Nervous to submit

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

I have written a couple of stories so far and have been considering submitting them on here. Problem is I am super nervous, I am no creative writer I just write what interests me and do it for myself more than anything but I do really worry about being told that it's just a load of crap. I was going to contact an editor as a first opinion of whether it is even worth me sending the rest just in case.

Was anyone else really apprehensive when looking at their first submission and what did you do?

 

[SimonDoom]

You're not alone. In fact, your feelings are perfectly normal.

I read stories here for over ten years and thought about writing and publishing a story for most of that time before I actually did it.

You have to just jump into the pool. Just do it. Once you do it it gets easier.

 

[Rustyoznail]

You're not alone. In fact, your feelings are perfectly normal.

I read stories here for over ten years and thought about writing and publishing a story for most of that time before I actually did it.

You have to just jump into the pool. Just do it. Once you do it it gets easier.

What he said...

My finger hovered over the submit button for what seemed hours. Eventually I took a deep breath and let it go.

You can go on the editor's forum and give a few details of the story - category, length, what you want from an editor and you may get a nibble. You can ask nicely here, but it's not the preferred area.

 

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

Thank you guys so much.

Like I say I am no profession just write what's in my head so will try to approach an editor as a first step, thank you so much for your encouragement its not easy when all you can think is about the impending criticism lol

 

[Rustyoznail]

Thank you guys so much.

Like I say I am no profession just write what's in my head so will try to approach an editor as a first step, thank you so much for your encouragement its not easy when all you can think is about the impending criticism lol

It’s a hobby for most of us. Good luck!

 

[AllenWoody]

You'll get criticism either way.

Working with an editor is a good idea if you want to minimize the chance of getting 'marked down' for certain categories of mistakes that someone else might catch with a read-through. However, even an error-free story will get detractors. You just have to prepare yourself for it, and remember that on an anonymous internet website people don't always play nice.

It isn't personal.

 

[Handley_Page]

I have written a couple of stories so far and have been considering submitting them on here. Problem is I am super nervous, I am no creative writer I just write what interests me and do it for myself more than anything but I do really worry about being told that it's just a load of crap. I was going to contact an editor as a first opinion of whether it is even worth me sending the rest just in case.

Was anyone else really apprehensive when looking at their first submission and what did you do?

An editor is a good idea;
however,
If you ask nicely, a 'beta-reader' or two might be available. They can review your story and make suggestions for improvement, etc...

Don't feel alone; we've all been there at some time

 

[Phantom300]

Thank you guys so much.

Like I say I am no profession just write what's in my head so will try to approach an editor as a first step, thank you so much for your encouragement its not easy when all you can think is about the impending criticism lol

As someone with single-digit submissions, (so I'm still new at this too) two pieces of advice.

The best way to get better at writing is to write. Sounds silly, but it is true. Doesnt have to be stories for here. Write a scene describing your bedroom, what you had for breakfast, the smell of the breeze outside, whatever you like. Convey the images and details the best you can. Then write more.

The second is to ignore the naysayers. Write about what you want. Unless you have aspirations of paying customers one day, write stories you want to read. This should be an enjoyable pastime. If others enjoy them too, revel in that. If someone gives good advice, listen. Otheriwse, ignore the rest.

 

[Hypoxia]

An editor is a good idea;
however,
If you ask nicely, a 'beta-reader' or two might be available. They can review your story and make suggestions for improvement, etc...

Don't feel alone; we've all been there at some time

I've more than 120 stories up on LIT. I've been helped by outstanding beta-readers on a few, including one that needed technical advise, and others that were too long and complex for me to keep the whole in my mind. My latest, the V-day entry Quicksilver, is also my longest at ~70k words and yes, my beta-readers wonderfully pointed me in good directions. Everything is still my own fault, of course. But extra sets of eyeballs certainly provide perspectives we've missed ourselves.

 

[KeithD]

read, engage imagination, write, review, submit, repeat repeatedly.

