My TOP TEN TIPS for new authors!!

Hi all!
 So as a BRAND spanking new author there is alot that I have learned along the way. You can take this as helpful advice or just go about your business. :)

-Make sure you have trustable betas. Get a mix of authors & readers because no two people read the same book the same way. And they mostly provide awesome advice. 

-Get an editor I can not reiterate this enough....TRUST ME you will be glad you did. There are some reasonable ones out there. You just have to search for them, ask friends etc.

-Covers. You can either go the pro route or make your own. Make it unique and eye catching. If you go the pro route, most cover designers have Pre-mades so you can get a feel for their work if you want a custom one. Ask around, see who others have used and what their experience was like. 

-You have to develop a thick skin. Not everyone will like your book which IS OKAY. 

-Network, network, network. Make friends on Social Media and help promote other authors and they will mostly return the favor. We are all struggling to get our name out there and we like to help eachother out.

- Participate in Giveaways 

- Get ARC's (advanced reader copy) out to bloggers for review, provide an exceprt or for an author promotion. Most bloggers are happy to help us authors out so dont be afraid to send them a message asking. When I did this MOST all of them were happy to do a review but some have a FULL TBR already and will graciously decline. Dont take it personally. 

-Let the readers and authors know how it's going. If you are struggling, again we are here to help, offer encouragement etc. 

-DONT READ THE REVIEWS! DONT READ THE REVIEWS! I repeat DONT READ THE REVIEWS!
Okay I struggle with this one. I am a people pleaser and when someone doesnt like my book, I feel like I have to defend it and make them like it.......this is NOT REALISTIC and you just have to bite your tongue. One thing to remember is for every ONE bad review there is THREE good ones. 
 
-Write for YOURSELF and for your enjoyment.

If you can think of other things to add to this, feel free.