Biggest Mistakes First-Time Novelists Make

[@Hgood1]

As a book reviewer, my biggest frustration with the majority of books I read is that character development takes a back seat to plotting. There’s all this plotting but I’m not invested in the characters because the author has not taken me deeply enough into their inner lives.I’m talking about books coming from the big publishers.

[@maxvoroshilov3207]

Could not agree more! At the same time, it seems quitea few people are actually looking for a dynamic well-paced plot... Or, just fast development of the story...

[@Fallentree-hx7su]

Asimov disagrees

[@rebeccalegamaro9527]

I have 118,000 words written for my first novel and I am working on my second draft. This has been really helpful as I’m getting a lot of advice from a lot of different people and this is an overwhelming process.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

There's so much conflicting advice out there - I totally understand how it can be overwhelming. I'm so glad you found this video helpful! Good luck with your second draft!

[@Terrificguyonline]

I have to say this was some of the best advice i have found. 1/3 in to my novel i resently wrote a scene with a physical fight that totally changed the dynamic of the story, and not in a good way. Realizing now that the best thing to do is probably to go back and rewrite.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck with the edit!

[@ellennewth6305]

I have put my first novel on hold for now and am in the process of editing my second. It’s a YA paranormal romance with an emphasis on time travel. 80,000 words.

[@sharolynwells]

I'd read that!

[@TheEccentricRaven]

I used to make these mistakes in my writing. I'm glad that over the years, I've learned from other writers how to avoid them. I'm working on a YA Dystopia that I look forward to polishing up and getting out there.

[@evalramman7502]

Yes, she made some very good and clear points. LOL, only way to learn is to do it. Then do it again and again - by 'do it' I mean write a book.

[@jamesduke2662]

I’m used to writing screenplays as they are easier for me. I have yet to accomplish a novel with the more tedious craft it takes. But I am aspiring to do so.

[@corrandesouza5278]

Thanks Alyssa! Probably one of the most informative videos out there from an editing standpoint, about to go back in and build on these, have addressed few of them already but after hearing your perspective I can already see how I can tweak a few things to strengthen the story! Writing a near-future sci fi thriller focussed around the unique temporary bond between strangers traveling together and the butterfly effect small choices we make and circumstances can have on who we eventually become/chose to be

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelivesguerra1402]

@@AlyssaMatesic As an author who's attempting to finish his second (I already sent a book somewhere but I didn't earn any money once it was published there) novel, this second novel of mine is supposed to be the first of a novel series. After going over this video: how do I make sure that readers must be willing to wait for subsequent volumes in the series? Because I don't want to resolve character goals nor character development until later novels in this series I'm writing.

[@David_Talks.]

Sounds interesting, 9months out, how’s it going?

[@ivylilybasket]

I can relate to that list! My first novel had way too many characters meaning both characters and plots started feeling overcrowded and underdeveloped.

[@yapdog]

One way to prevent lackluster endings is to take a Tex Avery approach _(aging myself :^( ),_ where you define the beginning and ending in advance at the same time, tying them directly together. Yes, this may be an affront to pantsers, but it does help to know where you're headed even when writing forward. And it makes the writing process so much easier if you've already worked out a satisfying ending. Also note that having a pre-defined ending doesn't mean you can't change it, and it doesn't stifle creativity. In fact, it's best to think of the ending as version 1. You will most certainly make improvements to it as you write forward and/or plot. In my first novel, I'd defined an ending that I'd believed to be satisfying. However, as the story progressed, I had to keep making tweaks to the ending that, while the bones were still there, the narrative became completely shifted! Felt great :^)

[@janasher4940]

I so agree. I also tell writers to get an outline for the genre they are writing and learn why an outline works. Pansters fight this, but I stopped halfway through my novel and realized I didn't have a map. So I kept wasting time writing scenes that didn't 1. advance the plot TOWARDS THE NEXT PLOT OR ENDING, 2. didn't advance the character according to what they needed to learn, 3. didn't fit where it sat in the book, on and on. Once I picked an outline template and customized it to my story, I was on point. It was easy to see what my novel needed in tension, the dark night, the victory, etc.

