We all know the basic tenets of staying safe: don't go down the dark alley, don't flash your money around in a crowd, keep an eye on your drink at the bar.
Writers have their own set of caveats. In a world where people tend to take advantage of dewy-eyed authors with big dreams, it's best to become as knowledgeable as possible about potential pitfalls. Fortunately, there are many resources available to the new author in order to get savvy and stop those pitfalls in their ... pits.
Read It!
First things first: read everything you can about publishing in general, and about your chosen genre(s) in particular, starting with books. Here, you'll find your most reliable education about the industry standards. Cross-check these references against the reviews of published authors who have used the material. (I find particular help in the writings of Joanna Penn, who is a savvy author and author educator with lots of good tips.) When I started out, I got a lot of use out of The Street Smart Writer by Jenna Glatzer (although I do wish she'd update it).
Surf It!
Online sources are useful for up-to-date information, but be judicious about believing everything you read or see on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Vet the sources of what you read against other sources of information about a given publisher. Established websites like SFWA's Writer Beware or Absolute Write Water Cooler are usually reliable sources of information.
Talk It Out
Finally, get friendly with other authors in your chosen genres. If possible, join a physical or online writer's group with an established history, such as Romance Writers of America or Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. These organizations are excellent at helping new authors learn the ropes of the industry, and often have classes and conferences where you can learn more online or in person. (RWA helped me quite a bit when I started out.) You will meet people at these organizations who can help you through the twists and turns as you grow in your career, and often those people become lifelong friends. (That helps you feel less alone in a very solitary profession!)
Getting (or Making) the Deal
When and if you're ready to find an agent to represent your work, check the reputation of your potential agent by asking around. You can also see if they're registered with The Association of American Literary Agents and look into their track record.
If you want to try your hand at indie publishing, it's especially important to do your homework prior to signing any contracts (paying special attention to what rights you're signing over and the duration of the contract). Never let your heart make the decisions for you, or you may find yourself signing away rights and royalties you didn't expect. When in doubt, ask around!
I wish you the very best of luck in your career and hope this information helps you on the road to publication. Happy writing!
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