The 10 Mistakes First-Time Authors Make—And What Editors Wish They Knew.

Writing a book is an act of courage. But publishing one? Here are the 10 biggest mistakes first-time authors make, and what editors really wish you'd know.

1. Writing Without Knowing Their Audience. 2. Querying Too Early. 3. Ignoring Submission Guidelines. 4. Over-Explaining or Info-Dumping. 5. Weak or Confused Pitch. 6. Writing to Impress Instead of Connect. 7. Taking Feedback Personally. 8. Overestimating or Underestimating Marketing. 9. Not Reading Enough. 10. Giving Up Too Soon.

Being a debut author is like being a first-time traveler in a foreign country. You'll make mistakes—and that's okay. Editors are rooting for you.