Author tips
Medium Is Much Better for Your Writing Skills Than Amazon
Here’s why.
I’ve written novels for years, but it took me a long time to develop the writing skills I really needed.
Sometimes I spent a very long time drafting a work-in-progress, without ever releasing it to the public. More recently I have developed the knack of writing quickly, such that I can (if I want to) write a first draft in a month or less.
All the same, it’s always going to be matter of months before something that I start actually gets published as a novel. And then — finally — I start to get some reactions from readers.
And to find out of the book is (still) what they want!
That’s a very slow feedback loop.
Medium, and sites like it, can help with that. They are places for you to write fast, get rapid and accurate feedback… and earn as you do so.
Feedback
When I talk about feedback, it’s useful to remember that we writers are always practising our craft, whether we intend to or not.
We are gradually getting better, and partly that is just through doing the task… writing always involves practising!
But think of another skill. Driving for example. Once you stop getting feedback from an instructor, you tend to stop improving. You hit a plateaux. And in fact, researchers know that rapid and accurate feedback from a skilled instructor is essential to reaching expertise.
The trouble is, the feedback you get through writing novels is neither rapid nor particularly accurate…
Most Amazon readers don’t give you feedback at all, and if they do, it’s often deeply prejudiced by their own preferences. Plus, of course, most readers are not experts on literary craft (or on the use of the English language).
The feedback is pretty low resolution, too. Amazon only has a 1–5 scale with its star ratings.
Sure, there are ways around this. You can join a writers’ group, for example, or assemble a team of beta and ARC readers. I advise you to explore these options if you are serious about being a novelist:
But here’s the even bigger thing — on Medium, you can earn as you get feedback.
Do you want to know how much most first books on Amazon make?
And that outcome took months of time and effort.
Here on Medium, or on fiction-focused sites like Royal Road, you can try out your writing skills, get feedback, and be paid for your views as you do so.
Double dipping!
Further Benefits
What’s more, the process itself can help provide content for your blogging. You can blog about honing your craft, and get even more likes and views by doing so.
If you’re lucky, you might even build up a following of readers who are excited enough about your progress that they actually buy your book.
You, in turn, will know much more about what works. What gets readers excited. What gets conversations started. What leads to people to notice you, and to click.
You’ll be a better writer.
And so, when you do sit down to write chapter 1, you’ll be in a much stronger position to make that first novel a success.
Please do drop a comment — it will be great to connect!
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