[@SuperWw10]

Hi Alyssa! Thanks for another informative vid! I've been enjoying and profiting from your advice for the past few months. Since you asked us to share what we're working on: Last year I finished my first novel, which is a middle grade fantasy about two brothers. It has gone through several rounds of edits and beta readers and I'm now deep into the querying process. No bites as of yet, so in the meantime I'm keeping myself busy in two ways: creating illustrations for the novel (I'm a designer & illustrator by day) and working on a second book for this series. Best! Bill Wiist

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Having other projects to work on while going through the querying process definitely helps the wait pass by 😁 Best of luck!

[@markedly1013]

What is your plot?

[@benjaminsilliman2950]

Alyssa, I am nearing the end of my first novel. Your videos are so helpful, and this video was extremely insightful. Thank you!!

[@karenchaney2234]

I just found your videos. I just finished my first literary fiction; I am happy to say I avoided the mistakes you mentioned. I am working on my first query letter and hoping to publish it in the traditional industry.

[@victorbryan5482]

Blessings for the work you do. We need more industry insiders making content like this.

[@katherineparker8714]

I just found your channel and I am so glad I did! Two weeks ago I began the process of submitting queries to agents for my first book of fiction. It is a science fiction/fantasy adventure with a strong dash of historical conspiracy. I just received my first rejection email, which I consider to be an essential rite of passage for a new writer. I watched several of your videos already, and I am taking notes to keep improving my presentation as I work the process. I look forward to the next great ceremony of the successfully published - my own agent! Thank you for the advice - I find it very helpful a I am working toward the goal!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you for this kind comment! I wish you the best with the querying process :)

[@jamesherbertharrison9655]

I enjoyed you first videos as you pegged my 1st book (ten years ago). It did have two many plots all wound into one so I have decided to split it up into two novels. Love that word suspense.

[@wendymoore6150]

Thank you so much for doing what you do. When I first heard one of your videos I messaged you about not having a lot of support or confidence. The more I listen to your videos the more I don't care if I have others to support me. I am learning so much and realizing how much that I really do know. I know that I have a way to go but I will get there.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so glad you've found my videos helpful! Thank you for the comment - it means a lot that my content has helped boost your confidence in your writing :)

[@arturiapendragon9642]

My first one that I’m gonna try to publish is high fantasy. I ended up outlining the whole thing before actually sitting down to write it, and it came out to 50 chapters, so it will be split into multiple books. Yay me🎉 I’m almost done writing my second draft of the first book. Well, still looks more like an outline, but we’re getting places. I already have a title picked out, but I won’t say what it is because (1) I don’t wanna advertise/risk violate advertising guidelines and (2) this is my personal KZbin and I’m writing under a pen name

[@Mixen9408]

Usually i watch Brandon Sandersons lectures on writing, but i like how short and point yours are. your videoes have a perfect length when you are taking to bus back and fourth form work or if i need af small breka from writing and do not want to break up an hour long video about writing. Keep up the good work. :D

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

Good advice! I am determined to finish a novel this year! I have too many WIPs!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

You can do it!

[@Mbali_PrimeTV]

Bait and switch I agree with 90% Brandon Sanderson spoke of this in his lecture (you can find here on KZbin) and revealed that done well it’s called a “plot expansion” where the readers get more than what they expected without diminishing the primary narrative that enthralled them in first place. Sort of like a growing tree with many branches instead of sole stalk.

[@retiefgregorovich810]

Introducing the main character within the first 60 pages I can do. Most people give the advice of introducing the main character in the first few pages or chapter. For the novel I wrote, I just can't introduce the main character within the first few pages. I mean, I did once, but the publishers kept rejecting stating it came across as a romance novel not a science fiction one. To start out plainly scifi, the main character is semi-introduced in the second chapter but is really introduced in the third chapter. The first two chapters are relatively short chapters.

[@charliemgray]

Working on my first urban fantasy novel-I’ve worked in the non fiction world for a couple of years and your content has been so very helpful with writing fiction!

[@lauraglidewell1134]

Thank you so much. My novel is written but with this video it will help with the editing process. :)

[@SaraJaneTriglia]

Great advice. I had already fixed these during my revisions but this video was still so helpful. I’m working on a fantasy/sci fi.

