To go along with Wizard Starfish, be prepared to be compared to Wizard Starfish even if your book is NOTHING like it. Author: "Well, my story is about a coming of age story at school" 20 Reviews: "This author ripped off everything from Wizard Starfish..." I swear, I never read the books but I know enough about them. Many of the indie authors I read have reviews packed with those comments. A human turned mushroom learns at a school? Wizard time! A school where students are allowed to off each other to progress in rank? Wizard time! Two star-crossed lovers who meet up to save the dragon from the town, oh you better believe that is a Starfish theft!
I draw webcomics, but watching your videos I have learned so much about the story creation process as well as genres, characterisation, story paccing ( I probably misspelled that sorry, english is my 2nd language) I am currently working on a new webcomic and I am using your tips to create my new story :) thank you so much Jenna :)
I really like your point about reviewers. I took the time to review a book by an author once, after winning a free copy of her work in a giveaway, that I didn't like,and the author negatively came after me on Goodreads because of it. She accused me of ruining the book for all her potential readers and being "mean" to her. It was nasty. I love your advice about how it shouldn't be personal. Because it wasn't for HER, I wrote the review for other readers.
I have a 10-book series out and it clearly states "book 1, book 2, book 3, etc." Someone came in on book 7 and gave me a 1 star review because "this series makes no sense." Also, I didn't break even until book 5.
Generally, from what I understand, by throwing $10k-25k at marketing so it almost guarantees sales in multiple markets and hits those quotas. So basically, if you can afford to not need to sell it, you can get a NYT stamp of approval. Yay.
Money and connections. Regular shulbs are probably never going to be on it cause you either need a lot of money (to bribe someone cause that is a thing that happens) or have connections to even be considered. I literally do not even count them as a legitimate source of bets sellers because of this.
There's a belief on brazilian literary culture that not just got rooted on a lot of minds, but it hurt brazilian literary for good: the "if it's brazilian, is perfect" mentality. Brazilian here, by the way. Like, we have a issue here about egomania mixed with lack of self awareness on a lot of writers that make them believe that their cliche and generic stories with forgetful characters and thought that they can be a success by POSTING ALL THE BOOKS FOR FREE ONLINE. The freaking mental gymnastics... It result in a culture of really great and fresh stories, like mine and from some other authors, who published, getting ostracized because "why don't you post it for free online?" and "it's too 'americanized' write something that 'the people' would read" ("the people" = "write for people who won't read" - I'm not joking).
Only a few authors will make it big like J.K.Rowling and Stephen King and James Dashner with his book The Maze Runner and Kass Morgan. Also George R.R.Martin.
I was plagiarized by an author who, along with a mutual ex of ours, would target and hunt down people who left negative reviews and dox them unmerciful. It was completely classless.
one of the reasons i truly love fan fiction. it gives so many young writers an outlet and a way to sharpen and evolve their writing while just doing something they love and having ppl love it and give you feedback too!! so much freedom to love and learn your craft.
15 k readers on a fan fiction surely is an achievement, but don't get too high when comparing it to average figures about book sales. Only quite a small percentage of the people who read a free work of fiction on the internet would still read it if they had to pay for it in advance after reading only a sample chapter
Gosh number 7!!! I truly despise authors who criticize the reviewers (and some do way worse)... And I hate it more when their fans sympathize with their behavior 🙄
Hey Jenna, can you tell us how to write a novel synopsis? I have looked everywhere and saw a few examples online but I feel like you can give us a better break-up. Pretty pweaseeeee
#7: Oh, I have a story there. So, I wrote a review of a book called Brimstone's Knight. I did not care for it. The pacing was godawful, it had way too many villains, and I'm about 67% sure the book was antisemitic. The author actually tried to argue with me on my review, and he really argued with me about the pacing and the villains. But never mentioned the possible antisemitism. Okay then. *lol*
Agree that the authoress of Larry the PotSmoker s a TERF who would do herself a great favor by doing a STFU! True fact! (The best kind!) It's also true that reading and studying those novels and their history can be a great learning experience. I read one of the middle (least popular) novels a long time ago. I've watched the movies (free on cable.) The series is now available on Audible and I just started with Book 1. It gives me a better appreciation of Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which I declined to read because of the droll English humor. (I suffered through that on the TV series and just couldn't get my head into reading it on paper. But it seems to be a "Style" for English writers.)
It's really hard to imagine people thinking some of these things! Goodness gracious. One I might have included: "I don't need an editor!" I really enjoy your sense of humor. Three months ago I published my debut novel, at age 64. To me, it's a great joy knowing people are reading my book. That's what it's all about, for me.
I will probably get crucified for saying this but is it possible to make a time stamp when the actually video begins? I am a huge fan of your books but I already know that they exist and I always have to go through pieces of the video until I find the start 😔
Interpretation of ideas exist for a reason just like the people who love to be right when pointing out this story is just like this story. No point of being discouraged just write what you want us (the audience) to experience.
It's totally doable to write yet another wizard school novel and become famous. It just needs to be better written than the others, add some new spice to the genre. It's not about what you write (to an extent), it's how well you write it.
it’s also about striking the perfect time in popular culture and being well marketed enough that people WILL read it in the first place and then appreciate how well written it is. at this point the industry and pop culture is so saturated with so many stories just like this one and a lot of other fantasy stories and people are just tired of it. of course millions still love them, i love them! but it will be a lot harder to have the same reach the hp series had now than it was then. no matter how well written. heck, a lot of people probably won’t even give it a fair chance bc it will constantly be compared to a story they have grown up with and loved their whole lives. pretty hard to do. but of course, not impossible.
Very helpful again, Jenna! I'm aspiring to be an author, so I'm grateful to know the reality of what I'm pursuing. Luckily, if my book(s) don't sell well, it won't be my sole source of income. I don't plan to be a full-time writer, I love other things as well.
I'm glad I've always wanted to write for the sake of telling a story first and foremost. I'm a really shy person, and the idea of doing a bunch of interviews, having my picture on the back of a book, and all of that was always a very humbling idea in my head. But I love to write, I love to craft a world. Brainstorming a novel (potentially series) right now, and it comes not from a sense of necessity but because I think it's a story I want others to read. If it makes money, great! If not, I'll just keep doing it, so long as it isn't detrimental to the rest of my life to continue doing so.
You have good reasoning, but remember to write a book you want to read. Your book will be better if it comes from the heart, and not just from what you think others will like.
I am writing a serie and while watching thoses harshs realities, i know that i'll be most likely disappointed but also, i know that my friends would read it and at least, i'll write it for myself so i can have it in my bookshelf. Also, as someone working in the communication industry, i know i'll have a lot to do to even market it and create a fanbase. I write this serie because i just love it and want to share it with whoever would want to give it a try. I don't plan my whole future around it being a best seller but hey, if it does, good for me. That's the advise i can give : Write it for you, write it because you want to share your story with at least one more person, write it to be proud to accomplish something that big ! Because yes, writing and most importantly, finishing a book is hard. Really hard. So, be Proud !
Jenna gives great advice in a wonderfully humorous way. I really appreciate calling out the terfdom instead of bending knee to someone who sold a lot of book.
