Complete pantser here.

I used to throw out lots, but for the last 30-odd novels I've learned to spot a useless side-track before I write it by asking myself the most important question: what needs to happen to further the story? If a scene doesn't develop the story, the character arc or add anything that I can build on later, I don't write the scene in the first place. I look at the story so far, and it's pretty clear what needs to happen next. Then I write it. Sometimes the scene takes an unexpected turn. When that happens, I stop to think if it's a turn I can roll with. If not, I nip it in the bud right there.

I throw out very little anymore.

I need to get better at this. Sounds like perfect advice to me.

Thanks much.

The bits about 'don't be a dick' and picking people to learn and grow with are particularly poignant.

The writing group I'm part of all set our goals over two years ago, and we've all come a long way from where we started. I anticipate further successes with them, and I know for a fact that were it not for the people who kept me grounded, I'd be nowhere.

And the cover thing. >.< Yeah. Covers matter.  I've got another series sitting on the shelf that has a cover done, but as I look at it I just know it won't serve, and I'll have to have a new one done. Also having the cover on my book 1 redone, because the feedback was pretty clear on it.

And of course, I'll have to look into advertising.

Thanks much, good sir. Valuable information, and an inspiring story!

Or an author could have a high percentage of 5-Star reviews because most readers loved the book. It could also be that the author sells well because his audience enjoys his stuff.

Quite frankly, this.

I have one book, and with the exception of a single facebook group advert posting, a signal boost on tumblr, and a HAY I PUT A BUK OWT GUYS!1 on a forum of which I'm a long time resident, I did no marketing for it. Quite frankly I expected it to tank because it is - say it with me now - my first book. I just crossed the 30 day mark and with 157 reviews I'm at 84% five star with an overall 4.8 rating. People who aren't into the genre would hate the book I'm sure, but those who are into it are REALLY into it, they know exactly what they like, and that's what I gave them. There's no crime there, and no funny business.

The genre is extremely tight, and I made sure to REALLY HAMMER HOME what that genre was in my title and elsewhere to avoid casual passerby picking up my book and going WTF!?? (Incidentally, my number one critical review came from just such a person, and he readily admits in the body of the review that he should have paid more attention )

One of the two authors being discussed to open this thread has similarly high reviews, and having read the vast majority of his work and been a fan of it personally, I can say that - at least in terms of his reviews - I rather suspect he was completely on the level. He just wrote books that his target audience wanted to read, and they really liked them.

Hope y'all don't mind a late-comer? If I have the essence of this list right it's simple self-accountability for getting the words down on the daily?

If so I try and hit 3K every day. I'd go for more but, you know. Day job. This will probably help me stay motivated to get the draft finished by month's end.

Just stopped for the evening at 4.4K.

When a friend beta read my first book, which is pretty sexy, she said, "I'll never be able to look at you the same way again."

If people are going to equate the author with the content of the book, I think it's perfectly understandable that they don't want their co-workers, students, minister, or the people doing security checks to equate the author with the guy in accounting.

This exactly.

I just have to say, that's an awesome tagline.