Originally, I'd posted the following as entry in a writers forum to help new or experienced, but less confident, writers come to grips with the writing process without feeling rejected. I'd seen several submissions by burgeoning writers, asking for critique or feedback, asking things like "do I have a career path in writing?" or the self-doubt I'm sure every writer, including myself, has faced. I became incredibly disheartened because, in this particular group, I'd seen many anonymous commenters tearing these new writers to pieces over simple mistakes, or over their grammatical errors, or just frivolous things that would never alter the trajectory of a writing career. I'd also seen writers give up on writing after suffering such comments.
This was my response to those writers. It was my effort to speak truth in a place of pitfalls and judgement.
Since this is not a dark corner of the internet I've revised my original post into something that could be applied to a much wider audience of writers, that may or may not have experienced the underbelly of the internet. My hope is that someone, somewhere, will be encouraged to keep going, to keep writing. I hope that person is reading this now. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you.
Dear Emerging Writers,
I find myself reiterating advice as an editor. As I summarize, my hope is that these insights will serve as valuable guidance in your creative journey.
Embrace Confidence in Your Craft
There is no greater hindrance to artistic growth than the incessant need for external validation. In a world rife with critics eager to dismantle your work, it is inner confidence that distinguishes the “written” from the “would-be written.” You must cultivate a belief in yourself and the intrinsic worth of your voice, without the need for external approval or accolades.
To write with authenticity, without the constant wait for confirmation, is to truly engage with the craft. What unites all literary icons? It is the unrelenting commitment to writing from a place of honesty. Genius, after all, is not innate; it is honed through practice and dedication.
For those among you pursuing financial success through writing, consider this: If Colleen Hoover can achieve it, so can you, in theory. Remember, the pursuit of financial gain should never eclipse the value of writing with integrity and passion. Success in writing is often brought by the dedication to business practices with or without literary acclaim. You must know your goal in order to aim for it. Be honest with yourself about your goals. Be honest with yourself, first and foremost, about the efforts you’re willing to put forth.
If your goal is to publish, then allow me to offer this: Write as though your reader not only understands you but genuinely values your words. Avoid the temptation to force-feed every compelling idea into the opening paragraphs in an attempt to capture immediate attention. Such behavior is often a manifestation of self-doubt. A skilled writer understands that their role is not to force an immediate connection, but rather to trust the reader’s ability to engage with the story on its own terms. Authorship demands authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty; qualities that are foundational in fostering true emotional resonance.
True connection with a reader arises from showing your humanity, not from attempting to manipulate emotions or create a facade of lofty esteem or perfection. It is through vulnerability, the willingness to expose your true self, that you invite the reader into a meaningful relationship with your narrative. Forcing connection, like forcing affection, is a hollow gesture. Instead, let the reader naturally find their way to you. Your job is to author; your readers, to read.
Write What Resonates with You
If the work you are creating does not move you, it will not move anyone else. You cannot produce something of lasting value through mere mechanical effort or superficial inspiration. Much like an artist cannot create a masterpiece by simply throwing paint at a canvas, a writer cannot craft a powerful narrative without genuine emotional investment. Write what you believe to be meaningful, and from there, refine it. Your first draft will undoubtedly need work and that’s perfectly acceptable. A manuscript, after all, is rarely born fully formed. The key is to create something that you, as the author, are deeply invested in. When the time comes, seek out the expertise of a developmental or substantive editor to help you refine that vision.
Silence the Internal Critic
The loudest voice you will likely encounter as a writer is your own inner critic. This voice often breeds hesitation and self-doubt. Recognize it for what it is, and quiet it. The truth is, we - your editors, alpha and beta readers - are not here to chastise you for missed punctuation or the occasional misstep in grammar. We are here to guide you through the process, to challenge your assumptions, and to help refine your work. The first draft is inherently a draft; it is not meant to be perfect. Editing is a separate process altogether, one that comes after the creative storm has passed.
The writer’s journey is frequently interrupted by an excess of self-proclaimed “grammar experts” and critics who focus on trivialities rather than the substance of your work. These voices should not hold sway over your creative process. The time for grammatical precision is in the final stages, not during the drafting phase. The emphasis now should be on narrative: the development of plot, character, theme, voice, and setting. Focus on the story. It is the story that will ultimately resonate with readers.
Seek Out Thoughtful, Professional Feedback
You are not required or meant to carry the weight of every opinion you encounter. Not all criticism, however well-intended, holds merit, and not all praise is grounded in meaningful insight. Before you accept any feedback, pause and ask yourself: Does this comment align with the vision I have for my story? Is it specific, actionable, and rooted in an understanding of the narrative’s true purpose? Can I apply this without compromising the essence of my work? The answers to these questions will guide you in discerning which feedback is truly valuable. (This is why professional editors exist.)
Do the Work… and Be Prepared for Rejection
Finally, the path to success as a writer is one of labor, not fantasy. Writing is a craft that requires relentless effort. It is not a magical process where brilliance flows effortlessly from your pen. The greatest authors have faced rejection and adversity before achieving recognition. They did not wait for success to find them; they earned it through perseverance and dedication.
Understand that your first draft may very well be beneath even your own standards, and that is okay. The journey to becoming a writer is not paved with immediate brilliance, but rather with revisions, feedback, and, most importantly, the courage to keep going. Writers who succeed do so not because they avoid failure, but because they learn from it and keep improving.
My humble suggestion is to pay attention to your favorite writers' interviews, blogs, and personal narratives. More often than not, you’ll find that every author has had a battle or two with self-doubt, rejection, and every other battle you’re likely to face. Stand in their company, learn from their battle scars.
Write with Integrity, and Be Confident in Your Craft
The best advice I have ever received, as a writer, is also the best I can offer, as an editor: Write. Write, then revise. The true growth of your craft occurs in the rewriting. Many writers have the talent and creativity to create something extraordinary, but you must write with confidence, vulnerability, and authenticity. The world is ready to hear your voice, but it is up to you to believe in its value first.
No Guts, No Glory.
- LeAnn Rose
*The first version of this letter was originally published to an informal writers forum in December 2024. I was the original writer and I've since edited and revised it to apply to a wider audience.
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