Dear "I want to GIVE UP!" Writer

Dear “I want to GIVE UP!” Writer,

There had been a few times when I thought about giving up. Any writer worth his or her salt has thought the same thing. When you’re so committed to a dream, but you’re hitting road blocks or struggling, it’s very easy to throw your hands in the air and say, “I give up! I quit! I can’t handle this anymore!” 

Usually when I said this, I was in tears; fed up with all the rejections and getting nowhere. But did I give up? No. I didn’t have it in me to give up. You see, writing is my life. Becoming a published author was my dream since I was twelve (although I had been writing since I was five). I couldn’t stop writing no matter how much I felt like throwing in the towel.

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As a matter of fact, I still tell my mom, “Never get published.” Because although I achieved that dream, being published is an all new ball game. It’s not easy to publish, market, get reviews and readers, and I get fed up by it all from time to time, especially during stressful moments.

If you truly want to publish, you won’t give up either. You may feel like wanting to give up when you face the dilemma of having to rewrite a book or do extensive edits, but you pull up your bootstraps and do it.

You may feel like burying yourself in a deep pit after months of rejections, but you’ll take a deep breath and keep on submitting.

And you may find all the steps to self-publish daunting and time-consuming, but you’ll fist your hands together and do what you have to do.

That is what a writer does: we go on even when it’s hard.

We go on even when we want to stop.

We go on….

Image from Flickr

Author of Hurricane Crimes, Seismic Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.

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Dear Impatient Writer

Dear Impatient Writer,

I’m impatient. I always have been. When I was younger, I was extremely impatient about getting published. At the age of seventeen, I wanted an agent and publisher YESTERDAY. I drove myself crazy with my impatience. Every month that went by without those things was brutal. At some point, I realized all things really do happen in their own time . . . when they are meant to, and no matter how hard I’d push against the wall, it wouldn’t budge until the universe moved it for me. But, of course, I kept working and striving toward my dream, because the universe does need a bit of help.

So many writers are impatient. They want to finish writing their book NOW. They want to finish editing their book NOW. And they want to publish their book NOW.

But here’s why it’s a good idea to take your time:

Writing: When you rush while writing, you can leave out details, emotion, mess up the chronological order, and create plots holes. If you take your time, even if other writers finished two or more books in the time it takes you to finish one, your sentences will flow better, the scenes will make sense, and your characters will be well developed.

Editing: Rushing through writing will lead to more editing and rewriting, but if you rush through the editing process, you’ll miss typos and grammar and punctuation mistakes. You won’t catch redundancies or unnecessary words, and you won’t be able to spot places that need help. Taking your time will ensure your eyes (and brain) can spot these mistakes.

Publishing: Now that you took your time writing and editing, this is the most important time to be patient. You don’t want the wrong agent or publisher, do you? By researching and taking your time, you’ll find agents/publishers right for your book. When you do, one of them may be the agent/publisher who signs you. And that is worth being patient for.

If you self-publish, you especially need to go one step at a time. Hire an editor and don’t rush editing. Get a professional book formatter and cover artist, too. Cutting corners on these may mean the difference between a good self-published book and a poor one.

Author of Hurricane Crimes, Seismic Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.

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QUESTION: Are you patient or impatient?

Dear Lazy Writer

Dear Lazy Writer,

If you think working with beta readers to perfect your books is too much work; if you think submitting to agents is too much work; if you think promoting your book and approaching reviewers is too much work then DON’T PUBLISH. That may sound harsh (especially coming from me) but it’s the best, most honest advice anyone could give you.

To be a successful writer (the definition of successful depends on your personal view), you will HAVE to put in a lot of work. More work than non-writers realize. More so if you want to publish. It’s not just about writing a manuscript. It’s editing it several times before getting help by two or more beta readers. It’s pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to land an agent and nursing your rejection wounds. It’s putting in the hours to help your book shine and then letting it go. It’s finding every little way to market your book to reach readers and get reviews. It’s trying and failing but picking yourself up each and every time and trying again. (And yes, I did just start 5 sentences with “It’s.”)

If you’re not ready for all of that, if it sounds like too much work, then don’t publish. Not everyone who writes a book had to publish it, and not every book has to be published. Many people could be happy having just written a book. Could you?

