Goodreads asked Sandra Parshall:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Sandra Parshall These days too many aspiring writers spend a lot of time worrying -- before they've even finished a book! -- about the ins and outs of finding an agent, and the question of whether to go traditional or indie. My advice is to put all that out of your mind and WRITE. Write the absolute best book you are capable of producing. Find a good critique group with insightful people whose opinions you trust and who will care more about helping you than crushing your ego. If you can afford an independent editor, hire one to give your book a professional edit. At the least, persuade someone you know who is good with grammar and punctuation to go through your manuscript. (Offer something in return -- dinner or lunch out, a delicious homemade cake of their choice if you're a talented baker.) Only when your manuscript is truly ready should you seek an agent or get involved in self-publishing. Remember that your first job is writing. So concentrate on writing.

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