If you ever look for writing advice or querying advice online, you are met with a boatload of information. And much of it is conflicting. How does one decide which advice to follow?

Do you write slowly and methodically as Sabaa Tahir discussed in a recent Instagram post? Or do you zoom through your first draft knowing it will be full of errors, plot holes, and cringe-worthy writing?

Here is some advice I have read over the past few months:

• Your query letter should be short and sweet.
  • No, it needs to be in-depth so the agent can get to know your characters.
• You shouldn’t edit as you write your first draft.
  • No, you should edit as you go.
• Plotting is superior because you have no plot-holes when you draft.
  • No, pantsing is better because it gives you more creative freedom.
• Traditional publishing is the only way to go.
  • No, self-publishing is better because you have more control.
  • No, small publishers are the best. Boo Big Four publishers.
• You definitely need an editor before querying.
  • No, agents know it won’t be professionally edited, so don’t worry about it.
• Prologues are terrible.
  • No, prologues are great.

Seriously, it can get overwhelming. I recently replied to a great thread of advice about querying by thanking the person for taking the “salad bar” approach. Apparently, this is not a common phrase, so let me explain.

Think of advice on writing/querying/publishing like a salad bar. Some things really call out to you, and some things are repugnant to you. Some people love Thousand Island dressing, and others despise it. But there is no One Right Way to make a salad. You make a salad that works FOR YOU.

It’s the same with writing/querying/publishing. Look at all the advice out there, and pick and choose what works FOR YOU.

I first heard about the “salad bar” approach when it came to religion. I think it was meant in a derogatory manner, criticizing Christians for adhering to some Biblical principles and not others. But for me, it was a liberating term. Because I think that some religious doctrines can be liberating for some people and constricting for others. So find what works for you.

Same with writing. Look at a bunch of Twitter threads and blogs and articles (like this one on the best questions for beta readers) and pick and choose the best things for your writing plate. Maybe you take a bit from this column and a bit from another blog and a few bits from a Twitter thread, and that helps you. GREAT! That’s the whole point of advice – to help you be the best writer you can be.

Don’t feel constrained by the advice out there. And don’t be afraid to disregard some of it, even if those giving it are wildly successful.

Because sometimes you have to blaze your own path.