[@daviddarlingauthor]

While I've wrote a police/crime series and a few standalone novels, I'm dabbling in fantasy and sci-fi. I've wrote a time-travel novel last year, that's just gathering dust and a fantasy novel. I've just started another fantasy novel, and thoroughly enjoying the genre. Unpublished manuscripts are piling up and will probably just self-publish. Thanks for the videos and advice. It's appreciated.

[@RosiesArcade]

I’m going through your videos today and really enjoying your insight and knowledge in this field! I have written my first novel and it has been professionally edited. I’m currently looking for a literary agent and sending out queries. I’ve written the rough draft of Book 2 in the series and parts of the following books. I’m trying to piece everything all together for the over-arching story which is challenging. But your advice is very welcome and clear! Thank you so very much for doing this!

[@theunfathomableofspiritual1241]

Thank you for sharing this information. It helps a lot😊👍❤️

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@Dark_Cream]

Great advice, these mistakes can be turn into a great materials into shaping a story. Im currently working on a novel as well, the genre is non specified

[@frankula540]

I watch a lot of writing vlogs and Alyssa's is the best.

[@JohnKevinBell]

Hello, I'm new to your site. I am a filmmaker and screen writer with 20 feature scripts to date. My point in writing is that I am going in reverse of most folks that write a novel first and then make a movie adaptation from it. I plan to write novels off of my screen plays. To date I have 1 completed 80,000 word novel from my film script "the Sedona Project" with my 2nd novel in its first quarter or so of writing. I have enjoyed listening to your expertise in this field and look forward to watching much more, I found myself committing a few of these beginner mistakes for sure, but have since have had several re-writes as that is hat I am accustomed to in screen writing. Keep up the good work!

[@rameshnyberg3818]

Great advice and you do an excellent job of explaining these concepts. I'm working on my first novel (after just finishing an autobiography!) - The novel has two "theaters" and I'm now much more cautious about getting too complex with BOTH of them..though they do intertwine. It's a crime/psychological drama. Lots to unpack with the plot which comes from reality when I was a homicide investigator.

[@KEB19877]

I'm currently working on my first novel. It started off being about two characters, but I found the antagonist a much stronger character, so ditched the protagonist. It has gone from being about relationships between generations to relationships between siblings, all against the back drop of a hot, 1970s summer on the French Riviera. The finer plot points are very much in flux at the moment.

[@mich722]

Interesting backdrop!

[@anttisaksi5735]

How is it going?

[@rishikajhamb1111]

Thanks so much for these tips. Made me see things in a whole new way and address issues that have been bugging me about my WIP.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jabrilyousef]

really enjoying your content, Alyssa! your voice is nice to listen to, you’ve got great advice and a unique perspective :) really grateful for the help - keep up the good work 🙌🏼

[@kondjenikondjeni8845]

Wow, that is a lot of information the my mind actually did not put in consideration, but thank you anyways at least now I know what to expect, I am currently working on my first novel and this is not a joke at all...Once again thank you so much.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@gingerredshoes]

Thanks for the great advice. This is helpful as I'm going back through some first drafts and making changes.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting and good luck with your revisions!

[@kelvindzivinski5872]

This was so helpful, thank you!! :) I am currently querying my first ever manuscript and it’s a YA fantasy 🤩

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!!

[@maxsinclair787]

i started a book when i was 19 it had multiple charicter arcs i think about 7 or 8 i cant remember exactly, ive been off work for a while due to long covid so i thought i would pic it back up. i quickly realised that the book would be too big if i continued to follow all the charicters espesially if i were to flesh them out to a degree that i would be happy with now that im a decade older and have read more and better books. i took the first charcter from the original story and have spent more time with him, im 55,000 words in and i have quite alot of story left on this first charchter i have no idea how many it will be by the time im done with this arc but i suspect im going to have to end up cutting some scenes and trimming others.

[@AlohaTrev]

Your advice is almost too close for comfort, but I think I’m pulling it all together in my current revision. I’d be so curious to hear your feedback of my WIP. Thanks for the tips ;)

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!

[@clintoreilly]

This insight was vital. Your vid's seem to come at the right time. I've been struggling with a few of these. Thanks for pointing them out.