For number 4 I would say there are going to be characters written into a plot that has never been done before and so by proxy certain stories to never have been done before. This is rare and a lot of times being the first to write something doesn't make it good. Many times a thing that hasn't been done before is because either A) there is no market for it or B) it's extremely hard and so people don't want to try it. Also, I want to say I think everyone who writes reviews on a book that doesn't have a lot of reviews should expect the author to read them. How else can an author get better? That being said I think it's reasonable to expect the author to read and think not to write a reply to said review. After all, writing a rebuttal or trying to explain yourself gives off a childish and arrogant look. That's just my take.
If someone says they're gonna be the next X (insert bestselling author here), it often means they only read said X. And since X already exists, what's the point of reading a poor man's copy? Or even publish it.
Man I was racking my brain for a book with an amusement park. Finally yelled “Lord of the Rings.” Then I remembered the thirty years part and swore at the bus stop
I have been watching TONS of your videos and they're amazing! But I've got a few questions I haven't seen answered yet, specifically the order to realistically get things done. Do I have a professional editor go over it before or after beta readers? And when in the whole process should I be applying for copyrights? Stuff like that for self publishing.
Beta readers before publishers. That way if you have to change something based on beta reviews (like over half of them don't understand a scene and you have to rewrite it) you're not wasting more money than needed on yet another edit.
@@shadowthehedgehog181 Her political stance is her own. I don't care about that, the story was lack luster and childish. Never been a fan of her work. I don't read a lot of YA
@@shadowthehedgehog181 People sure as hell brought up the stereotypical things about Seamus, the trolls, Cho Chang, and I think a few other things prior to all the terfism.
With regards to commenting on reviews. I hadn't thought about this point at all and didn't realize this was unprofessional. I mean I thought of thanking people for reviews they gave if I ever published. But now I'll stay silent. That makes sense they'd feel uncomfortable reviewing if they knew I was reading them. I mean still want to read them to know what I'm doing wrong and hope that's okay? As long as I don't directly address them?
Even if you create something new, it's based off a similar premise. For example, one of my story ideas has a variation on vampires and werewolves. Vampires are humanoid immortals while werewolves are mortal beastmen. If you make something that falls within that depiction, you have successfully created another version of vampires and werewolves. Technically, Kenyon did that in her Dark Hunter series with the Dark Hunters and the Were-Hunters. Were-Hunters even have 12 species and 2 variations of human-born and animal-born. That is the best you can really get when writing something new.
Do you have anything written down? It sounds amazing and as a fellow writer I would love to read it or anything else you're working on. I'm looking to meet and interact with fellow writers to gain advice and trade feedback ideas. Would you allow me to read your work?
@@surgeorosgo: It's very hit and miss at the moment with the mentioned idea. The two species are technically considered offshoots of humanity. Unlike vampires, the immortals breed. The 'animals' are humans with animal traits, but they have no "animal form." There is also a conversion method for both, but you'd rather become immortal given what becoming the 'animal' entails. Currently, I'm working on another idea that I'm trying to edit. It's pretty much done, and I'm just combing through to remove the passive narrator voice I always find myself writing in. It's space odyssey as if it could exist now in reality. Some hapless everyday kid is running from bullies, and he hides among some supplies. Turns out, Earth is considered a stray world that the galactic civilization uses as a resupply point. Stray worlds are worlds that are completely oblivious to the presence of other species. He finds himself on a Star Guard cruiser and is running from the crew who seem to be trying to kill him. He runs into a group of pirates that are robbing the cruiser, and he makes it off with them. The story follows them and their ship, the Abathon. In this story, the only thing every species that isn't from a stray world has in common is hyperspace travel. There are four distinctions: Aggressive (predatory), Protector (built like pachyderms), Intellect (reptilian), and Passion (sylvan in appearance). Humans are officially classified as passions, and the other species KNOW about humanity's violent nature. Even the most aggressive species would rather steer clear. After all, humans nuke themselves, and nukes aren't something other species want to mess with. Minor spoiler: Humans are the inventive species. Until the main character, Kenneth, told them about concrete, even the most intelligent species had never conceived of it. Humans like discovering and inventing things for any or no reason, and other species just don't. So, "technologically advanced" is a misnomer. Some species even have huge gaps in their tech tree because of the environments they come from. Fair warning: The story can be VERY politically incorrect. All puritanical hang-wringers and woke progressives beware. There ARE criminals and illegal syndicates. The main characters are "pirates," but they are only so in the strictest form. Their crew has a reputation, but they aren't well-known enough for the galactic news even to know who all the crew members are. They don't raid or enslave or slaughter...but other pirates do. Slavery does exist in the story through underground black markets, and some criminals will cut up people for their meat. There is corruption and manipulation. This shouldn't be a warning, but there are fools who whine about bad guys doing bad things. Evil exists, and the second worst crime of all is to pretend it doesn't happen because blind eyes can't stop evil deeds. The worst is to label the wrong things evil so 'good' people attack the wrong things while supporting the truly evil things.
I went into writing fully understanding it was going into debt lol I set myself mentally for a sales of zero so the fact I sold maybe 100 made me more than surprised.
I understand that an author can typically expect to sell around 100 to 250 copies of each book... because that's about how many people they know personally.
@@therealmaizing5328 I wish I knew 100 people lol. I know maybe 20 people personally. My online sales was 40ish and rest I sold in person at bazaars. I am very anti social and barely anyone at my job speaks to me because I am a janitor.
You didn't mention those movie deals... I sell most of my books in person at markets because I don't have the energy to market, but then I don't expect to do anything but lessen the cost of my writing habit.
I think the reason for the large variation in averages is outliers and how the stats people dealt with them- try hunting for the median instead, (also there’s probably a massive difference between traditional publishing and self publishing cause marketing)
it's true that only a few authors would make it big like Jk Rowling, or Stephanie Meyer, what made both J.K Rowling and Stephanie Meyers books such a success was because there were a lot of controversial and dark themes in both books, also the Twilight saga was market as Ya novels but they should have been put in the dark fantasy genre because of the many controversial themes in the book, and no matter what people say controversial sells! and also, many authors whose books sold over half a million did so because of their own hard work, like Bella Andre who sold millions from her romance books or like raven Kennedy and the plated prisoner series, and she was a self-published author, but thanks to her series going viral on tiktok, now she was signed by Simon & Schuster! her books sold more than half a million copies and counting. or like E.L James with her 50 shades of gray series, so yes you can find success as an author! it all depends on the marketing work you put in, and seriously Jenna I love you but why the hate for the Harry Potters Books to such an extent? I understand that you don't like J.K and her opinions but that doesn't mean you have to bash the Harry Potter series just because of the author's views! There is one thing to hate the author and a whole other thing to bash the books because of the authors! no matter how much you hate it, the Harry Potter series literally put the fantasy genre back in the spotlight again! and just because you don't want books about wizards, that don't mean other people won't read them! Fantasy books with wizards, witches and academies WILL ALWAYS BE POPULAR no matter what nay Sayers like you say! THERE IS A REASON WHY 95% OF ALL AMAZON BEST SELLERS LIST IN THE FANTASY GENRE ARE FILLED WITH ACADEMIES, WITCHES, WIZARDS AND WEREWOLVES! just because you don't agree with j.k There is no reason for you to disrespect the Harry Potter series the way you are doing! it's childish!
Hey Jenna, I've got a question. You said you shouldn't respond to reviews, but what if you asked for them and want to tell the reviewer thank you for reading your book?
