Practical Writing and Editing Tips for Aspiring Authors
Writing a book is a messy, emotional journey. I am sharing the habits and mindset shifts that helped me go from 400 rejections to a 5-book deal with Penguin Random House!
Here are some of my top tips for new writers. You don't have to write every day, and it's crucial to remember that rejection is just redirection. Finding your writing community and focusing on improving your craft are the most important things you can do.
As a Penguin Random House author, I've learned a few things about getting through writer's block. My top tips include writing fanfiction of your own characters, rereading your earlier work, setting a short timer, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.
My best tip for when you're stuck on a scene is to write fanfiction of your own characters. This simple technique helps you get out of your head, connect more deeply with your characters, and overcome writer's block so you can feel more confident in your story.
Here's a writer's block hack that has been a game-changer for me. Try writing chapters out of order. This "writing from the gut" technique allows you to work on the scenes you're most excited about, which saves time and can give you clarity on the parts where you were stuck.
A writing lesson I learned from a bad date. Revealing your main character's tragic backstory on page one is like talking about your ex on a first date. Let the reader get to know your character first to build connection and curiosity.
Writer's block is almost always a mindset issue, stemming from a fear of possibility. Instead of focusing on the fear of rejection or not writing a perfect draft, I coach writers to see these as opportunities to grow, learn, and give readers a new favorite book.
A closer look at the fears that cause writer's block. The possibility of letting yourself down, getting rejected by agents, or being judged by others can be paralyzing. My coaching focuses on building a rejection-proof mindset to navigate these fears.
If you know, you know. Online baby name directories are an author's best friend. Finding the perfect name for a character is a crucial part of the writing process, and it's one of the many small details we obsess over.
The advice that you have to write every day to be a good writer is nonsense. I believe in quality over quantity. I coach my clients to find a routine that works for their schedule and health, whether that's writing daily or a few times a week.
Here are a few things my therapist wants me to tell myself as an author. Your worth has nothing to do with book sales, it's okay to be proud of your efforts, and your past self would be thrilled with how far you've come. Mindset is everything.
About Practical Writing & Editing Tips
Most new writers get stuck trying to perfect their first chapter before moving on. I coach my clients to stop editing while they write because a messy draft is better than no draft at all. We can worry about the polish once the story is out of your head.
Building a Rejection-Proof Mindset
Writing is not just about word count. It is about protecting your mental health when the process feels overwhelming. Many writers stop because of the fear of failure or the pressure to make their first draft perfect. My coaching focuses on treating mistakes as opportunities to grow. We work on shifting from the fear of being judged to the excitement of finding your voice.
Practical Hacks for Stuck Writers
If you find yourself staring at a blank screen, try writing scenes out of order. You do not have to follow the chronological path of your plot. Work on the scene you are most excited about right now. This technique saves time and often provides the clarity needed to fix the part where you were stuck.
Another trick I use is writing fanfiction of my own characters. It sounds strange, but it helps you get out of your head and reconnect with your cast in low-pressure situations. These scenes might never make the final book, but they help you understand your characters better.
Why Manuscript Critique Matters
Beyond mindset, technical execution is key. Whether you are dealing with pacing issues or weak character arcs, external feedback is necessary. I provide line edits and developmental notes on your first 35 pages to ensure your opening hook lands. This stage is crucial for traditional publishing, as agents decide quickly whether to read further. Let us refine your opening to make it impossible to put down.
Swati Hegde
I am Swati, a Bangalore-based author surviving on matcha and a healthy dose of chaos. I write slowburn desi romance and help other writers figure out how to stop staring at a blank screen and finally finish their manuscripts.
Looking for different writing support?
Search our marketplace for other creative experts or writing services.
More from Fiction Writing Coaching by Swati Hegde