The hardest part of becoming an author is publishing that first novel. You are putting a piece of yourself into the world, fully aware that it will be judged. The risk of being picked apart by reviewers alone can be daunting. When that criticism comes from other authors, especially those who position themselves as gatekeepers, it can be deeply discouraging.
Today, I watched a TikTok from an experienced author who went on a short rant telling new authors to stop publishing and “just hire an editor.” She went on to say it was obvious certain books should never have been published at all.
Says who? Her? Other gatekeepers who believe every book must be flawless before it deserves to exist?
I have read this author’s work, and while the grammar was solid, I was not impressed. Parts felt immature and lacked the emotional depth I expected. Does that mean I believe she should not have published those books? Absolutely not. She’s a good writer, and clearly, readers enjoy her work. Our tastes are simply different. Chances are, she might not enjoy my books either, and that is perfectly fine.
This same author often speaks openly about struggling with sales, which made her comments feel especially ironic. It also made me think more deeply about how we define “ready” in publishing. Yes, authors, especially new ones, benefit greatly from a second set of eyes. Editing and growth matter, but perfection has never been the requirement for the art storytelling.
Speaking from experience, my earliest published books were far from polished. Ten years later, I have grown tremendously as a writer. I learned through practice, feedback, and the kindness of editors and author friends who helped me strengthen my craft instead of telling me to stop. I also had a teacher early on who encouraged me to write and believed in my ability to tell stories. Without her support, I never would have had the confidence to call myself a writer at all. That kind of encouragement changes lives.
The reality is that not everyone has access to professional editors or a circle of experienced writers willing to help. That is exactly why it matters how we speak to new authors. As experienced writers, we have a choice. We can encourage growth, or we can shut it down before it ever has a chance. And let’s face it, we all find those hidden typos after our book goes live.
Why are we gatekeeping new authors simply because their work is not perfect? Yes, there are some that the authors took no effort at all, and it shows. Yet, I have seen too many new writers lose confidence in their stories because someone with more experience ripped apart their writing and, worse, their spirit. Discouragement does not teach anyone, and shame certainly isn’t helping anyone.
When I was a new author years ago, I already had a lot to overcome. I struggled with a learning disability in my early years, and even now, I miss typos and small errors that others catch easily. That does not mean I lack stories worth telling. It means I am human and still learning, just like every author who came before me.
Encouraging new authors does more than protect feelings. It builds the future of publishing. The next breakout author may be the voice readers fall in love with, and someone who just needs the guidance and confidence to keep going. Sometimes, encouragement from a peer is the only kindness they would receive otherwise. Reaching out to those who have books that need heavy editing can be a lot more helpful than ripping them apart in reviews or on social media. Behind those words is a person who deserves the same respect as any newbie just getting off their feet.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the importance of growth. Encouraging new authors also means guiding them toward editors, beta readers, and critique partners who can help them improve. It means offering advice without judgment and superiority. Writers learn best when they are given the space to grow without shame.
Let’s stop silencing new voices and grow together by lifting them up and offering the tools they need to succeed.
Loretta Kendall 