Could you do a video on making a contemporary dark fantasy that also focuses on the better side of humanity. Like a world with cosmic horror, demons, vampires, and werewolves. But still acknowledge the bad but encourages the more benign parts of humanity. Like "group of different people work to get together towards a common goal, and also aspire to be X." I'm tired of the Hollywood amorality. Where characters we're told to care for lie, cheat, and hurt other people. But thier either victims of society. "Or humanity should die. But people like me will make it paradise." Basically I don't want my reader to lobotomize themselves reading whiny self-projections of nihilism. I mean compare the modern writer to Tolkien. He fought in WW1 saw all kind of horrible stuff people couldn't imagine. But he never lost his life outlook. But compared to the edgy spoiled brat most modern writers are.... You can see who's books will be read more.
Question, what does one do when you get completely discouraged, and you have this voice inside your head telling you that you’re not meant to be a writer, and that your dream of becoming published is dumb? I ask because, instead of offering constructive criticism, some nasty, garbage person said the backstories of the original characters I had created were “lackluster” and that was it. Since, I Have been completely rattled and thrown for a loop, not knowing how to continue either. I haven’t touched Google Docs in months, and I’m afraid to share what I do have; any compliments I do get I have a very hard time accepting because I just get frustrated about having to open them to fish. I actually think I’m bad at it now. I can’t shake the constant negativity and self doubt that in my head. It’s hard not to think this way because I can’t even look at my passion for writing the same way I used to. I don’t know how I can bring myself to love writing after this. It’s the straw that broke my back, and I’m struggling really hard.
I've been in your shoes and I really feel for you. For us writers, it can feel like our heart and soul is being stomped on when we're critiqued, because we put so much of ourselves into our writing. But at the end of the day, it's not *us* being critiqued. It's just our ideas, our concepts, etc. A singer can have a beautiful voice full of soul, while at the same time be struggling to hit the high notes. You can always get better at the skills side of things. The most important thing is to learn to separate your ego from your writing and become more open to improvement. Maybe your characters' backstories ARE lackluster. Great! Now you have an opportunity to make your story even better! You might take a hard look at the backstories and decide that you like them best as they are. Great! Now you can let those negative emotions dissipate. But they won't go away until you let go of the defensiveness and view your writing in a more neutral way. Writing and storytelling are skills just like anything else. Developing a thicker skin can be painful, but you've already gotten stronger. Each critique from this point on will hurt less and less. I believe in you my love! 🤗
Honestly, I just began publishing and i don't really have dreams of becoming rich of my work honestly, what i'm expecting is that maybe in a few years with a lot of work, being an author will be my only way of income, as in selling my books will pay the bills so i can live in peace, that's all i'm really asking for.
Calling a book series "Wizard butthole" because you don't like the author is kind of disrespectful to the craft, Jenna. Even if everyone agrees the author of "Wizard Butthole" has personal failings, that doesn't change whether or not they are a talented writer. Many talented artists are assholes, just like many talented artists can be nice people or somewhere in-between people. As a writer and a talented business woman yourself, you should show professionalism in how you address other authors. So you don't agree with her viewpoint, fine, lots of people don't, but that has no impact on if she is a gifted writer or not.
calling the terf queen gifted is generous. she's no hack, but her prowse is middling at best. she happened to have an idea and concept that appealed to the right audience at the right time. if her books had come out a decade sooner or later, they would not have been as successful as they were.
@@kerricaine and would that remotely matter right now if she hadn't offended so many people? No. Saying someone is over hyped after a scandal doesn't mean anything because of the obvious bias.
Her talent is not what Jenna's anger is about. Jenna is rightfully angry and personally I agree with her and am glad she expresses her feelings. I prefer passion and ethics and empathy over so-called professionalism any day.
@@lovetolovefairytales empathy for marginalized groups matters. Caring about other people's struggles matters. You want this to be a "facts vs feelings" thing. It is not. Educate yourself.
I find the topic of today kind of frustrating. The idea that writing can be a path to fame and riches in which one has to only write the story angers me to my core. I self published 2 poetry books, just so my grandmother can read them. I can’t afford to advertise. Hence those books will never make me any money. Going for becoming a traditionally published children’s writer instead. My goal in publishing is just to make enough money in my writing to pay half of my bills, and anything more is gravy.
This is what I felt when I am still a child. With a creative mind, I thought I am the chosen one who will spectacularly dreaming about his future prospects. As time goes by, years crawled like a jet plane, I realized I am not unique when in terms of imagination, and the most laughable thing is that i am not the only one who thinks this line of thought. Hbahaha. You know, who thinks they are the chosen ones or something.😂😌. We called this state as an "Eight Grade Syndrome" or " Delusion of Grandeur." Hhaha. I really ashamed and beet red the first time I read about it. Worst, some people are not aware of thier state of mind and their delusion of grandeur is greater than mine. The people who greatly overestimates thier capability and weigh themselves with greater expectations only to be greatly disappointed in the end. Be aware that Writing industry is very, very competitive industry that it is very scary.
I just consider myself a hobby writer mostly. I mean, I'd like to have my book published, moreso just to share my creativity and vulnerable characters with other people who can identify their struggles. I don't really expect it to get very popular or to make a lot of money off of it and quit my job, it's more about knowing that I put something out in to the ether that other people could even see long after I'm dead. But I guess there is probably some vanity in that.
Truly this is what I strive for in my writing. I'm looking to build relationships with some fellow writers and would love to read your work if you would allow me to.
Sounds like they need to rename the New York Times Bestseller List to something else... Like the New York Times Best-whatever-we-feel-like List. Hmm, that doesn't have the same ring though.
The New Your Times best sellers list is some ways books suggestions, which will appeal to readers of the newspaper. The paper knows it's demographic, being jealous of their readers good opinion carefully tailor the best sellers list to their taste.
Actually give a lot of credit to authors who expose not so nice parts of the publication process and the industry. Of course, I've never been one to get my hopes up but it's nice to think lovely thoughts about your book on a shelf.
I didn't expected you to shit talk about Harry Potter and J.K. Rolling. She didn't do anything wrong and really don't deserve that attitude towards her. But hey, she doesn't really need me to defend her. Her books are a classic for generations ahead and a millionaire. In that aspect she got what she deserves and history will remember her in a good way. And I even put your book in the wish list. Well, removed. Stand with one side meaning to stand against the other side.
could have done without that unnecessary shade on JK Rowling. Say her name; it won’t bite you. And you call her a dumbass? LOL, girl, I’d love to hear a conversation between you too, and see how long you can keep up.
On a scale from believe, used to believe, sort of believe, don't believe, never believed, here we go with mine. 1. Used to believe, and now I can look back fondly on my past self, and give her a head-pat. 2. Never believed, and don't care. Do non-USA authors even get on that thing? I'm Canadian. 3. SORT OF believe, but not that specific number. I'd settle for even one review. 4. Sort of believe: it's a question of variation on story beats. ALL of my story beats have been done before, just not with my particular execution. 5. Never believed. If it's anything like music, the sophomore album always struggles most. 6. Used to believe. AT LEAST it was slow and painful, me unlearning this one. I wanted to write the next "1984", which I have read no fewer than 20 times, and it was a f*cking un-finish-able train wreck. Well, sometimes you gotta learn the hard way for the lesson to stick. I should get rid of that file. HOWEVER, I never thought I'd writ the next "Harry Potter". Not my genre, though I do love the books, and Rowling can suck my pinkie. 7. Still believe...? Depends on whether you're drowning in them, I suppose, but I certainly don't expect to be. (After listening to your point), oh...oh. You make a valid argument. I suppose it's kind of like reading over their shoulder when you put it that way, isn't it? I literally never knew that was a bad-form kind of thing to do: hell, I thought it was GOOD form. Okay, going to put that belief in the trash pile now. NEXT. 8. USED to believe, and excuse me while my sides split. XD Glad I'm not a teen anymore. Glad I came up with my current idea when I was 29. NEXT. 9. Kind of used to believe...? I mean, it's not like you can plop it down on a shelf and expect people to flock to it. They need to know it EXISTS. But before I got deeper into your channel, eh, I thought authors "had people for that". 10. NOOOOPE. Used to believe when I was, like, twelve. But I'm an English nerd and English Lit major, and NOOOOOPE. Writing is a lot of work when you find it hard to get into the zone, and even when you ARE in the zone, when you come back up from under, you still need to edit ,get it peer reviewed, get it sensitivity-read, et cetera, et cetera. It also takes the actual wordsmithing craft, which I'm lucky I have, but I look back at my older work now and go, "Jesus Christ, that is NOT how you construct a sentence."
