step away from your writing project for a while. Give yourself permission to do something else you enjoy. Many authors, including Neil Gaiman, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Hilary Mantel, suggest taking a break in one form or another. It can help you recharge your batteries and return to your writing with a fresh perspective.

Experiment With Your Workspace
Maybe your current writing space does not inspire you anymore. If you usually work from a home office, working out of a cafe might just get the creative juices flowing. Alternatively, experimenting with different lighting and seating arrangements or even scents can help create a change or break the monotony. Many times a change in ambiance is all that may be needed to get you unstuck.

Write Every Day
You may have heard it far too often, but here goes — if you are serious about writing, write daily. Done right, it can do wonders for your writing practice. It is not about compelling yourself to write a certain number of words each day. It is more about consistency — showing up and strengthening your writing muscles. This gets your ideas and words flowing with much more ease and is extremely helpful in keeping writer’s block at bay.

Try a Different Writing Method

If you typically write on a computer, try switching to pen and paper or vice versa. Maybe you prefer typing out your work on a typewriter or a keyboard, but when you are blocked, switching to a voice-to-text tool could help. You can also try dictating your ideas out loud into a voice recorder and transcribe or review them later. Changing your writing method will bring a change of pace, help you break through your writer's block, and stimulate new ideas.

Change Your Approach 

Working on a long-term writing project can feel tedious and impact your creativity. Try changing your approach when that happens. For example, if you've been writing in a linear fashion, try writing out of order or from a different character's perspective.

Read More 

Reading is a source of inspiration for even the greatest writers. But don’t only read books in your preferred genre. Step outside of your comfort zone and go for something new. This can help you gain new insights and ideas for your own writing.

Use Prompts 

Jumpstart your creativity with writing prompts. Many websites and books offer writing prompts. Use those or create your own. For inspiration, check out popular hashtags such as #writingprompts or writing communities on social media.

Connect With Other Writers

Sometimes, advice from someone who’s been in your shoes can be just what you need. You may seek advice from a mentor, or a writer friend, join a writing community, or attend a workshop. Connecting with other writers, knowing you are not alone, and listening to them discuss what ails them or how they deal with their writer’s block can take the edge off an otherwise grueling schedule.

Share Your Woes With a Non-Writer 

There are times when writing may just refuse to happen, no matter how hard you try. Speaking to a friend with no writing background could be just what you need. Bonus points if the person is an avid reader. This way, you can gain some outsider perspective on why you’re stuck. You never know where and how inspiration can strike.

Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself

Writer's block is a common experience, an occupational hazard even. It's okay to take a break or make mistakes. Judging yourself harshly may only make things worse. Perfectionism is often what causes writer’s block, and so does anxiety. Remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy the writing process.

Use Visual Aids 

If you find it difficult to visualize your story or characters, consider using visual aid. Mood boards, mind maps, story cubes, or character sketches can help you come up with new ideas or refurbish existing ones.

Physical Activity 

Many writers, including acclaimed authors like Haruki Murakami and Stephen King, swear by the benefits of physical activity. Exercise releases those feel-good hormones, endorphins, which boost your mood and improves the oxygen supply to your brain.
It is also a much healthier way to take a break, as opposed to watching television. Physical activity doesn’t necessarily have to mean hitting the gym or jogging. It could include dancing, walking in a garden, or any other movement-based activity that allows you to rejuvenate.

Practice Freewriting

Not to be confused with auto writing, freewriting is a powerful tool for a writer. Write whatever comes to mind without any specific goal or topic in mind. Even though it may seem nonsensical initially, you’ll find that it can help you break through any mental blocks and get your writing flowing again. Practice freewriting every day, multiple times a day, or any way you see fit.
There are no rules and no expectations, and therein lies the beauty of this technique.