[@geneearlmylsdeguia596]

Thanks Alyssa! I have been watching your videos and it's probably helped me more that in the last two years that I've been trying to write. The details are all so on-point and informative. Do you have any thoughts or videos on Plot writing? Sorry Haven't exactly combed through your videos. Hihi!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Here's a video on plotting that I think you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHipmZKMmNB_fKc Thank you for the kind comment about my videos! So glad you've found them helpful.

[@laurathena]

Thank you so much for posting such informative videos, they're like comfort food for a writer's soul. I've been binge-watching your channel for the past two days as I've been taking a break from editing and rewriting my first novel (contemporary women's fiction). Not gonna lie, freaking out a little bit over here :P I have a growing gut feeling that I may have made a mistake with how I have structured my story, which centers around two characters and their switching POVs. I am struggling (or maybe more like hesitating) if I am changing POVs too late into the story, and therefore baiting readers into thinking they're reading a different story (20k words into the story I switch to the 2nd main character) that they signed up for. The two characters are present in each other's lives from the very first chapter and throughout the story, but still... now I'm wondering if it's still too little too late. Would it be foolish to start changing things over before having edited/revisioned the entire manuscript? And especially without having the MS read by beta readers and getting their feedback? I am considering asking for a couple of beta readers to go over what I have so far, to see if the POV change from part 1 to part 2 is too jarring and I have a real problem here. Any ideas or thoughts? Would asking for feedback on a partially completed MS be a bad idea? I do have a full MS but I am not comfortable sharing the rest of it with anyone as it is in need of revision. If anyone has experience or maybe some advice, I'd appreciate it.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

This is an interesting, sticky situation to be in! I would first recommend considering your time goals--are you trying to finish a complete draft by a certain amount of months? Depending on how much or little time you have, you can decide whether to reset or move on. I also try to encourage authors to 'ignore their readers' during their first drafts, especially for first novels. Sometimes, writers end up in the situation where anxiety over potential readers' feedback outweigh the joy of writing--if that sounds like you, then try to go back to what made you excited to switch POVs/learn more about this second character. Best of luck!

[@peggylink2780]

Hi Alyssa, Thanks for your straightforward ideas and advice. I am writing my first novel, currently revising it and looking into publishing. The novel is meant to be the first in a series about a woman who is a Veterinary Forensic Specialist (think animal CSI), who gets called into a big case involving the Greyhound racing industry. It is a crime/forensic story with the twist being that its focus is on crimes against animals. The main character is a lesbian and a strong secondary characters are her wife and her dog who she has worked with for years. It celebrates the beauty of the human animal bond and features slightly different characters such as the veterinary pathologists, veterinarians and the officers who are charged with prosecuting crimes against animals. It is based in New Zealand, where I live. These books would be unique I think and interest not only crime readers but also, animal lovers, LGBTQIA+ and people who love to read about forensics.

[@markrich7693]

I have this one booki do want to do a novel about but it’s hard to compete with Mister Carrol Gantz

[@sharolynwells]

I'm rewriting a novel i had epublished in 2008. It's going slowly because i've been homeless since August 2023. It's hard to keep my laptop charged. I also work with a tablet which is a lot easier to work with.

[@AriYasan]

I wish you to successfully complete your work and publish the book

[@sharolynwells]

@@AriYasan Thank you.

[@truemediatv]

Homer Simpson says, "Doh!" And so did I on the very first mistake you talked about. Multiple POV's! I thought I was George R.R. Martin, I guess. So, yeah, i checked that off. I checked off a couple others on the list, too. My biggest problem? I'm wordy. My 2nd biggest? I want to tell the backstory as the main story. Oh well, enjoying your channel so far. Gonna download your ebook and scratch my head for a while. My genre is soft sci-fi fantasy. We're talking tower building and ancient aliens and death to the gods. What could possibly go wrong?

[@BruceWayne15325]

In my debut novel, my main character is being constructed at the start of the novel, and isn't fully constructed until the inciting incident. I did make sure to foreshadow the character, and mention the extreme significance of that character's creation within the first few scenes. Is this still a decent approach, or does the MC themself need to appear that soon? The initial scenes are still part of the main storyline, and continue throughout as a secondary MC. Both MC's are working towards the same goal.