Thanks for sharing, so true. I have seens loads of people quitting thier job to pursue thier writing career. I must say, there are loads of people that shouldn't be in this profession and somehow there. It is crazy and I did beta for one person once and they thought they were IT they thought they was better than anyone. Thier book was shit right off the bat, and then complained about me 'cyber bullying' lol. You know. I have been blocked by three people for various reasons, and one blocked me because he doesn't like original stuff. I know some parts of my stories are not original, but some parts could be. Yes, this is a good video, as like with any career, it is a hit and miss.....also those lists are rigged and considered to be 'scam' because they don't truly represent what they should.
I agree about the lists being rigged. I am a fellow writer and if people are blocking you for your work I'd be interested is seeing what all the commotion is about. would you allow me to read anything you've written?
@@surgeorosgo intteresting, I haven't published anything, but good to know. So far, I don't have haters for my work yet. Your welcome to follow me on FB, Twitter, and instagram under the same name.
Jenna, I agree with almost all points, but I don't understand WHY you hate Harry Potter to such extent that you won't even take its name. I understand you don't like the book but I don't think its required to put out hate against another book, especially one that has garnered such appreciation and love from people. Yes, you're right in letting newbie writers know that this shouldn't be their expectations, but you can do it in a polite way without disrespecting that book. P.S. I don't support J.K. Rowling and things she has said, but I am not going to bash HP series because of that. I believe in separating the art and the artist.
Honestly I’m tired of people even bringing her up even without name dropping. I literally could not care less what she has done, she’s all the way in Scotland or England and she can say whatever the hell she wants, so instead of talking about her at every available opportunity, we leave her out and let her name die. So tired of talking to and watching writers blog bash her and I’m not here for your political opinions, I’m here for working advice. Just say you do t like and move on. Want to say more? Make a separate video so I can avoid the politics around it.
love or hate her, but the author of wizard butthole made over a billion dollars off her series, so i dont think she cares too much about who hates her at this point, and if she wrote more books in the series, the same haters would buy them as well
My alpha readers hate me because they get so invested in a story and then I just randomly stop writing it, only to start on something else. It does not matter if I am 3 chapters in or in the final act. I write until I stop feeling it, then write something else, or do something else altogether. I do not have any real expectation of becoming famous, or even self-sustainability off of my writing. I write because I enjoy writing, and I like getting feedback to help me improve my craft, not necessarily the book I am writing at the time. If I ever feel I have the "author" skill required to pump out quality books fast enough to make a living off of each book only doing OK, I might start committing to finishing stories. Until then, it is just for fun and my alpha readers can simply do something else if not having endings to stories annoys them more than they enjoy my erratic creative process. If I decide to publish a book someday, I will be marketing it from the moment I have the first draft, and not stop until I am dead (or the next book is ready to start marketing). One is a business, one is a hobby. Knowing the difference is important if you want either to go well.
We do not need more wizard school knock-offs. We already have enough fanfiction out there - often of much higher quality than those non-edited, published first drafts. Also, disagree about writing a review solely for other readers. If a book is bad, I write it for the author (and to vent). Especially with self-publishing and DoD services all over the place, you find tons of books that haven't been through a review and edit process. Some people publish their first draft. If I get that feeling, I tend to air my thoughts in reviews and put tons of writing theory into a review. The idea is often nice but the execution is straight out of your worst nightmare. A German writer (responsible for a quite popular blog on writing tips&tricks) has made an experiment a few years ago: She wrote and published 12 books within a year (thankfully, edited). Even though she was self-published, having more than one book on the market helped immensely. But then again, her success was also possible due to her having an already established platform and people who would be willing to give at least give her books a shot.
Rather than writing the next Wizard Butthole, I'm writing a series about a group of little people with furry toes who drink human blood and sparkle in the sunlight. These people are forced once a year to duke it out in an arena for the entertainment of rich people or risk having their vital organs removed and recycled. I'm totally going to sell billions of copies! :P
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
In general, if the question is if we want Jenna to make a full length video about something, the answer is Yes.
So true!
allwaaayysss
100%
To go along with Wizard Starfish, be prepared to be compared to Wizard Starfish even if your book is NOTHING like it.
Author: "Well, my story is about a coming of age story at school"
20 Reviews: "This author ripped off everything from Wizard Starfish..."
I swear, I never read the books but I know enough about them. Many of the indie authors I read have reviews packed with those comments. A human turned mushroom learns at a school? Wizard time! A school where students are allowed to off each other to progress in rank? Wizard time! Two star-crossed lovers who meet up to save the dragon from the town, oh you better believe that is a Starfish theft!
Have you ever considered publishing "Rose Kindred and The Legend of the Cross-Eyed Reviewers?"
This may be the best comment I've ever read lol
"My book is about superheroes with less-than-useful superpowers"
Reviews: "OMG just like Garry Bladder and The Warlock's Kidney Stone!"
I heard from other writers that 'you sell your back catalog with each new book', good motivation to keep writing.
I draw webcomics, but watching your videos I have learned so much about the story creation process as well as genres, characterisation, story paccing ( I probably misspelled that sorry, english is my 2nd language) I am currently working on a new webcomic and I am using your tips to create my new story :) thank you so much Jenna :)
Good luck with your webcomics!
@@styxthistle497
Thank you so much 😊
What is your webcomic? I would love to check it out.
Yo same!
@@RedManeWritingandIllustrating
You do webtoons as well? If that's the case that's awesome 😁
I really like your point about reviewers. I took the time to review a book by an author once, after winning a free copy of her work in a giveaway, that I didn't like,and the author negatively came after me on Goodreads because of it. She accused me of ruining the book for all her potential readers and being "mean" to her. It was nasty. I love your advice about how it shouldn't be personal. Because it wasn't for HER, I wrote the review for other readers.
“You’re just telling people that you don’t read” made me lose it.
I have a 10-book series out and it clearly states "book 1, book 2, book 3, etc." Someone came in on book 7 and gave me a 1 star review because "this series makes no sense."
Also, I didn't break even until book 5.
congratulations, and applause. 10 is a pile of books.
Considering just about every book I see at my local book store is a new York Times best seller I'm curious how people get this award.
Generally, from what I understand, by throwing $10k-25k at marketing so it almost guarantees sales in multiple markets and hits those quotas. So basically, if you can afford to not need to sell it, you can get a NYT stamp of approval. Yay.
