Here are seven pitfalls new writers should avoid on their publication journey.

Today is Wednesday, August 1st, and it's Insecure Writer's Support Group day. If you want more information on this monthly blog festival, go HERE for details. Ages ago it was started by Alex Cavanaugh, and it's grown to be one of the most influential resources for writers online.

Now, onto the August question:

What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

Oh I have a list of things!

1) Try not to create ultimatums in your head on what is and is not acceptable as far as publishing is concerned.

2) Don't read your online reviews. You'll be much happier if you just skip all that.

3) Keep strict boundaries on your maximum word count and try to hit that target. Keep stories as short as possible. There's more money in shorter stories than there is in longer ones (generally speaking). Plus it's way easier to edit shorter works.

4) Decide who your audience is before you write the story and target that audience. You should know exactly who would want to read your writing.

5) Read lots of books. Reading is a way to be inspired to write.

6) Keep in mind that if it's too good to be true it probably is.

7) Never pay someone to publish your story.

And that's all the advice I have to give today. Have fun in the blogfest fellow insecure writers.