You have a story to tell. Characters filling your imagination. Themes you're passionate about exploring. You've decided to write a book in English—even though it's your second language. You sit down to write, and every sentence feels like climbing a mountain. You second-guess every word choice. Spend ten minutes deciding between "in" and "on." Wonder if your dialogue sounds natural or if natives would laugh at it. Google "difference between slim and skinny" for the fifth time this week.
Maybe you're making a mistake. Maybe you should write in your native language. Maybe English speakers won't want to read books by non-native writers. Maybe your grammar will never be good enough.
Here's what successful multilingual authors know: Yes, writing in your second language is harder. Yes, you'll need more editing than native speakers. Yes, you'll make errors natives don't make. But you can absolutely write publishable, successful books in English. Joseph Conrad spoke Polish, Vladimir Nabokov spoke Russian, Ha Jin speaks Chinese—all wrote acclaimed books in English. Your multilingual perspective isn't a handicap. It's a unique voice that English-language literature needs.
The path requires strategies: reading extensively to internalize patterns, using tools wisely, finding the right editor, focusing on clarity over complexity, and leveraging your multicultural perspective as a strength. This guide will show you how.
You Can Write Successfully in Your Second Language
Proof: Successful Authors Who Did It
Joseph Conrad: Native Polish speaker who became one of English literature's most celebrated authors. Wrote Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim in his third language.
Vladimir Nabokov: Russian novelist who wrote Lolita in English. Considered one of the greatest prose stylists in English.
Ha Jin: Chinese author who learned English in his twenties. National Book Award winner. Writes exclusively in English now.
Yiyun Li: Chinese-American author who learned English as adult. Multiple award winner. Chose English over Chinese for writing.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Grew up bilingual (Igbo and English) in Nigeria. One of most acclaimed contemporary authors.
These authors faced the same challenges you do. They succeeded anyway. So can you.
Your Challenges Are Real
ESL (English as a Second Language) writers face specific obstacles:
- Grammar and syntax errors that natives don't make
- Smaller vocabulary than native speakers
- Difficulty with idioms and cultural references
- Dialogue that doesn't sound natural
- Missing subtle connotations in word choice
- Prepositions (nightmare for most ESL writers)
- Articles (a, an, the) if your language doesn't have them
These are legitimate challenges. Acknowledging them isn't discouraging—it's strategic. You can't fix what you don't recognize.
But You Also Have Unique Strengths
Your multilingual perspective gives you advantages:
- Fresh approach to English: You don't take phrases for granted. You see what natives miss.
- Multicultural viewpoint: Increasingly valuable in diverse literary marketplace.
- Linguistic consciousness: Often more thoughtful about language choices than natives.
- Cross-cultural authenticity: Can write multicultural characters believably.
- Unique voice: Your slightly different English can be distinctive strength.
The Reality You Must Accept
You will need more editing than native speakers. You will work harder on certain aspects. You will need professional help with English-specific issues.
But you can absolutely write publishable books. Your voice matters. Your stories deserve to be told. English language literature needs diverse perspectives.
The key: Your perspective + hard work on English skills + professional editing for ESL writers = successful book.
Common ESL Writing Challenges (And How to Handle Them)
Challenge 1: Articles (a, an, the)
Who struggles most: Speakers of languages without articles (Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, etc.)
Common errors:
- Omitting articles: "She went to store" → "She went to the store"
- Wrong article: "I saw a moon last night" → "I saw the moon last night"
- Unnecessary articles: "The life is beautiful" → "Life is beautiful"
Basic rules (with many exceptions):
- THE: Specific thing both you and reader know about
- A/AN: One non-specific thing
- NO ARTICLE: General concepts, plural generalities, abstract ideas
Reality: Articles are one of English's hardest features. Native speakers learn them through exposure, not rules. You'll need same approach.
Strategy: Read extensively. Pattern recognition beats memorizing rules. Over time, correct article usage will start to "feel" right.
