Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions every new writer has (and is sometimes afraid to ask)
No Question is Too Basic
These are the real questions beginners ask when they think no one's listening. If you're wondering about any of these, you're definitely not alone.
Writing Basics
The foundation questions everyone wonders about
Do I need to know grammar rules?
Basic grammar helps, but perfect grammar isn't required to start. Focus on telling your story first—you can always clean up grammar during editing or hire an editor later.
How long should a chapter be?
Anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 words is normal. More important than length is that each chapter feels complete and moves the story forward.
Do I need to outline before I start writing?
Nope! Some writers plan everything, others discover the story as they write. Try both approaches and see what feels more natural for you.
How long should my book be?
Most novels are 70,000-100,000 words. Don't stress about hitting an exact number—focus on telling your complete story, whatever length that takes.
Is it okay to write in first person?
Absolutely! First person ("I") is very popular and often easier for new writers. Choose the perspective that feels most natural for your story.
Do I need special writing software?
Google Docs or Microsoft Word work perfectly fine. Fancy software can be helpful later, but don't let lack of tools stop you from starting.
Publishing & Self-Publishing
Making your book available to readers
Can I really publish a book myself?
Yes! Self-publishing through Amazon KDP is free and surprisingly easy. Thousands of authors successfully self-publish every month.
Do I need an agent or publisher?
Not for self-publishing—you can do it all yourself. Traditional publishing requires an agent, but self-publishing gives you complete control.
How much does it cost to publish?
Self-publishing can be completely free if you do everything yourself. Paid services (editing, cover design) improve quality but aren't required to start.
Do I need to copyright my book?
Your work is automatically copyrighted when you write it. Formal registration is optional and can be done anytime, even after publishing.
Can I make money self-publishing?
Some do, some don't—it depends. Focus on the story first. Good books with basic marketing often outperform mediocre books with huge followings.
Marketing & Author Platform
Getting your book in front of readers
Do I need social media to sell books?
No, it's not required. Social media helps—but plenty of authors sell books through newsletters, ads, or word of mouth.
Should I start building an audience before I finish my book?
It can help, but finishing your book is more important. You can build an audience while you write, but don't let it distract from actually writing.
Do I need a website or blog?
A simple website is helpful but not essential when starting out. Focus on writing first, then create a basic site when you're ready to publish.
How do I get reviews for my book?
Ask friends and family first, then reach out to book bloggers in your genre. Good reviews take time to accumulate, so be patient.
About Word Vein
Questions about this site and community
Is Word Vein only for fiction writers?
Nope! While many examples focus on fiction, the principles apply to memoir, poetry, and other creative writing too. Good storytelling techniques work across genres.
Do I have to pay for anything here?
All the core content and guidance is completely free. I might recommend paid tools occasionally, but the essential advice will always be accessible.
Can I ask questions that aren't covered here?
Absolutely! Send me your questions through the contact page. If I get the same question multiple times, I'll add it here or write a blog post about it.
Is this for complete beginners only?
Primarily yes, but writers at any stage often find the back-to-basics approach helpful. Sometimes we all need reminders of the fundamentals.
Will you critique my writing?
I can't offer individual critiques, but the assessment tools and blog posts will help you evaluate your own work. Consider joining the community for peer feedback when it launches.
Don't See Your Question?
If you have a writing question that isn't covered here, I'd love to hear from you. Your question might become the next blog post that helps hundreds of other writers.
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