This is not a how to become traditionally published. For that, I’d highly recommend this post with infographic from Jane Friedman.
This is a post on what it’s like to endure the relentless journey of becoming a traditionally published author if you choose to take it. It’s the post I wished I read before I started on my own journey 8+ years ago.
While your author’s journey will be unique to you, there are similarities in all heroic journeys especially on the road to being published. While many are equipping themselves this summer with travel gear during the pandemic, this list will help you get acclimated so you know just what to expect.
1. Unless you’re an expert in an area like a doctor, engineer or scientist, it’ll likely take years before you get an agent and sell your first book.
2. When you tell people that you’re writing a book, you’ll receive either a) wide-eyed looks and questions by people who also want to write a book b) eye rolls, criticism and comments like, “Doesn’t everyone want to write a book?”
You can prepare for this by not telling everyone what you’re working on and by realizing that a lot of the negative feedback comes from people who never fulfilled their own dreams.
3. You’ll need to invest time and money into working on your craft.
Like anything that’s worth doing, writing requires hard work. This means taking classes, webinars, maybe becoming a member of a writing organization like SCBWI and attending conferences. At the beginning, start off small by joining a local group in your area and reading books on writing at your library. All the time you put in at the beginning does add up.
4. Be honest with yourself about how much you’re willing to do to get published.
It’s an exciting journey with many curveballs and emotional tailspins. Why are you doing this? Is it to prove something to someone or are you doing it for some deeper purpose? The quicker you can answer these questions the more motivation you will have when the going gets tough.
5. Writing is a difficult profession and one thing I wished I learned sooner was relying on the help of others to get through it.
Although writing is a solitary act, revision is not. You cannot create publishable work in a vacuum. Ultimately, books that you see at your local bookstore are there because it’s been worked on to get sold. You need other eyes on your work to help you to realize that what you’re creating isn’t solely for you. When you work on your first draft, you need to write for yourself. But eventually, you’ll have to tear yourself away from your project enough to see the bigger picture. It’s not just your words out there for you and your family. It’s for the reader.
6. There will be dark nights of the soul moments.
If you’re writing with your heart and pouring everything on the page, sacrificing nights and time away from your kids, there will come a time when rejection will feel like a rejection of your worth as a person. And this won’t go away. Every time you publish a book or attempt to revise that wretched new manuscript, the doubts will pour in. Learning how to be kind to yourself during these moments is the key to persevering as a traditionally published author. You’ll want to give up. You’ll wonder why you ever decided to get published in the first place. And slowly every negative comment anyone has ever said to you will trickle in. This is one of the most emotionally difficult parts of writing. It’s why a lot of writers I know have stopped writing. But what I’ve learned and what’s helped me is knowing that this isn’t a sign to throw in the towel. Sometimes it’s just an indication that I need a break. Sometimes I need to try something new. Sometimes I need to go to a museum or find a mentor or a coach. When you start feeling that familiar feeling of doubt and insecurity, check in with yourself.
- Contact a fellow writer.
- Remind yourself that all writers, even the uber-successful ones go through this.
- Buy yourself flowers or a new journal.
- Post positive quotes.
- Read biographies of people like Walt Disney who continuously met with obstacle after obstacle.
- Hire a coach.
If you’re feeling discouraged, it’s not the end. It’s just a sign that something needs to be addressed.
What are YOU struggling with most right now when it comes to becoming traditionally published? Do you have a question about the process? Send me an email at bauyemura AT gmail DOT com or leave a comment and I’ll answer it.
