3 things I wish someone had told me before starting writing a book

3 things I wish someone had told me before starting writing a book

1. Hiring an editor, proofreader and copy editor if you can afford it. If you can't then ask friends and family to read your manuscript before publishing your book. A reader won't continue to support your work if they continue to see errors, misspelled words, or poor grammar.
2. Don't give away your work for free. I was signing up for workshops and they all had said to sign up for  Amazon Giveaways when first  launch my book in exchange the reader will give the book a review. I paid for the books and postage for the winners to receive the books. Some never did the reviews, some never read the book and gave it a bad review which impacts your rating.  I rather attend a live event where I have built a relationship, tell the reader about the book, and have them purchase the book. They are more connected to the author and higher percentage of those writing a review. 
3. I remember the first time I had traveled to an conference . I sold seven books and was deflated. I wanted to quit and never come back. The cost of the airline ticket, hotel accommodations, and meal expenses I was  not breaking even. I met a well known veteran author who spoke to me about what was my passion and explained that you have to build relationships. I had to learn my target audience and what do they want . If I changed my mindset into meeting the readers, listening to what they want in a book, and building the relationship so that they can engage.  This resulted in sales the following year. I made a point of collecting names and email addresses so that when I return home I input their names and addresses into my database so that I can send newsletters .