Nervous to submit

[JaxRhapsody]

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?

Just put your shit on here and see how it goes. If it's too messed up Laurel will send it back with vague reasons what's wrong with it, if it makes it past her eventually a reader may be helpfull. Just put it on here, there is nothing to lose and somebody will probably like your work. Nothing to fear, you're not getting paid based on any variable.

I was not; I couldn't wait to start posting.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

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.

I go a while between chapters, but when I post it seems that people will go back and read the rest and I get likes or favorjtes on what's there each update. It's not even intentional persay; it's having to go somewhere for internet and the laptop buttons are shit, I don't often want to deal with it.

 

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

 

[SimonDoom]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

Good for you! Good luck to you.

 

[gordo12]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

Congrats. Don't forget to add a link to your signature once it's published so we can read it.

 

[mfan2112]

Looking forward to reading it.

 

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

Looking forward to reading it.

Of course it is with huge thanks to you your help was invaluable and greatly appreciated

 

[JaxRhapsody]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

There ya go.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

Congratulations. That first story is a big moment

 

[SisterJezabel]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

Go you! Please be sure to post a link once it's published

 

[Lucien_Al]

Naive

I was probably a bit too Naive to think about poor critiques on my stories and found out the hard way how brutal readers can be.

I have got into the habit of re-reading and editing my stories every day for about 2 - 3 weeks after I complete them and then post.

I have started to go back and rewrite a number of my stories using the positive critique and suggestions I have received.

For me, one of the areas I have had difficulty with has been the volunteer editors. I have revisited using an editor on a number of occasions with very limited success.

In the end, my reasoning is that I write mainly for my own pleasure and if readers don't enjoy them I try and be pragmatic about negative feedback. I also remind myself that the things I enjoy are not always shared by others.

 

[MColton84]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

Fantastic! Make a post once it's published and I'll be sure to check it out. Congratulations

 

[Little_Horny_Redhead]

Thanks everyone and I will definitely put a link on here and on my signature.

Is there a code of conduct regarding credits to the editors and beta readers who have helped with your writing? Wouldn't want to be forgetting to do that if it's best practice. Thanks

 

[Rustyoznail]

Thanks everyone and I will definitely put a link on here and on my signature.

Is there a code of conduct regarding credits to the editors and beta readers who have helped with your writing? Wouldn't want to be forgetting to do that if it's best practice. Thanks

It’s polite to ask. Some like the credit, others prefer to stay in the shadows.

 

[MColton84]

It’s polite to ask. Some like the credit, others prefer to stay in the shadows.

^Agreed ^

I personally prefer to credit anyone and everyone who has helped in creating a story. Proofreading, editing, technical data, etc. But sometimes the attention is unwanted. I had a pastor help me come up with ways to twist scripture for a story. Obviously, he would not want to be remembered for this. So yeah, ask or offer first.

 

[geronimo_appleby]

Well I have done it. The first story (very short one though to start with) has been submitted following a proof read and a beta read too. lets keep fingers crossed it is all good to go.

could you post a link to it when it comes up? here.

good luck. keep writing.