Challenge 2: Prepositions
Why it's hard: Prepositions in English are largely illogical. Often idiomatic. Don't translate directly from other languages.
Common errors:
- "Different than" → "different from"
- "Married with someone" → "married to someone"
- "Interested about" → "interested in"
- "In the weekend" → "on the weekend" (but "in the morning")
Strategy:
- Keep a personal list of phrases you use often with correct prepositions
- Don't rely on translation—learn English phrases as units
- Use corpus tools (Ludwig.guru) to see how natives use phrases
- When revising, search for prepositions you struggle with and double-check each use
Challenge 3: Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
The problem: English loves phrasal verbs (verb + preposition with new meaning). "Look up," "look into," "look after," "look forward to"—all different meanings.
Common errors:
- Using formal Latinate verb when native would use casual phrasal verb
- "I must depart" (formal) vs. "I have to go" (natural)
- Translating idioms from your language that don't exist in English
- Misusing English idioms
Strategy:
- Build a list of common phrasal verbs in your genre
- Read dialogue-heavy contemporary novels to learn natural usage
- When uncertain about idiom, use simple clear language instead
- Better to be clear than incorrectly "colorful"
Challenge 4: Natural-Sounding Dialogue
The problem: Written dialogue doesn't follow formal grammar rules. Natives use contractions, fragments, informal structures. ESL writers often write dialogue that's too grammatically correct.
What sounds wrong:
"I do not know what you are referring to. Would you please explain?"
What sounds natural:
"I don't know what you mean. Can you explain?"
Or even: "No idea what you're talking about. Explain?"
Strategy:
- Watch TV shows and movies in English (with English subtitles, not your language)
- Read contemporary fiction with lots of dialogue
- Read dialogue aloud—does it sound like how people actually talk?
- Use contractions in dialogue (don't, can't, won't, I'm, she's)
- Study how characters speak in your genre
Challenge 5: Word Choice and Connotation
The problem: Words with similar dictionary meanings have different connotations.
"Slim" vs. "skinny" vs. "thin"—all mean not fat, but:
- Slim: positive (attractive)
- Thin: neutral
- Skinny: often negative (too thin)
"Childish" vs. "childlike":
- Childish: immature (negative)
- Childlike: innocent, wonder (positive)
Strategy:
- Use thesaurus carefully, not blindly
- Check words in context using Google Books or COCA corpus
- Ask native beta readers: "Does this word choice feel natural here?"
- Build your active vocabulary slowly with words you've seen used, not just dictionary definitions
Need help improving your English writing?
River's AI helps identify common ESL writing patterns, suggests more natural phrasing, checks idiomatic usage, and strengthens your English prose while preserving your unique voice.
Improve My WritingYour Most Important Strategy: Read Voraciously
Reading Is How You Internalize English
Reading is the single most important factor in improving your English writing. More important than grammar study. More important than vocabulary apps. More important than anything else.
What reading does:
- Shows you natural sentence structures
- Teaches appropriate word choices in context
- Demonstrates idiomatic usage
- Reveals how natives actually write
- Builds your intuition for what "sounds right"
Minimum: 1-2 hours daily reading in English
What to read: Your genre especially, but also widely. Fiction teaches different patterns than nonfiction. Contemporary language differs from classic literature.
How to read: Actively notice how authors phrase things, use words, structure sentences. Don't just read for story—read to learn language patterns.
Reading Strategy for Maximum Benefit
Genre reading (70% of time): Read extensively in the genre you're writing. Notice conventions, common phrases, how authors handle dialogue and description in your genre.
Craft reading (20% of time): Read books known for beautiful prose. Study sentence construction. Notice word choice. See how skilled writers use English.
Contemporary reading (10% of time): Read current bestsellers and magazines. Keep up with how English is used now, not just classic literature.
Using Technology Wisely
Tools That Help
Grammarly (Essential): Catches many ESL-specific errors. Free version good; premium better. Suggests improvements. Helps you learn patterns.