[@jchrisbotz6035]

more fact based advice, in a World awash with random opinion, thanks again.

[@julietwochholz9755]

Thank you. Very simple and clear. Helps me see my strengths and weaknesses. Finishing my first novel, historical science fiction (is there such a genre?). Write on!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

There definitely is! Best of luck!

[@micahhirokawa]

I am working on my first novel, historical fiction. Very loosely based on my ancestors.

[@melsilva9158]

Thanks for this. I searched for terms because I'm conflicted with the origin story of my main antagonist, and I was looking for inspiration. Now I need to subscribe. I'm writing my first novel and I'm at 56k words for the first 10 of 30 outlined chapters. It's a first draft so I know it needs to be streamlined. I never intended to be a novelist, I'm an IT guy, but this story just stuck in my head and kept nagging at me. The writing process has been therapeutic for me. If I don't tackle the next obstacle or write down the next plot point, I can't sleep. I really need an editor or someone to bounce Ideas off. As I'm sure many people that watch your videos feel, my family doesn't understand this 'need' I have to tell a story that's in my head. It's a foreign concept to them. I'm kind of pouring my heart out on the internet because I find I'm really struggling with this emotionally. on topic: I'm writing a sci-fi novel, but the core story is about the life lessons the MC learns about being a human that other people want to work with. How we present ourselves to others and that growth process that is missing in our culture. How to be a team player. How to be a leader by leading through example and many other things that most people learn the hard way. The mentors in my story are comprised of several figures that guide the MC to be more than they imagined they could ever be. An inspiration to others in a crazy world. The antagonist wants the same thing but goes about it in a very tyrannical way. Sorry for the long post. This explains a little why I'm at 56k words already.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

No apologies needed--thank you for sharing your story and your current perspective as a budding writer!

[@abhishektodmal1914]

Hey, Alyssa! Thank you so much for sharing these tips - some wonderful insights in here. As writers at any stage of our careers, I believe the best way to learn is by simply committing mistakes - of course, we want to minimize them if we can, but I find that the growth that results and stays by having followed your own personal path, it tends to stick deeper, and the insights seem all the more meaningful. It is, as they would put it, a case of jumping into the deep-end of the pool and figuring things out from there. Which is why reading well is so very important - you see what works, what doesn't, and why it may be so. Even before I began writing, I was always interested in what made a story a good story - what did I like in the characters, what I didn't, and so when the time came to pick up the pen, my natural curiosities guided me - PLENTY of poorly written-stories along the way, though I'm happy with the progress I see when I look back on my trajectory. I'm working on my "first" novel - it's a work of comedic fiction. Something similar to the works of Sir P.G. Wodehouse. I'll certainly be heading back to the draft and filling in the gaps after having absorbed some of your tips - seems like the umpteenth time I'd be doing so! I wish you the very best, and once again, thank you so much : )

[@laurenheintz5369]

Thanks!

[@picasso114]

Love the thumbnail! It’s the face I make when mistakes have been made

[@AlyssaMatesic]

😂😂

[@everythinginteresting2426]

I am writing a science fiction time travel novel!

[@brock5932]

Working on my first outline now, and your videos have been very informative. Thanks!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jordendarrett1725]

You are completely right about all your tips, this is one of the more practical guides out there. Just finished my first novel, will likely be releasing in the next few months!

[@legodavid9260]

I am currently working on my first novel, entitled Pirates of Arvodia. Somehow, I managed to avoid all of those problems listed in the video before even hearing about them... I guess I have a good writer's instinct or something?

[@raphaeltiriel858]

I have finished my first novel and currently querying. I'm doing something different in my novel in that my social media is part of the novel. Science fiction is my genre. My protagonist is Raphael Tiriel. The novel is a time-traveling war that begins in the past and connects to the present and the future with multiple realities and dimensions. This was not an easy task while writing a doctoral dissertation too 🤣🤣🤣. I was successful.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I wish you the best of luck with the querying process!

[@raphaeltiriel858]

@@AlyssaMatesic Thanks! If I don't have good news somewhere between four to six months, I'll probably contact you. Give things some time first. Hopefully, I get good news.