Money and connections. Regular shulbs are probably never going to be on it cause you either need a lot of money (to bribe someone cause that is a thing that happens) or have connections to even be considered. I literally do not even count them as a legitimate source of bets sellers because of this.
There's a belief on brazilian literary culture that not just got rooted on a lot of minds, but it hurt brazilian literary for good: the "if it's brazilian, is perfect" mentality.
Brazilian here, by the way. Like, we have a issue here about egomania mixed with lack of self awareness on a lot of writers that make them believe that their cliche and generic stories with forgetful characters and thought that they can be a success by POSTING ALL THE BOOKS FOR FREE ONLINE. The freaking mental gymnastics...
It result in a culture of really great and fresh stories, like mine and from some other authors, who published, getting ostracized because "why don't you post it for free online?" and "it's too 'americanized' write something that 'the people' would read" ("the people" = "write for people who won't read" - I'm not joking).
Only a few authors will make it big like J.K.Rowling and Stephen King and James Dashner with his book The Maze Runner and Kass Morgan. Also George R.R.Martin.
Forgot Tolkien, Neil Gaiman an them couple hundred Trek/SW/an Warhammer writers.. alot the others though yeah.. they struggle
I was plagiarized by an author who, along with a mutual ex of ours, would target and hunt down people who left negative reviews and dox them unmerciful. It was completely classless.
Yo, #1 makes me feel really good about my fanfic with 15k readers. Especially since it's the first thing I've written.
one of the reasons i truly love fan fiction. it gives so many young writers an outlet and a way to sharpen and evolve their writing while just doing something they love and having ppl love it and give you feedback too!! so much freedom to love and learn your craft.
15 k readers on a fan fiction surely is an achievement, but don't get too high when comparing it to average figures about book sales. Only quite a small percentage of the people who read a free work of fiction on the internet would still read it if they had to pay for it in advance after reading only a sample chapter
Fan fiction is an excellent way to learn your craft.
What did you write it on
Gosh number 7!!!
I truly despise authors who criticize the reviewers (and some do way worse)... And I hate it more when their fans sympathize with their behavior 🙄
Hey Jenna, can you tell us how to write a novel synopsis? I have looked everywhere and saw a few examples online but I feel like you can give us a better break-up. Pretty pweaseeeee
I feel like she mightve already done it... I'll check for a link
here we go: ruclips.net/video/msj8F3NlzdM/видео.html
:D
#7: Oh, I have a story there. So, I wrote a review of a book called Brimstone's Knight. I did not care for it. The pacing was godawful, it had way too many villains, and I'm about 67% sure the book was antisemitic. The author actually tried to argue with me on my review, and he really argued with me about the pacing and the villains. But never mentioned the possible antisemitism. Okay then. *lol*
I need details!
im fasting rn and idk why that tea looked good
Agree that the authoress of Larry the PotSmoker s a TERF who would do herself a great favor by doing a STFU! True fact! (The best kind!) It's also true that reading and studying those novels and their history can be a great learning experience. I read one of the middle (least popular) novels a long time ago. I've watched the movies (free on cable.) The series is now available on Audible and I just started with Book 1. It gives me a better appreciation of Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which I declined to read because of the droll English humor. (I suffered through that on the TV series and just couldn't get my head into reading it on paper. But it seems to be a "Style" for English writers.)
wow. I've barely sold any copies of my books on Kindle.
It's really hard to imagine people thinking some of these things! Goodness gracious. One I might have included: "I don't need an editor!" I really enjoy your sense of humor. Three months ago I published my debut novel, at age 64. To me, it's a great joy knowing people are reading my book. That's what it's all about, for me.
congrats, Bob Nolin.
@@digitalmoonbooks Thank you!
I will probably get crucified for saying this but is it possible to make a time stamp when the actually video begins?
I am a huge fan of your books but I already know that they exist and I always have to go through pieces of the video until I find the start 😔
I'd like it too
Me three.
Interpretation of ideas exist for a reason just like the people who love to be right when pointing out this story is just like this story.
No point of being discouraged just write what you want us (the audience) to experience.
It's totally doable to write yet another wizard school novel and become famous. It just needs to be better written than the others, add some new spice to the genre. It's not about what you write (to an extent), it's how well you write it.
it’s also about striking the perfect time in popular culture and being well marketed enough that people WILL read it in the first place and then appreciate how well written it is. at this point the industry and pop culture is so saturated with so many stories just like this one and a lot of other fantasy stories and people are just tired of it. of course millions still love them, i love them! but it will be a lot harder to have the same reach the hp series had now than it was then. no matter how well written. heck, a lot of people probably won’t even give it a fair chance bc it will constantly be compared to a story they have grown up with and loved their whole lives. pretty hard to do. but of course, not impossible.
I write for myself above everything else and honestly whither it gets big or not I will just be happy to get it out.
Thanks for the list. ^^
Very helpful again, Jenna! I'm aspiring to be an author, so I'm grateful to know the reality of what I'm pursuing. Luckily, if my book(s) don't sell well, it won't be my sole source of income. I don't plan to be a full-time writer, I love other things as well.
“I’m gonna write the next ____!”
Eh. I’d rather write the first _____
I'm glad I've always wanted to write for the sake of telling a story first and foremost. I'm a really shy person, and the idea of doing a bunch of interviews, having my picture on the back of a book, and all of that was always a very humbling idea in my head. But I love to write, I love to craft a world.
Brainstorming a novel (potentially series) right now, and it comes not from a sense of necessity but because I think it's a story I want others to read. If it makes money, great! If not, I'll just keep doing it, so long as it isn't detrimental to the rest of my life to continue doing so.
You have good reasoning, but remember to write a book you want to read. Your book will be better if it comes from the heart, and not just from what you think others will like.
I'd go one step further- The author should NEVER comment on a review...EVER!
Thank you for doing this video. It's so hard to find information on what's realistic.
I am writing a serie and while watching thoses harshs realities, i know that i'll be most likely disappointed but also, i know that my friends would read it and at least, i'll write it for myself so i can have it in my bookshelf. Also, as someone working in the communication industry, i know i'll have a lot to do to even market it and create a fanbase. I write this serie because i just love it and want to share it with whoever would want to give it a try. I don't plan my whole future around it being a best seller but hey, if it does, good for me.
That's the advise i can give : Write it for you, write it because you want to share your story with at least one more person, write it to be proud to accomplish something that big ! Because yes, writing and most importantly, finishing a book is hard. Really hard. So, be Proud !
Defs want a full video about NYT Bestsellers. The topic is endlessly fascinating haha.
Jenna gives great advice in a wonderfully humorous way. I really appreciate calling out the terfdom instead of bending knee to someone who sold a lot of book.
Ngl, Jenna. If I get a book published and it sels 99 copies, I think I'd shit myself I'd be so happy. That's almost 100
What are your thoughts on being exclusive with Amazon and using Kindle Unlimited vs going wide with your book? Especially as a new author?
For number 4 I would say there are going to be characters written into a plot that has never been done before and so by proxy certain stories to never have been done before. This is rare and a lot of times being the first to write something doesn't make it good. Many times a thing that hasn't been done before is because either A) there is no market for it or B) it's extremely hard and so people don't want to try it. Also, I want to say I think everyone who writes reviews on a book that doesn't have a lot of reviews should expect the author to read them. How else can an author get better? That being said I think it's reasonable to expect the author to read and think not to write a reply to said review. After all, writing a rebuttal or trying to explain yourself gives off a childish and arrogant look. That's just my take.