Change Your Literary Perspective

Sometimes, being too close to your work can lead to writer's block. Taking a step back and looking at it from a different point of view might give you that much-needed push. Do you have an ideal reader in mind? Then try reading your work from that reader’s perspective, and adopt a different approach to the problem.

Celebrate Small Victories

When you are too deeply involved in a project and working hard toward accomplishing your writing goals, you risk getting into a rut. Sooner or later, you’ll likely face the dreaded writer's block, and nothing can be more frustrating and demotivating.

What do you do then?

Find a way to stay motivated by celebrating small victories. Look back at how much you have already achieved. Take pride in the little things, like if you’ve written a paragraph or verse you're really proud of. Or that you show up and write every day, even if it is for 10 minutes. Acknowledge your progress and give yourself credit for your efforts.

Can writer’s block be cured? That is debatable. However, writer’s block is certainly not your greatest enemy; not unless you choose to give up because of it. Use these strategies whenever you find yourself in a fix.

In addition, you’ll find plenty of other resources, online and offline, such as books, writing classes, or a writing coach or mentor, for advice and guidance. Remember to be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and enjoy the writing process.

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Ready to publish? CLICK HERE to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today!

Content credit: K. Dinkin

Image credit: Vonecia Carswell

WRITERS NEED TO NETWORK, TOO!

By networking, you increase your chances of success and reach a wider audience. It gets you in the frame of mind of not just being a writer but of getting on the road to referring to yourself as an author. Here’s how:

Building Relationships

Networking provides endless opportunities to build relationships with other writers, published authors, editors, and industry professionals. These professional connections will lead to collaborations, mentorships, learning opportunities, and many opportunities for success and career growth in the future.

Finding Beta Readers and Reviewers

When you connect with others in your industry, you will quickly find the best audience to help you with your book. Networking done right can help you find beta readers and reviewers who can provide valuable feedback before publication and improve your final product.

Marketing and Promotion

What better way to promote your book than by connecting with bloggers, podcasters, and influencers, and engaging in synergistic networking?

Additionally, attending events and conferences will help you meet potential readers, and you can promote your book in person.

Keeping Up With Industry Trends

Through networking, you will learn about fresh marketing strategies, publishing options, and industry news that can help you make informed decisions about your publishing journey.

Networking Avenues for Writers

There are plenty of networking opportunities for writers, and your strategy depends on what you are comfortable with, your niche, and the type of audience you want to pursue.

Here is how to network as a writer:

• Join online writing communities such as forums, Facebook groups, or Twitter chats, where you can meet other writers, ask for advice, and share your experiences.

• Writing groups and organizations focused on publishing are communities that can help unlock resources, advice, and networking opportunities.

• Collaborate with other writers on a project, guest post on each other’s websites, or even promote each other’s works on social media.

• Attend publishing events and conferences to learn about the industry, meet other authors in your niche and out of it, and connect with industry professionals.

• Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers who specialize in your genre or niche—they can help you promote your book and reach new readers.

• Attend writing workshops to build relationships and connect with others in the industry.

• Create a book club or podcast related to your genre or niche. Invite readers and other writers and authors to join, and use this as an opportunity to discuss your work and others in your genre.

• Participate in online writing challenges and connect with fellow writers. Use this opportunity to network and build relationships.

By thinking outside the box and exploring various avenues, you can build relationships and expand your reach in unique and creative ways.

Making the Best of Your Networking Opportunities

The essence of networking is about synergy and building relationships. Approach networking with an earnest intent to provide value. Then, the exposure your work seeks will naturally follow. Go at it with the focus of selling books, and your networking efforts may end up futile, especially in the long run.

Here are some networking tips for authors and writers to help you maximize your networking opportunities. These are some networking basics that you can use.

Be Proactive

Don't wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; seek them out. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other writers, industry professionals, and potential readers to build relationships and expand your network.

Be Prepared

Before attending events or connecting with people, ensure you have your elevator pitch ready and your promotional materials in order. This can accelerate your networking intent and leave a better impression on those you connect with.