 

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

Thanks guys, so pleased I am not the only one and totally accept that my writing will not be to everyone's taste so will just continue to write for myself but share it for those who do want to read it. I have had some lovely responses and messages to help me and the first one is currently being reviewed so fingers crossed I get to a point where it is worth sharing rather than a garbled brain dump lol

 

[infusednotes]

I'm also new to this so I totally know how you feel. I went through the Volunteer Editor process but didn't receive a response, so just carried on writing and decided to go for it and publish my first two stories.

Sometimes just biting the bullet is the way to go, and getting all of your thoughts down on paper. Easier said than done I know but once you get into the flow it works out ok.

Be brave!

ps. Happy to exchange reading/ suggestions.

 

[Hypoxia]

Keep in mind that unless you out yourself, nobody here knows who you are, or cares much. Fuck up a few times, and if you don't like the reactions, change your ID and start afresh. You're only in it for the lulz unless you seriously crave the meager money from contest wins. As Wonder Warthog says, do what ya wanna do.

 

[PoisonPen33]

To quote a friend - "just publish. What's the best that could happen?"

 

[BarracudaSwordfish]

I was in the same boat almost four years ago. I had written stuff in my head on long walks and decided to put some of it down in Word. I then looked for somewhere to get it out there and found this site. I published my first story in February 2017 and expected to be either ignored or shot down in flames.

Somehow, I got a red H very quickly and that spurred me on.

I have 44 submissions now and only three are not H's. Nearly 800,000 views. I thought when I started I would be lucky to get 800.

A friend of mine is a project manager and his favourite phrase is, JFDI.

So, here's my advice...

Just fucking do it!

 

[Emirus]

I have written a couple of stories so far and have been considering submitting them on here. Problem is I am super nervous, I am no creative writer I just write what interests me and do it for myself more than anything but I do really worry about being told that it's just a load of crap. I was going to contact an editor as a first opinion of whether it is even worth me sending the rest just in case.

Was anyone else really apprehensive when looking at their first submission and what did you do?

You write what interests you? Well, that’s a good start right away. Use your own experiences or imagination about what you like not go outside your comfort zone. You can do that as you gain more experience.

When you’re seeking advice/help whatever you may call it in respect of a story you need to give an idea of the word count, what the story is about, and what category you think it should be in. That way you’ll be more likely to get responses from beta readers and editors.

 

[gordo12]

Was anyone else really apprehensive when looking at their first submission and what did you do?

Extremely apprehensive. As someone else said, I dithered over pressing that post button. Finally, I took a deep breath and...! But to my shock, lots of readers liked it and awarded it an H. That got me hooked.

I get to a point where it is worth sharing rather than a garbled brain dump lol

, But that's the whole point. You learn what flies and what doesn't. And you move on from there. A garbled brain dump is a great learning lesson.

 

[Syzoth]

Go for it!

I have written a couple of stories so far and have been considering submitting them on here. Problem is I am super nervous, I am no creative writer I just write what interests me and do it for myself more than anything but I do really worry about being told that it's just a load of crap. I was going to contact an editor as a first opinion of whether it is even worth me sending the rest just in case.

Was anyone else really apprehensive when looking at their first submission and what did you do?

First off, you absolutely should write about what interests you and do it for yourself more than anything! Because if you write stories mainly to please an audience, your writing will suffer and you'll find that you won't always be able to tell the tale that you want to tell. I learned that the hard way.

I felt the same way you do now, and I just dove in!

Writing your first story will be the hardest, but after that it'll get easier. If you're passionate about writing, you'll want to write more and more! And the more you do it, the more you'll refine your skills.

I look at the first stories that I posted on Literotica, and I cringe at how poorly written they were... even with the help of an editor. I'm still no Shakespeare, but I do feel like my writing skills have gotten better over time. And you'll feel that way, too, if you keep up with it.

I hope to read your stories someday. Good luck... and have fun with it !!!

 

[Superjeebus65]

An editor is a good idea;
however,
If you ask nicely, a 'beta-reader' or two might be available. They can review your story and make suggestions for improvement, etc...