If someone says they're gonna be the next X (insert bestselling author here), it often means they only read said X. And since X already exists, what's the point of reading a poor man's copy? Or even publish it.
Man I was racking my brain for a book with an amusement park. Finally yelled “Lord of the Rings.” Then I remembered the thirty years part and swore at the bus stop
I have been watching TONS of your videos and they're amazing! But I've got a few questions I haven't seen answered yet, specifically the order to realistically get things done. Do I have a professional editor go over it before or after beta readers? And when in the whole process should I be applying for copyrights? Stuff like that for self publishing.
Beta readers before publishers. That way if you have to change something based on beta reviews (like over half of them don't understand a scene and you have to rewrite it) you're not wasting more money than needed on yet another edit.
bruh i love harry potter, i think it did so much for the fantasy genre and we wouldnt have half the books we do today without it
They weren't that good lol
@@TLL123 People are only saying that because of the controversy. No one said anything about them, until it happened
@@shadowthehedgehog181 Her political stance is her own. I don't care about that, the story was lack luster and childish. Never been a fan of her work. I don't read a lot of YA
@@shadowthehedgehog181 People sure as hell brought up the stereotypical things about Seamus, the trolls, Cho Chang, and I think a few other things prior to all the terfism.
Lol, the fastest I've ever come for any video. Thanks for the informative vids, Jenna.
I love you, Jenna. You, always keep it 100%
With regards to commenting on reviews. I hadn't thought about this point at all and didn't realize this was unprofessional. I mean I thought of thanking people for reviews they gave if I ever published. But now I'll stay silent. That makes sense they'd feel uncomfortable reviewing if they knew I was reading them. I mean still want to read them to know what I'm doing wrong and hope that's okay? As long as I don't directly address them?
Wow! I have enough of a sense of self-importance to write but not enough to think people care about my reviews enough to ever review a book.
l love your work so much. atfer i started watching your video's and read both of the books my had never been better thank you
*writing
Even if you create something new, it's based off a similar premise. For example, one of my story ideas has a variation on vampires and werewolves. Vampires are humanoid immortals while werewolves are mortal beastmen. If you make something that falls within that depiction, you have successfully created another version of vampires and werewolves. Technically, Kenyon did that in her Dark Hunter series with the Dark Hunters and the Were-Hunters. Were-Hunters even have 12 species and 2 variations of human-born and animal-born. That is the best you can really get when writing something new.
Do you have anything written down? It sounds amazing and as a fellow writer I would love to read it or anything else you're working on. I'm looking to meet and interact with fellow writers to gain advice and trade feedback ideas. Would you allow me to read your work?
@@surgeorosgo: It's very hit and miss at the moment with the mentioned idea. The two species are technically considered offshoots of humanity. Unlike vampires, the immortals breed. The 'animals' are humans with animal traits, but they have no "animal form." There is also a conversion method for both, but you'd rather become immortal given what becoming the 'animal' entails.
Currently, I'm working on another idea that I'm trying to edit. It's pretty much done, and I'm just combing through to remove the passive narrator voice I always find myself writing in. It's space odyssey as if it could exist now in reality. Some hapless everyday kid is running from bullies, and he hides among some supplies. Turns out, Earth is considered a stray world that the galactic civilization uses as a resupply point. Stray worlds are worlds that are completely oblivious to the presence of other species. He finds himself on a Star Guard cruiser and is running from the crew who seem to be trying to kill him. He runs into a group of pirates that are robbing the cruiser, and he makes it off with them. The story follows them and their ship, the Abathon.
In this story, the only thing every species that isn't from a stray world has in common is hyperspace travel. There are four distinctions: Aggressive (predatory), Protector (built like pachyderms), Intellect (reptilian), and Passion (sylvan in appearance). Humans are officially classified as passions, and the other species KNOW about humanity's violent nature. Even the most aggressive species would rather steer clear. After all, humans nuke themselves, and nukes aren't something other species want to mess with. Minor spoiler: Humans are the inventive species. Until the main character, Kenneth, told them about concrete, even the most intelligent species had never conceived of it. Humans like discovering and inventing things for any or no reason, and other species just don't. So, "technologically advanced" is a misnomer. Some species even have huge gaps in their tech tree because of the environments they come from.
Fair warning: The story can be VERY politically incorrect. All puritanical hang-wringers and woke progressives beware. There ARE criminals and illegal syndicates. The main characters are "pirates," but they are only so in the strictest form. Their crew has a reputation, but they aren't well-known enough for the galactic news even to know who all the crew members are. They don't raid or enslave or slaughter...but other pirates do. Slavery does exist in the story through underground black markets, and some criminals will cut up people for their meat. There is corruption and manipulation. This shouldn't be a warning, but there are fools who whine about bad guys doing bad things. Evil exists, and the second worst crime of all is to pretend it doesn't happen because blind eyes can't stop evil deeds. The worst is to label the wrong things evil so 'good' people attack the wrong things while supporting the truly evil things.
I went into writing fully understanding it was going into debt lol I set myself mentally for a sales of zero so the fact I sold maybe 100 made me more than surprised.
I understand that an author can typically expect to sell around 100 to 250 copies of each book... because that's about how many people they know personally.
@@therealmaizing5328 I wish I knew 100 people lol. I know maybe 20 people personally. My online sales was 40ish and rest I sold in person at bazaars. I am very anti social and barely anyone at my job speaks to me because I am a janitor.
You didn't mention those movie deals... I sell most of my books in person at markets because I don't have the energy to market, but then I don't expect to do anything but lessen the cost of my writing habit.
Love Jenna with my whole heart 😭
Bonus points for Buttercup's surprise appearance!
I think the reason for the large variation in averages is outliers and how the stats people dealt with them- try hunting for the median instead, (also there’s probably a massive difference between traditional publishing and self publishing cause marketing)
my book sold 10 copies and im happy. anything more is just gravy. would be nice to make a living at it tho
up to 13
That's so exciting for you! Congrats! What is your book called?
it's true that only a few authors would make it big like Jk Rowling, or Stephanie Meyer, what made both J.K Rowling and Stephanie Meyers books such a success was because there were a lot of controversial and dark themes in both books, also the Twilight saga was market as Ya novels but they should have been put in the dark fantasy genre because of the many controversial themes in the book, and no matter what people say controversial sells! and also, many authors whose books sold over half a million did so because of their own hard work, like Bella Andre who sold millions from her romance books or like raven Kennedy and the plated prisoner series, and she was a self-published author, but thanks to her series going viral on tiktok, now she was signed by Simon & Schuster! her books sold more than half a million copies and counting. or like E.L James with her 50 shades of gray series, so yes you can find success as an author! it all depends on the marketing work you put in, and seriously Jenna I love you but why the hate for the Harry Potters Books to such an extent? I understand that you don't like J.K and her opinions but that doesn't mean you have to bash the Harry Potter series just because of the author's views! There is one thing to hate the author and a whole other thing to bash the books because of the authors! no matter how much you hate it, the Harry Potter series literally put the fantasy genre back in the spotlight again! and just because you don't want books about wizards, that don't mean other people won't read them! Fantasy books with wizards, witches and academies WILL ALWAYS BE POPULAR no matter what nay Sayers like you say! THERE IS A REASON WHY 95% OF ALL AMAZON BEST SELLERS LIST IN THE FANTASY GENRE ARE FILLED WITH ACADEMIES, WITCHES, WIZARDS AND WEREWOLVES! just because you don't agree with j.k There is no reason for you to disrespect the Harry Potter series the way you are doing! it's childish!