[@MrJohnbusch47]

Working on second draft of a fantasy/romance. It circles around the idea of what happens when the “hero” of the prophecy is no longer the hero and they’re not happy with the state of the world that they saved. I’m SO PROUD that I finished a first draft. How many drafts should you typically go through before querying?

[@anya6955]

that sound so good!

[@theq6797]

I feel it is 1st draft -> 2nd draft -> editing, but 2nd draft is optional. I am editing during first draft, so I don't think at the end I will have first draft, but just edited novel that I will work on.

[@zyswanson7865]

First time novelist here. I’m writing a high fantasy book about 3 protagonists each learning how they learn magic in their world. I got my first 4 chapters done so for. Working on my 5th.

[@anttisaksi5735]

Very nice info. Keep it up and thank you!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thanks for watching!

[@anttisaksi5735]

@@AlyssaMatesic Yeah, was binge watching last night haha.

[@whitneylivingston5706]

My cast shrunk a lot between draft one and draft 3. I had five or six characters condensed into one, some of the ones who got cut are still there in my mind, but nobody will ever know them.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Wow, that's a huge cut!

[@ambermcneil250]

Working on my first novel, fantasy genre.

[@cynthiaking5308]

Hello Alyssa. I know font and size are important when looking at a manuscript, but is it the same when querying? Thanks

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Think of the query letter as a professional email from one to another--so you can have a font that's different from what was used in the manuscript, but make sure it still looks clean and readable!

[@cynthiaking5308]

@@AlyssaMatesic thank you

[@Chris-cv6yj]

I am currently working on my first book! It is a science fiction novel that will be the first installment of a trilogy, with the story taking place 450 years in the future. With the drama unfolding across a galaxy inhabited by a diverse set of alien races, I intend to write other books beyond the initial trilogy within this series in order to explore the rich lore, history, cultures, and different perspectives that make up this vibrant world. Your videos have been highly informative in helping me to craft a viable working draft. I appreciate what you are doing to help new writers like me gain critical knowledge, insights, and writing skills. Keep up the good work!

[@Benjaja]

Hey Alyssa, thanks for your tips and vids! Great production and writing 🙂 I've just finished my first novel! Yayyyyy. Completing the 3rd revision because that's just how the flow is. I'm thinking of going the self-publishing route and making it avail through Amazon and then this summer sitting out on the Venice beach boardwalk, where I live, and selling it there over the summer. Collect some data, book cover colors, etc, then full release next fall. I'm a video writer/producer ~ Dumb Owl Productions + Benjaja on KZbin ~ we've won some Telly awards four scripted series web content and more cool things that show some credibility. Thank you for your video's ! They're super helpful and I look forward to watching more!

[@justinhall3806]

I really enjoyed watching your video. I have been listening to a lot of writing and editing advice, but I feel like you have filled in a few gaps. I am currently working on a book series of three books in the middle grade fantasy category. I have already finished the first draft of my first and second book, and I am working with beta readers on the first book at the moment. I am amazed at how long the writing process is.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NC-dw1ir]

Hey, I am working on my first novel. It is a dark fantasy story set in an ancient country similar to Africa and India. The story is told from the perspective of a supporting character as they are reluctantly helping the main character with her goals. The story follows an exorcist and a necromancer as they travel through a desert in search of justice and forbidden knowledge. It's an enemies-to-friends story with a fantasy twist. I want them to be friends first, maybe in the sequel they'll become more, I do plan to have them work together as they make such a great team!

[@jaydean7]

I have nothing published as of yet, but working on my third manuscript. I am still trying to find my genre, I love James Patterson and want to write crime, but I feel inferior compared to Patterson.

[@GreenHotDogz]

Hi, Alyssa. This is the first video of yours that I am seeing when it comes to your channel in general. I have ADHD so my way of speaking feels like a lot at times. With that being said, my grammar hasn't always been the best (my brain was rattled twice as a child by the time I was already 8 years old). I have not gotten anywhere just yet because I still have plenty of other things to look into when it comes to getting started with my manuscript. Any other wise words would be appreciated!

