Ten Things I Wish I'd Known by Tamsyn Murray

It's been three years since my first book was published and I like to think I've learned a lot in that time. Things like how royalties work (erm...) and what publishers want (erm...) and the secret of how to make writing pay (erm...). What I really need is a DeLorean with a working flux capacitor and a Sports Almanac, then I wouldn't need to fret about any of those things. But while I wait for Michael J Fox to turn up, here are ten things I wish I'd known before I was published:

1. Writing your first book is easy compared to writing your second - you will never be so free again. Enjoy that freedom while you can.
2. Writing will not make you rich. Don't give up the day job - it keeps you in Haribo.
3. You will never think you are good enough.
4. There will always be someone more successful than you. Be reassured that they will never think they are good enough.
5. Don't be afraid of other authors - they are mostly lovely. Except that one person - you know who I mean...
6. Do not read reviews.
7. Don't give your work away for free. It doesn't work.
8. Do your edits sooner rather than later. Don't leave them until the last minute.
9. Social media is work - allow time for it. Read, make friends and if you follow any links, NEVER read the comments under the articles.
10. Once your book is published, it is no longer yours. Let it go. And if you work out how to do this, let me know.

So what do you wish you'd known before you were published?