Part of learning and growing in the writing craft is identifying weaknesses and learning to correct them. Some self-publishing authors are natural underwriters. Underwriting can leave readers dissatisfied with a story. Here are five things underwriters can do to improve their writing craft.

1. Show Don’t Tell

Most authors have heard this saying before, but underwriters are often guilty of telling rather than showing.

Self-publishing authors who know they are underwriters should comb through their manuscripts during the editing phase, looking for places where they summarized details of things that could have been shown. For instance, instead of an author simply saying their couple went on a date to the movies, the author could create the scene of the movie date. Instead of telling a character is angry, the author could have the character act in ways that show their anger, such as punching a wall.

There are some times in a story when telling is appropriate, but underwriter authors should look for opportunities within their manuscript to show instead of tell.

2. Add Characters

One common issue with self-publishing authors who are underwriters is that their characters feel two-dimensional. They may feel like they exist only within the story’s context and have no life outside of the pages. One way to solve this issue is to surround them with characters they can interact with and with whom they have a history before the pages of the story. This can be family members or friends.

Underwriters shouldn’t take this to excess and double or triple their character roster. Typically, adding one character who is significant to a main character is enough to turn a two-dimensional main character into a fully developed character.

3. Add Subplots

Characters should live in complex worlds. Subplots can help enrich a story that is too simple. Adding subplots that contrast or mirror the main plot can add depth to a story. For instance, a character learning to be unselfish could also be dealing with another character who is consistently selfish. Subplots also offer opportunities to create more conflicts within a story.

4. Add Conflict

Often, underwritten stories lack adequate conflict. The hero gets to their goal too quickly.

In most stories, the main characters should face both internal and external conflicts as they fight to reach their goals. The path to those goals should be cluttered with obstacles, big and small, that the character must overcome. For instance, a detective trying to solve a mystery shouldn’t just be shown looking for clues and finding them. He needs characters trying to mislead him for their purposes, clues that are red herrings, and opponents who want to solve the case before he does. Add personal conflict like a failing marriage, and the detective’s eventual victory feels even sweeter.

5. Add Description

Self-publishing authors usually have a clear idea of their characters and settings, but underwriters often fail to convey that to the reader.

Underwriters should look for opportunities to add descriptions to their manuscript. If a new character comes on the scene, the reader should get a description of them. If the characters find themselves in a new setting, the reader should be told about that setting. The author needn’t describe every piece of furniture, but there is a different feel to a room where the couch has springs pushing through the cushions alongside an empty pizza box and a room that smells of furniture polish and is filled with antiques.

Honing one’s writing craft takes time, education, and practice, but the result is a story readers won’t be able to put down.

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