[@cynthiaking5308]

Hello Alyssa I have another question. I watched another video where the self publisher bought some IBMS, but someone said the POD company will put them on for free? Do you know what the proper thing to do here? Thank you.

[@doomy_doomy2225]

My issue is that amount for clones. My novel has taken a lot of inspirations, but the plethora of plagiarism but is not plagiarism cause the setting is different is insane in female romance and what i prefer light novel materials. The best complaint I have gotten about my drafts is the characters and how enjoyable they are. Just need to work on the world building. Have read three books from K.M. Weilland and finally tried outlining and was surprisingly helpful. I mean of course it is, she is one of the GOATS

[@Simmerany]

Thanks so much for the information. ❤ I am currently working on my first novel is a science fiction/utopia novel based on the year 3300. Currently working on my first draft. 8,000 words in. This video has help a lot in my process ❤

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!

[@surajckhedekar9631]

how many words and page count should be in a fictional novel?

[@marieleal9412]

Alyssa, please consider numbering your KZbin videos, I get confused and re-view the same one AND please consider words of wisdom for those of us writing a HORROR/THRILLER manuscript, my protagonist is not a living person, I need tips on that, THX.

[@moniquevanommen2554]

I just finished my fifth draft for my 108k words scifi fantasy. I’ve found a volunteer proofreading as we speak. I hope I can find more, but one might be enough to confront me with my biggest blind spots. How can you - as an author - know you’ve developed your characters enough to drive the plot forward? Can you gauge if the reader has excessive or insufficient insight into a character’s emotions? I struggle with a lot of these things, and as of now I’m not sure if a proofreader, beta reader, volunteer, can provide me with that information. They might feel compelled to articulate themselves well when they see it, only to fail horribly. Ultimately, I try to approach it with ‘fingerspitzengefühl’. I am an outliner. In initial drafts, I moved from ‘a’ to ‘b’ to establish the structure and plot. In my last draft, I gave all my attention to the emotions of the characters, together with spelling, structure, little rewrites. Doing more would feel like fiddling.

[@jcwebb264]

I wrote my first novel last December... took a break for school and haven't looked at it. It's not what you primarily work with - it's fantasy (basically the opioid crisis with magic). It needs work - lots and lots of work. I love your videos for getting the basics down, I find them to be incredibly helpful. It's also good to have a reminder of why these tips are important from an industry POV. If you have any rec's for other YT videos about writing, I'd love to know about them. I'm working through yours and Sanderson's lectures now and you're both great, but I'm obsessed and need more content. 😁

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I adore Nour Zikra (kzbin.info), S. D. Huston (kzbin.info), and Stephen Aryan's (kzbin.info) videos! There are tons of excellent and intelligent Author and WritingTubers out there, so I encourage you to check out anyone on the Related Videos of my stuff as well 🤗

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

Alexa Donne has good content too.

[@abigailkrueger515]

What is a reasonable price range for hiring an editor, developmental or otherwise?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

It really depends on the editor! Some are very established and charge what is proportional to their experience, and some are new and willing! I have a video talking more on this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pafPgGZ-oJyWeq8

[@TheWordlessBook]

Do you proofread or format?

[@andeeharry]

5: Luckster Ending.....this isn't a problem with first time writers either.....this one has hit professional home brand authors and movie producers. It happens all the time, it looks good, until the Saggy Middle or Lackluster Ending happens. It makes you wonder sometimes, what's going on?

[@smokinggnu6584]

Just one question on the ending, if the novel ends up being the first of a series of books, would a more open-ended ending without definitive resolution to all plot points be OK? I'm assuming so, since the story still needs to develop into the 2nd, 3rd and so on books.

[@theq6797]

It should have ending. Like in Harry Potter end of the school year. Or in seasons of Ash vs Evil Dead.

[@russellcameronthomas2116]

The Top 5 mistakes start at 2:17

[@lahabracali]

New subscriber.