True!!
Dang, Jenna. What did Edith Wharton do to you?
Immediately laughing in the first 10 seconds 😂
Hey Jenna, I've got a question. You said you shouldn't respond to reviews, but what if you asked for them and want to tell the reviewer thank you for reading your book?
Could you do a video on making a contemporary dark fantasy that also focuses on the better side of humanity. Like a world with cosmic horror, demons, vampires, and werewolves. But still acknowledge the bad but encourages the more benign parts of humanity. Like "group of different people work to get together towards a common goal, and also aspire to be X." I'm tired of the Hollywood amorality. Where characters we're told to care for lie, cheat, and hurt other people. But thier either victims of society. "Or humanity should die. But people like me will make it paradise." Basically I don't want my reader to lobotomize themselves reading whiny self-projections of nihilism. I mean compare the modern writer to Tolkien. He fought in WW1 saw all kind of horrible stuff people couldn't imagine. But he never lost his life outlook. But compared to the edgy spoiled brat most modern writers are.... You can see who's books will be read more.
Yawn.
@@minion5533 😕??????
Question, what does one do when you get completely discouraged, and you have this voice inside your head telling you that you’re not meant to be a writer, and that your dream of becoming published is dumb?
I ask because, instead of offering constructive criticism, some nasty, garbage person said the backstories of the original characters I had created were “lackluster” and that was it. Since, I Have been completely rattled and thrown for a loop, not knowing how to continue either. I haven’t touched Google Docs in months, and I’m afraid to share what I do have; any compliments I do get I have a very hard time accepting because I just get frustrated about having to open them to fish. I actually think I’m bad at it now. I can’t shake the constant negativity and self doubt that in my head. It’s hard not to think this way because I can’t even look at my passion for writing the same way I used to.
I don’t know how I can bring myself to love writing after this. It’s the straw that broke my back, and I’m struggling really hard.
*hug* They were only one person and that was only their opinion. Don't give up. Maybe choose someone else to read your work though. 😉
I've been in your shoes and I really feel for you. For us writers, it can feel like our heart and soul is being stomped on when we're critiqued, because we put so much of ourselves into our writing. But at the end of the day, it's not *us* being critiqued. It's just our ideas, our concepts, etc. A singer can have a beautiful voice full of soul, while at the same time be struggling to hit the high notes. You can always get better at the skills side of things. The most important thing is to learn to separate your ego from your writing and become more open to improvement. Maybe your characters' backstories ARE lackluster. Great! Now you have an opportunity to make your story even better!
You might take a hard look at the backstories and decide that you like them best as they are. Great! Now you can let those negative emotions dissipate. But they won't go away until you let go of the defensiveness and view your writing in a more neutral way. Writing and storytelling are skills just like anything else. Developing a thicker skin can be painful, but you've already gotten stronger. Each critique from this point on will hurt less and less.
I believe in you my love! 🤗
Feeling exactly like this
Honestly, I just began publishing and i don't really have dreams of becoming rich of my work honestly, what i'm expecting is that maybe in a few years with a lot of work, being an author will be my only way of income, as in selling my books will pay the bills so i can live in peace, that's all i'm really asking for.
It’s a good thing all I want to do is actually have my book published.😅
Thank you for the tips :)
PLEASE make an entire video about it
Calling a book series "Wizard butthole" because you don't like the author is kind of disrespectful to the craft, Jenna. Even if everyone agrees the author of "Wizard Butthole" has personal failings, that doesn't change whether or not they are a talented writer. Many talented artists are assholes, just like many talented artists can be nice people or somewhere in-between people. As a writer and a talented business woman yourself, you should show professionalism in how you address other authors. So you don't agree with her viewpoint, fine, lots of people don't, but that has no impact on if she is a gifted writer or not.
calling the terf queen gifted is generous. she's no hack, but her prowse is middling at best. she happened to have an idea and concept that appealed to the right audience at the right time. if her books had come out a decade sooner or later, they would not have been as successful as they were.
@@kerricaine and would that remotely matter right now if she hadn't offended so many people? No. Saying someone is over hyped after a scandal doesn't mean anything because of the obvious bias.
Her talent is not what Jenna's anger is about. Jenna is rightfully angry and personally I agree with her and am glad she expresses her feelings. I prefer passion and ethics and empathy over so-called professionalism any day.
@@freddybaumgartner3096 and that's the problem with the world today. People act like their feelings matter above everything else.
@@lovetolovefairytales empathy for marginalized groups matters. Caring about other people's struggles matters. You want this to be a "facts vs feelings" thing. It is not. Educate yourself.
“For the love of God, market your fucking book!” Love your channel!!!
I find the topic of today kind of frustrating. The idea that writing can be a path to fame and riches in which one has to only write the story angers me to my core. I self published 2 poetry books, just so my grandmother can read them. I can’t afford to advertise. Hence those books will never make me any money. Going for becoming a traditionally published children’s writer instead.
My goal in publishing is just to make enough money in my writing to pay half of my bills, and anything more is gravy.
#6: But don't you intentionally alienate people too?
☝️
Nice to see people who still appreciate J K Rowling despite what the loud minority say.
@@kaskae7240ew
This is what I felt when I am still a child. With a creative mind, I thought I am the chosen one who will spectacularly dreaming about his future prospects. As time goes by, years crawled like a jet plane, I realized I am not unique when in terms of imagination, and the most laughable thing is that i am not the only one who thinks this line of thought. Hbahaha. You know, who thinks they are the chosen ones or something.😂😌. We called this state as an "Eight Grade Syndrome" or " Delusion of Grandeur." Hhaha. I really ashamed and beet red the first time I read about it.
Worst, some people are not aware of thier state of mind and their delusion of grandeur is greater than mine. The people who greatly overestimates thier capability and weigh themselves with greater expectations only to be greatly disappointed in the end.
Be aware that Writing industry is very, very competitive industry that it is very scary.
“Ouch, Baby…very ouch” -Austin Danger Powers
I just consider myself a hobby writer mostly. I mean, I'd like to have my book published, moreso just to share my creativity and vulnerable characters with other people who can identify their struggles. I don't really expect it to get very popular or to make a lot of money off of it and quit my job, it's more about knowing that I put something out in to the ether that other people could even see long after I'm dead. But I guess there is probably some vanity in that.
Truly this is what I strive for in my writing. I'm looking to build relationships with some fellow writers and would love to read your work if you would allow me to.
Sounds like they need to rename the New York Times Bestseller List to something else... Like the New York Times Best-whatever-we-feel-like List. Hmm, that doesn't have the same ring though.
Plzzz speak the tea on NYT best-selling list in a separate video☕
The New Your Times best sellers list is some ways books suggestions, which will appeal to readers of the newspaper. The paper knows it's demographic, being jealous of their readers good opinion carefully tailor the best sellers list to their taste.
Actually give a lot of credit to authors who expose not so nice parts of the publication process and the industry. Of course, I've never been one to get my hopes up but it's nice to think lovely thoughts about your book on a shelf.
I didn't expected you to shit talk about Harry Potter and J.K. Rolling. She didn't do anything wrong and really don't deserve that attitude towards her. But hey, she doesn't really need me to defend her. Her books are a classic for generations ahead and a millionaire. In that aspect she got what she deserves and history will remember her in a good way. And I even put your book in the wish list. Well, removed. Stand with one side meaning to stand against the other side.