ProWritingAid: Grammar checking plus style analysis. Shows overused words, sentence length variety, readability. More comprehensive than Grammarly.
Hemingway App: Identifies complex sentences that should be simplified. Highlights passive voice and adverbs. Free browser version available.
Ludwig.guru: Shows you how natives actually use phrases. Search a phrase, see real examples from published sources. Invaluable for checking if something sounds natural.
COCA Corpus: Corpus of Contemporary American English. See frequency of words and phrases in actual published writing.
Tools to Use Carefully
Google Translate: Good for single words. Terrible for sentences. Creates awkward "translationese." Use for vocabulary only.
DeepL: Better than Google Translate but still imperfect. Sentence structure doesn't transfer cleanly between languages. Use as starting point only, never final version.
AI Writing Tools: Can help with phrasing but often produce generic prose. Use to see alternative ways to express ideas, but rewrite in your voice.
How to Use Tools Without Relying on Them
Don't: Let tools write for you. Don't accept every suggestion without understanding why.
Do: Use tools to learn. Understand patterns in corrections. Build your own English intuition.
Tools are training wheels. Goal: Eventually need them less as your English improves.
Working With Editors
Why You Need ESL-Experienced Editor
Not all editors work well with ESL writers. You need editor who:
- Has experience with non-native English writers
- Understands common ESL error patterns
- Teaches while editing (explains WHY, not just fixes)
- Doesn't completely rewrite your voice
- Preserves your unique perspective while fixing errors
- Patient and supportive
Finding the Right Editor
Where to look: Reedsy, Editorial Freelancers Association, recommendations from other ESL writers
Vetting process:
- Ask specifically: "Do you have experience editing ESL writers?"
- Request sample edit (1,000-2,000 words)
- Check if they explain changes or just fix silently
- Verify they preserve voice, not just correct to "standard" English
- Ask for references from other ESL clients
Budget Reality
You will need editing. This is non-negotiable. Budget:
Minimum: $500-1,000 for copyediting
Ideal: $1,500-3,000 for developmental + copyediting + proofreading
Each book you write will need less editing as your English improves. First book needs most investment.
Voice and Authenticity
Don't Erase Your Unique Perspective
Your slightly different English can be a strength, not weakness. Your fresh perspective on language. Your multicultural viewpoint. Your unique rhythm and word choices—these have value.
What to keep:
- Your perspective and worldview
- Your authentic character voices (especially multilingual characters)
- Your thematic interests
- Your storytelling approach
- Your cultural insights
What to fix:
- Grammar errors that confuse meaning
- Awkward phrasing that distracts from story
- Incorrect word usage that changes intended meaning
- Dialogue that's unnatural for native-speaking characters
The Balance
Goal: Readers think "Interesting voice and fresh perspective."
Not: "This writer doesn't speak English well."
Your English must be clear, correct, and readable. But within those bounds, your unique voice is valuable. Don't let editing homogenize your perspective into generic English.
Genre-Specific Advice for ESL Writers
Start With Plot-Driven Genres
If you're early in your English writing journey, begin with genres where plot and concept matter more than subtle prose.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Excellent Starting Point):
Why it works:
- World-building allows you to create vocabulary and linguistic rules
- Readers accept unusual phrasing as part of world flavor
- Plot and concept drive story more than prose style
- Can explain unfamiliar terms naturally through world-building
- Less dependent on cultural references natives take for granted
Approach: Focus on strong plot, interesting world, compelling characters. Your English just needs to be clear, not lyrical.
Thriller/Mystery (Good for ESL Writers):
Why it works:
- Plot-focused and fast-paced
- Straightforward prose often preferred over literary style
- Tension and action carry story
- Less emphasis on subtle word choice
- Clear writing more important than beautiful writing
Approach: Write clearly and directly. Focus on pacing and tension. Keep sentences simple and clean.