[@TheWordlessBook]

Hello, I'm a first time author writing Amy first dark fantasy novel called "The Wordless Book." Here's the blurb: One Fall afternoon, several counselors and over a dozen teenagers arrive at Camp Wolf Creek, the infamous camp haunted by the long-dead spirit of the camp’s tresspassor, Marley Honeycutt. Supposedly, if you listen close, you can hear his voice calling out to his daughter… As the counselors settle in for the first night at camp, they find that the spirit of Marley Honeycutt is the least of their worries, for Camp Wolf Creek is home to a pack of reapers, led by the dangerous and unforgiving death reaper himself. Night falls and the spirits, reapers, and netter's are set loose upon Camp Wolf Creek like a scourge…and not everyone will survive. But when the camp’s history comes to light, the surviving counselors must band together to banish the death reaper once and for all starting with a lesser cohort… The Water Reaper.

[@mervinwrites]

Hi Alyssa, ive just finished writing my first novel of just about 80.000 words and i'm happy that i came across your channel before i embark on my rewrite, so thank you for your tips. much appreciated. The novel is called "Card Boys" set in 1996 about a young lad who sets out to help his mother get central heating for her house and can't hold a job down long enough to help her. He then finds a job putting prostitute cards in the telephone boxes of London and then gets taken deeper into that world to the point of no return as he finds himself evading police, exploring forbidden love and stacking up the cash in a new bid to reach the perfect lifestyle . would you mind telling us what the name of the publishers you worked for? keep up the good work. merv x

[@natureschild53]

I'm a little frustrated as a first time author in that I have completed what all biased and unbiased critics who have read the entire book have voiced that it is one of the best books that have ever read. And yes I have watched your videos and somewhat followed your advice and guidelines, yet so far I have been turned down by 6 different literary agents. Of course these agents do not explain why or what they didn't like but it is definitely disheartening. Why would the reading public love the book, yet these expert literary agents shy away?

[@ExcaliburCool]

The chances of getting an agent are insanely low even for the best of the best. Breaking into traditional publishing is very very luck based. Keep on going and eventually somebody will pick up your story!

[@AdenThinksNonsense]

I’m writing a gay medieval romance between a king and his warlock/“knight”/friend since they grew up together.

[@BidwellRunner]

My first novel is a supernatural romance between a boy and a spooky girl ghost :3 The girl teaches the boy how to live life to its fullest, while the boy helps the girl fulfill her final lingering desire.

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

writing epic sci-fi, challenge is to not have too many factions competing for reader attention.

[@geneedgerton4482]

Very, very helpful. Thank you so much!!!!!!!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@francesnordan2915]

I am a horror writer. I am. Currently writing a collection of short stories called Ink

[@vonedwardpain6023]

Hi Alyssa do you have a business email I have some clients maybe we can work things out

[@carlajenkins1990]

Alyssa, I do not suggest setting up a novel with one set of main characters and switching to another "more interesting" viewpoint--just because a writer is bored with the original characters. It's the sign of a bad writer.

[@organbuilder272]

I am generally writing about people, myself included. (Four years with a music organization) How do you write a story, often covering 10 years or more of a person's life in 100,000 words? How do you describe characters that are pivitol to the story, incidents that are turning points and a trails of life during the period involved - concentrating on the peak incidents of course. There is one major sub plot in another bio, after this incident, there is little contact with the people involved as a result of the secondary characters dominance of the hero's existence. The main character leaved the scene of the story and established a new life in a different place and finally returns to his home. The story at this point (Unfinished) is about 350.500 words and has covered 14 years of his life. age s to age 20.

[@VaJHUNTER69]

good reference might be kane and abel by jeffrey archer. Or the godfather (novel). Both span across many years of protagonists lives

[@organbuilder272]

@@VaJHUNTER69 Kane and able is fiction and so is the Godfather. Both are bad examples.

[@VaJHUNTER69]

@@organbuilder272 Well pardon me for trying to help you stranger

[@clintcarpentier2424]

You need to do something about the sound resonance you're recording in. If you wanna keep that background, that's fine, but the echo and the hisses are fucking annoying.

[@maxstravagar]

I had to watch this video three times... because your beauty is distracting...in a good way.

[@Rosemont104]

Ending ought to be endings, too, not the author pleading for a sequel by dangling loose threads.

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

#3 is something you need and publishers need to rethink... I've read novels where the initial protagonist gets themselves killed off and it can work all too well, as in it's quite realistic and very chilling, providing the subsequent pov is from a character stuck in the same harsh situation.