Please make a video about the new times bestseller list!!!!!
The only guaranteed way to make a small fortune from writing a book is to start with a large fortune.
LOL!
could have done without that unnecessary shade on JK Rowling.
Say her name; it won’t bite you. And you call her a dumbass? LOL, girl, I’d love to hear a conversation between you too, and see how long you can keep up.
On a scale from believe, used to believe, sort of believe, don't believe, never believed, here we go with mine.
1. Used to believe, and now I can look back fondly on my past self, and give her a head-pat.
2. Never believed, and don't care. Do non-USA authors even get on that thing? I'm Canadian.
3. SORT OF believe, but not that specific number. I'd settle for even one review.
4. Sort of believe: it's a question of variation on story beats. ALL of my story beats have been done before, just not with my particular execution.
5. Never believed. If it's anything like music, the sophomore album always struggles most.
6. Used to believe. AT LEAST it was slow and painful, me unlearning this one. I wanted to write the next "1984", which I have read no fewer than 20 times, and it was a f*cking un-finish-able train wreck. Well, sometimes you gotta learn the hard way for the lesson to stick. I should get rid of that file. HOWEVER, I never thought I'd writ the next "Harry Potter". Not my genre, though I do love the books, and Rowling can suck my pinkie.
7. Still believe...? Depends on whether you're drowning in them, I suppose, but I certainly don't expect to be. (After listening to your point), oh...oh. You make a valid argument. I suppose it's kind of like reading over their shoulder when you put it that way, isn't it? I literally never knew that was a bad-form kind of thing to do: hell, I thought it was GOOD form. Okay, going to put that belief in the trash pile now. NEXT.
8. USED to believe, and excuse me while my sides split. XD Glad I'm not a teen anymore. Glad I came up with my current idea when I was 29. NEXT.
9. Kind of used to believe...? I mean, it's not like you can plop it down on a shelf and expect people to flock to it. They need to know it EXISTS. But before I got deeper into your channel, eh, I thought authors "had people for that".
10. NOOOOPE. Used to believe when I was, like, twelve. But I'm an English nerd and English Lit major, and NOOOOOPE. Writing is a lot of work when you find it hard to get into the zone, and even when you ARE in the zone, when you come back up from under, you still need to edit ,get it peer reviewed, get it sensitivity-read, et cetera, et cetera. It also takes the actual wordsmithing craft, which I'm lucky I have, but I look back at my older work now and go, "Jesus Christ, that is NOT how you construct a sentence."
8:30 "Simpsons did it"
I might be in the minority but I don’t read reviews. I leave them sometimes but that’s not always.
pls don't be hurt self
But Jenna !
Thanks for sharing, so true. I have seens loads of people quitting thier job to pursue thier writing career. I must say, there are loads of people that shouldn't be in this profession and somehow there. It is crazy and I did beta for one person once and they thought they were IT they thought they was better than anyone. Thier book was shit right off the bat, and then complained about me 'cyber bullying' lol. You know. I have been blocked by three people for various reasons, and one blocked me because he doesn't like original stuff. I know some parts of my stories are not original, but some parts could be. Yes, this is a good video, as like with any career, it is a hit and miss.....also those lists are rigged and considered to be 'scam' because they don't truly represent what they should.
I agree about the lists being rigged. I am a fellow writer and if people are blocking you for your work I'd be interested is seeing what all the commotion is about. would you allow me to read anything you've written?
@@surgeorosgo intteresting, I haven't published anything, but good to know. So far, I don't have haters for my work yet. Your welcome to follow me on FB, Twitter, and instagram under the same name.
Correction, it's actually more painful to take a kick in the ballsack.
10:07 I just fell in love with you all over again
Wow! Why is she throwing shade at Harry Potter? I think J.K. Rowling is a brilliant author. I detect a hint of jealousy.
I need the Savior’s Conclusion!
I'm the thousandth like!
*GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!*
11:31 this needs to be a gif
Jenna, I agree with almost all points, but I don't understand WHY you hate Harry Potter to such extent that you won't even take its name. I understand you don't like the book but I don't think its required to put out hate against another book, especially one that has garnered such appreciation and love from people. Yes, you're right in letting newbie writers know that this shouldn't be their expectations, but you can do it in a polite way without disrespecting that book.
P.S. I don't support J.K. Rowling and things she has said, but I am not going to bash HP series because of that. I believe in separating the art and the artist.
Agreed. I think it's really childish to act the way Jenna does just because she doesn't agree with the author's views of certain topics.
The ableist language in this video really threw me off.
Honestly I’m tired of people even bringing her up even without name dropping.
I literally could not care less what she has done, she’s all the way in Scotland or England and she can say whatever the hell she wants, so instead of talking about her at every available opportunity, we leave her out and let her name die.
So tired of talking to and watching writers blog bash her and I’m not here for your political opinions, I’m here for working advice. Just say you do t like and move on. Want to say more? Make a separate video so I can avoid the politics around it.
love or hate her, but the author of wizard butthole made over a billion dollars off her series, so i dont think she cares too much about who hates her at this point, and if she wrote more books in the series, the same haters would buy them as well
All these are spot on! Except me, I'm the exception. Just like everyone else. j/k :D
My alpha readers hate me because they get so invested in a story and then I just randomly stop writing it, only to start on something else. It does not matter if I am 3 chapters in or in the final act. I write until I stop feeling it, then write something else, or do something else altogether. I do not have any real expectation of becoming famous, or even self-sustainability off of my writing. I write because I enjoy writing, and I like getting feedback to help me improve my craft, not necessarily the book I am writing at the time. If I ever feel I have the "author" skill required to pump out quality books fast enough to make a living off of each book only doing OK, I might start committing to finishing stories. Until then, it is just for fun and my alpha readers can simply do something else if not having endings to stories annoys them more than they enjoy my erratic creative process.
If I decide to publish a book someday, I will be marketing it from the moment I have the first draft, and not stop until I am dead (or the next book is ready to start marketing). One is a business, one is a hobby. Knowing the difference is important if you want either to go well.
Am I the first ?!!
...who am I kidding....
Refresh......exists.....
yay i'm here early
Ily
Make the video
First
second
say something original
We do not need more wizard school knock-offs. We already have enough fanfiction out there - often of much higher quality than those non-edited, published first drafts.
Also, disagree about writing a review solely for other readers. If a book is bad, I write it for the author (and to vent). Especially with self-publishing and DoD services all over the place, you find tons of books that haven't been through a review and edit process. Some people publish their first draft. If I get that feeling, I tend to air my thoughts in reviews and put tons of writing theory into a review. The idea is often nice but the execution is straight out of your worst nightmare.
A German writer (responsible for a quite popular blog on writing tips&tricks) has made an experiment a few years ago: She wrote and published 12 books within a year (thankfully, edited). Even though she was self-published, having more than one book on the market helped immensely. But then again, her success was also possible due to her having an already established platform and people who would be willing to give at least give her books a shot.
Rather than writing the next Wizard Butthole, I'm writing a series about a group of little people with furry toes who drink human blood and sparkle in the sunlight. These people are forced once a year to duke it out in an arena for the entertainment of rich people or risk having their vital organs removed and recycled. I'm totally going to sell billions of copies! :P
This comment made me actually burst out laughing!