Contemporary Romance (More Challenging):
Why it's harder:
- Heavy on dialogue requiring cultural fluency
- Idioms and contemporary slang essential
- Character voice must feel authentic to culture
- Emotional subtlety requires nuanced English
- Dating norms vary by culture
If you write it: Immerse deeply in contemporary English media. Read extensively in romance subgenre. Get beta readers from target culture. Consider sensitivity readers for cultural accuracy.
Literary Fiction (Most Challenging):
Why it's hardest:
- Prose quality is the point
- Every word choice scrutinized
- Subtle connotations matter enormously
- Readers notice sentence-level craft
- Requires near-native fluency
When to attempt: After writing several books in other genres. When English feels fluid and natural. When you're reading literary fiction daily and analyzing craft.
Leveraging Your Multicultural Background
Your Background Is a Strength
English-language publishing needs:
- Authentic multicultural perspectives
- Characters from diverse backgrounds
- Stories about immigration, identity, belonging
- Cross-cultural themes
- Multilingual representation
You can provide all of these authentically. This is your advantage, not disadvantage.
Writing Multicultural Characters
Code-switching: Your multilingual characters can naturally switch between languages. You can write this authentically because you live it.
Techniques:
- Italicize non-English words (first use)
- Provide context clues for meaning
- Don't translate everything immediately
- Show characters navigating language barriers
- Represent linguistic identity honestly
Cultural details: You know details that outsiders miss. Small authentic touches. Cultural contexts natives don't have. This is your unique contribution.
Your ESL Writing Action Plan
This Month: - [ ] Read 1 hour daily in English (minimum) - [ ] Read books in your genre specifically - [ ] Write 30 minutes daily in English - [ ] Set up Grammarly (free version minimum) - [ ] Start personal error log (track mistakes you make) - [ ] Think in English while writing (no translation) Next 3 Months: - [ ] Complete first draft of current project - [ ] Identify your common error patterns - [ ] Find language exchange partner - [ ] Join writing community (online or local) - [ ] Read 20+ books in your genre - [ ] Practice dialogue by watching English TV/movies Next 6-12 Months: - [ ] Self-edit thoroughly (multiple passes) - [ ] Find ESL-experienced editor - [ ] Budget $_______ for professional editing - [ ] Get beta readers (both native and ESL) - [ ] Continue daily reading and writing - [ ] Notice improvement in fluency and confidence Ongoing: - [ ] Each book requires less editing - [ ] Build English vocabulary actively - [ ] Stay immersed in English media - [ ] Learn from professional edits - [ ] Develop your unique voice in English - [ ] Embrace your multicultural perspective - [ ] Help other ESL writers
Final Thoughts: Your Voice Matters
Writing in your second language is hard. Harder than native speakers writing in their first language. You'll make more errors. Need more editing. Work longer on certain aspects. Face frustrations natives never experience. Doubt yourself more.
But you can do this. Thousands of successful authors have written acclaimed books in their second, third, even fourth languages. Joseph Conrad didn't speak English until his twenties and became one of English literature's greats. If he could do it with 1800s resources, you can do it with Grammarly, Google, online editors, and supportive writing communities.
Your multilingual perspective is increasingly valuable. English-language literature has been too homogenous for too long. Readers want diverse voices, multicultural stories, fresh perspectives. Your background—the thing you might see as obstacle—is actually your unique contribution.
Yes, invest in editing. Yes, read voraciously to improve. Yes, use tools to catch errors. But don't let language fears stop you from telling your stories. Your voice matters. Your stories deserve to exist. Your perspective enriches English literature.
Start where you are. Write every day. Read constantly. Learn from mistakes. Get professional help when needed. Each book gets easier. Each story strengthens your English. Each project builds confidence.
You're not trying to become a native English speaker. You're becoming a multilingual author who writes in English. That's different. That's valuable. That's you. Own it. Embrace it. Write your stories. The world needs them—grammatical imperfections and all. Because once you get the editing help you need, what remains is your voice, your perspective, your truth. And that's worth far more than perfect grammar ever was.