Why writers need to read more. by Chrissy Brown | C.A.A.B Publishing Whether you are a new writer, you want to be a writer, or you are a seasoned pro, one thing that will help you to stand out from the crowd is being a reader.
PRIDE & PUBLISHING
C.A.A.B PUBLISHING CAAB Publishing Ltd is a traditional, small, indie company helping unknown authors have a voice and inspiring new writers to take that first step into the world of publishing. WWW.CAABPUBLISHING.CO.UK
Those that read are on the path to publishing, they already have in their hands a book that has made it, a book that holds the secrets of how and why. All they have to do is work out the code. Look at the cover, what catches your eye? why? Look at the back cover piece, the first few lines. What makes this book good? What makes it sell? Reading a good novel is like reading a manual on how to do it right, it is a dictionary and a thesaurus, with the beating heart of a narrative keeping it all together. It is a guide to good grammar and to gripping story construction. Look the book up online, how was it marketed? Who has reviewed it? Contact the author, or their agent, and ask them some questions about the book, did they do a launch event? Did they do signings? or send a message to those that reviewed it, why did they buy it? What made them try it? This is all research for you, a way to find out what to do, and what not to do. As a writer, you must be willing to read others' work, if you are not then why should they read yours? Writers need readers. Be a willing and active part of the team. Be a cheerleader for other writers, you never know what might come about from reading another author’s work. Also never forget to leave feedback for the book. This is the golden rule. If you read it and enjoyed it, then let the world know. You will want reviews for your work, so be courteous and leave reviews for others. A few kind words can sometimes lead to a conversation with other readers or even with the author themselves.
94
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 2
Just as you may want to be disciplined and make yourself write every day, so too should you read, every day. Even just for a short period of time, over lunch, before bed, with a quiet early morning cup of coffee.