Be Genuine

Don't approach others with the sole intention of promoting your work. Focus on making genuine, meaningful connections. Instead of focusing solely on what others can do for you, see how you can also be a giver. Offer to provide feedback on their work, promote their content on social media, or collaborate on a project.

Follow Up

After meeting or connecting with someone, make sure to follow up. Send a personalized email or message thanking them for their time, and continue to engage with them on social media or other platforms.

Stay Organized

Keeping track of your contacts—i.e., their names, contact information, and how you met them—is essential when building and maintaining a network. Use a spreadsheet or a contact management system for the same.

Also, it’s good practice to organize your networking activities, such as attending events or sending follow-up emails, in a calendar or planner.

Engage Regularly

If you haven’t gauged it yet, networking is not a one-time event. It requires ongoing effort and engagement. Check in regularly with your connections, share relevant content, and comment on their social media activities. The goal is to be consistent and authentic in your interactions to build trust and rapport with your contacts, which ultimately translates to the exposure you seek. Call it karma.

Networking Isn’t An Overnight Affair

Networking is an essential component of self-publishing success, and it does not happen overnight. Building and maintaining a network requires ongoing effort, authenticity, and a willingness to contribute selflessly. The key to successful networking is not just about promoting yourself, but also about genuinely connecting with others and providing value to them.

So, take the time to build your network, be genuine and authentic, and focus on providing value to others. With patience and persistence, you can network your way into publication and achieve the success you deserve.

As far as publishing is concerned, networking is both the force and the mover: a cyclical machinery that ferries you forward in your self-publishing journey and career. Reach out to Press 49 to add the essential oils of perpetuity to the machinery.

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Ready to publish? CLICK HERE to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today!

Content credit: K. Dinkin

Image credit: Jonathan Borba

HERE’S YOUR STARTING POINT

The first place to start is knowing to whom you are writing. Who is your audience? Knowing your audience will help you write at the proper level of the person you expect to be reading the book.

Next is to set up a schedule, especially if you have a lot of things brewing. Balancing life and work is hard, and throwing in writing a book is not always easy. However, give yourself one or two days a week for an hour or two each scheduled day to do something toward the book. Treat these days just like you would any other appointment, IMPORTANT! Don’t forego writing because your favorite show is on. Don’t make dinner plans or afternoon plans when you are scheduled to write. Writing this book is important to you, so make your writing schedule a priority rather than an option. If you do this, my guess is that you will have the book ready for editing before you know it.

When you are finally sitting down to your first schedule writing time, start by organizing the basic thoughts. How are you going to put it all together? Just like I did here, I started with the audience, then scheduled time, then I wrote. It is what is making sense. Your topic has to make sense to your readers, so start planning out the major sections or chapters. This will not only keep your writing organized but you’ll be also able to see how it flows and if it makes the most sense. There is nothing worse than finishing up a writing session just to realize it is off base of the topic. Organize first, then write the manuscript.

As you write, research as needed. Maybe you know a lot about most of the topic, but there is one or two areas that you have less information about or aren’t as knowledgeable. This is when you research and strengthen your work. Don’t lessen your value by doing shoddy work or devalue the manuscript because key areas are incomplete. Research when you need it, and let your readers know where to find more information. It builds your credibility and expertise at the same time. Look at most non-fiction books. They have references to show where the supporting evidence came from. The ideas are yours; the research just proves you’re right.

Once you’re done writing, editing starts. Do not edit the manuscript yourself. Do not let family or friends edit the manuscript. Hire an editor or ask a colleague that will be honest with you to edit the manuscript.

Why not yourself?  

Because you know what you think you said, and that is what your brain will see. You are less likely to find errors because your brain automatically fixes them.