Don't feel alone; we've all been there at some time

Where on the site would I have to look in order to find a beta reader? I have written two stories, but I don't see anything in my stories that I consider noteworthy. I guess I am more an idea man than a writer. However, it would be nice to see what a safe objective third party thought.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Learn by example

There is one author who I frequently point new writers to as an example of:

1. Visible improvement in writing skill
2. How to frustrate readers

In September of 2017, AuroraIncident, posted the first chapter of his story ""New Girl in Town" The spelling, punctuation, grammar and tense variations made it challenging to follow, but the story idea was compelling enough to stick with it. The author took feedback seriously and slowly but surely, his technique improved as subsequent chapters were submitted. The improvement was so impressive that he won a Readers' Choice award for another of his stories in February of 2019.

The frustrating aspect of this is that there are now 22 chapters to his original story (New Girl in Town) and no end in sight. Readers have to wait months to learn what happens next, which is adversely affecting the feedback and score. Always finish a story, especially a multi-part/chapter one before submitting it.

 

[Omenainen]

There is one author who I frequently point new writers to as an example of:

1. Visible improvement in writing skill
2. How to frustrate readers

In September of 2017, AuroraIncident, posted the first chapter of his story ""New Girl in Town" The spelling, punctuation, grammar and tense variations made it challenging to follow, but the story idea was compelling enough to stick with it. The author took feedback seriously and slowly but surely, his technique improved as subsequent chapters were submitted. The improvement was so impressive that he won a Readers' Choice award for another of his stories in February of 2019.

The frustrating aspect of this is that there are now 22 chapters to his original story (New Girl in Town) and no end in sight. Readers have to wait months to learn what happens next, which is adversely affecting the feedback and score. Always finish a story, especially a multi-part/chapter one before submitting it.

Yes, but if that author would've followed that advice, they still wouldn't have published anything, most likely wouldn't have learned what they've learned, and I strongly assume they wouldn't be writing that same story anymore without no feedback or audience whatsoever.

As a reader I do appreciate series that are indeed finished. So much so, that I regularly navigate to the last chapter to check the comments. If they are complaining about unfinished story, I consider again if I care to invest my time in a story that will eventually frustrate me.

So maybe my advice is, finish the whole series before publishing, but do publish stand-alone pieces for feedback and improvement.

 

[soulhouse]

Where on the site would I have to look in order to find a beta reader?

One should post a request in the editor's forum, I believe, but unfortunately that gets few views and fewer responses, by the look of things. I tried a couple of months ago to find a beta reader for the final instalment of my three part story to no avail. However, thanks to mentioning that in passing while commenting on a post in the authors' hangout, I now have someone looking at it.

More experienced authors suggested either posting here or adding an author's note to one's stories requesting beta readers, the advantage of the latter being that at least you could be reassured they are interested in your writing.

 

[Emirus]

Where on the site would I have to look in order to find a beta reader? I have written two stories, but I don't see anything in my stories that I consider noteworthy. I guess I am more an idea man than a writer. However, it would be nice to see what a safe objective third party thought.

Whether you ask in this forum or one of the others I would give you the same advice I gave earlier in this thread if you haven’t submitted a story.
*****
When you’re seeking advice/help whatever you may call it in respect of a story you need to give an idea of the word count, what the story is about, and what category you think it should be in. That way you’ll be more likely to get responses from beta readers and editors.
*****

If you have submitted a story send in an edit and, after the title, ask for a beta reader/editor. Say the same on future stories because that may be the only one of your stories they’ve read.

 

[nylonpunkie]

I have found it very rewarding to share my stories.
Writing them is a compulsion for me but publishing them to strangers is daunting. Honestly, I have had so little negativity as to discount it. Mostly people say 'Hey, I liked this, write some more,'

Go for it!

 

[MColton84]

Go for it!

Unfortunately, it can be scary the first time you go to submit a work. You don't necessarily know how good you are or how well you will be received before hand. However, you will never know until you try so just go for it. I killed the battery on my phone twice over the first time I submitted a story checking for every view every comment every rating. Nonetheless, creatively speaking it was probably one of the best decisions I've made.