Why not family and friends? Mainly because, believe it or not, they will be less likely to be honest with you. They will not want to hurt your feelings, and they may give you some feedback. But often, they will tell you it is great even when it isn’t. They aren’t trying to sabotage you. Family and friends do it out of love, but as an author, you can’t afford love—you need polish. Hire a good editor. A good editor is worth their weight in gold, and if you hire an experienced editor, they can give you insight into the manuscript and publishing industry that you may not get from family and friends. Even if you are going to try to get picked up by a big publisher, you need to hire an excellent editor.

If you want to submit to a literary agent and try for the big boys in publishing, go for it. You have to give them the best product you have, which is why you need a wonderful editor. It needs to be nearly perfect. The more publish-ready it is, the more likely your manuscript will be picked up.

Going the literary agent and big publisher route is a long process but don’t give up. Most traditional publishers only pick up books from literary agents so you have to follow the industry standards, do the research, and make your pitch. If you don’t want to wait, self-publish. So many brilliant authors self-publish. You get full creative freedom in your cover and manuscript, and normally, you get all the royalties. You can always try a traditional publisher with your second or third book but get that first book out now.

Breaking down the steps makes this process look a whole lot easier, right? Think you can do it? I know you can.

First step—decide it’s time and do it.

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Ready to publish? CLICK HERE to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today!

Content credit: C. Storm

Image credit: Nik

SHOULD YOU PAY TO GET PUBLISHED?!

“Isn’t it the standard process for a publishing company to pay me as an author, not the other way around? I’m not supposed to pay to get published, am I?”

The answer is “it depends.”

How much work do you want to do to get your book published? Or do you not have an interest in becoming a publishing expert and want to turn everything over to the professionals so you can spend your time doing what you love? And if you turn over everything, then how much control do you want to have over your finished book? And how important is it that you actually get published?

Once you become clear on your answers to these questions, the publishing route you should take will also become clear to you.

There are three major publishing routes: self-publishing; hybrid publishing, which is what we offer; and traditional publishing. When you expect a publishing company to pay you royalties, you have your sights set on traditional publishing and possibly hybrid publishing. Not sure of the difference? Here is a quick synopsis of the three publishing routes:

Self-publishing, also called independent publishing, is where an author shoulders the full cost and responsibilities associated with getting published. That means the author covers the costs of paying several different contractors to edit, typeset, proofread, design the cover, print, and distribute the book through bookstores and other retailers. That means the author has to research, locate, and vet professionals who specialize in each part of the publishing process, and this does not include the legwork that has to be done with getting an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), submitting a copyright application, and other publishing logistics. However, the upside is self-published authors receive 50% to 70% royalties, and you are guaranteed to get published.

Hybrid publishing is similar to self-publishing; you typically retain all the rights to your contents and have full creative control. However, instead of paying several different contractors to produce and publish your book, you pay a single entity to handle all aspects of the publishing process. (That’s what we do at Press 49.) Proofreading, typesetting, book cover design, etcetera, are typically all handled by the hybrid publisher. A hybrid publisher operates with a different revenue model than traditional publishing but keeps the rest of the practices of publishing the same. The revenue of hybrid publishers comes from both book sales and fees charged for the execution of their publishing services. Authors are guaranteed to get published and receive higher royalties when working with a hybrid publishing company than when working with a traditional publishing company.

Traditional publishing is where the publisher offers the author a contract; the publisher pays you a royalty (an advance against future sales), and in turn, the publisher edits, formats, designs, prints, and distributes your book through bookstores and other retailers. The publisher essentially buys the right to publish your book and pays you royalties from the sales, which is usually 10% to 12%. If you are getting a book published for the first time and want it published by a traditional publisher, you oftentimes need an agent, and to get one, you have to write an absolutely superb book. But bear in mind that the manuscripts an agent will take are few and far between—an agent will take approximately one manuscript for every 1,000 that come across his/her desk. In short, there is no guarantee you will get published.

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Content credit: B. McGowen-Hawkins and D. Hurley

Image credit: Stephen Phillips