But if you do want to publish, be ready to put in the effort at every single stage. You can’t just sit on your hands once the book is out there. Without your help to push it along, it’ll float in the nether, undiscovered. Don’t you want your book to soar? To find its way into the hands of readers and collect reviews, not dust? Then hard work you must do!

Not everyone will have the sort of success JK Rowling and Stephen King have, but we will have out own levels of success. Except you won’t ever reach yours if you don’t try and put in the work.

So stop being a couch potato and do your book some justice!

Request reviews.

Do a blog tour. Join social media.

Do all you can without burning yourself out.

Get read. Set. GO!

QUESTION: Are you a lazy person? What makes you lazy?

Author of Hurricane Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.

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Why Indies Are Killing Professional Writers

I hate reading.

And that statement is to me as profound as saying I hate breathing. But that is what has happened.

Then...a revelation. 

I hadn’t changed. It was the material. And I came to a conclusion:

Publishing is too easy for some people. 

Writing is hard. Time consuming. Heartrending. Getting published though is not the crucible it once was, that fire through which we must pass to arrive at Author-ville. CreateSpace and quickie e-books are killing us. It is drowning the public in horrible writing and lame storylines.

The authors are too quick to publish and doing so without proper research and grammar. Without studying. Thinking it’s a get-rich-quick scheme.

Our society believes in instant gratification, the need for acknowledgement. Hey, we all have it, thinking that widdle baby is soooo special, that everyone will love it, all 200,000 plus words. Waking dreams of New York Times Bestseller list, talk shows, and movie scripts appear. 





Rejection hurts. Criticism stings. But it is part of the journey. 





Unfortunately, too many want to bypass this most important rite.

This week, it’s about first sentences, first paragraphs. Because Authors/Writers, if you want to gain an audience, you must get this part right. Get it wrong and you might make a few bucks but no one outside of family and close friends will know your name.

An Exercise in Writing Professionally

• Pick a favorite book. 
• Copy or highlight the first two pages. 
• Note the exact moment when it caught your interest. 
• Why? Be specific.

Use this example on your first page.

Later this week, story killers and how to avoid them.

Dear Late-Blooming Writer

I got the idea for this one after many people commented on Dear Young Writer and said they started writing later in life. This one is for all late-blooming writers.

Dear Late-Blooming Writer,

Whether you’re young or old, age doesn’t matter when it comes to chasing a dream. Let me quote C.S. Lewis real quick: “You’re never too old set another goal or dream a new dream.”

Image from Pinterest

There is nothing truer than that statement. No one should ever let their age stop them from doing something they really want to do. If you want to be a writer, don’t second guess yourself. Don’t say you’re too old to begin a new career or, God forbid, that you’re too old to get published. While writing, editing and publishing a book does take time, it is possible to do at any age. There have been authors to get published at eighteen and eighty, and all the ages in between.

So if you want to be a writer, and this revelation is coming to you at an older age, don’t hesitate but march onto that path with your head held high. Don’t let anyone make you feel as though you’re being silly or unrealistic. There is nothing silly about following a dream. And if you think reasonably about your responsibilities, and don’t quit your job on a whim, then you’re not being unrealistic.

Here are a few things to remember:

• It won’t happen overnight.

Writing a book usually takes about a year (less if you’re quick), editing adds on another possible 3-6 months. If you self-publish, you’ll see your book in print sooner, but getting an agent and then a publisher could take years. Don’t let this deter you, though. Be patient!

• It won’t be easy.

Not only does creating a good book take time but effort. Keep that in mind when you struggle, but remember that everything is surmountable.

• It won’t be impossible.

Nothing ever is. People write all the time and a good chuck of them get published, so it’s not unthinkable that you can do it too. Say instead, “I’m possible!”

Image from Pixabay

5 Things You Can Do Now:

1. Take writing courses or workshops to brush up on the rules and techniques you may have forgotten and will need to write your book.

TIP #1: Check your local library for classes.

2. Join a writer’s organization to build connections.

3. Find a critique group in your area to help you perfect your story and brainstorm with other writers.

TIP #2: Run an online search for writing critique groups in your area. Many meet once or twice a month. You may have to travel if you can’t find one close by.

4. Start a blog to build even more useful connections with authors and writers from all over the world.

TIP #3: An easy way to do this is to join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We post every first Wednesday of the month and we have a long Linky List.

5. Decide which route you want to take: traditional publishing or self-publishing.

For more advice on what you should do to get published, and so I don’t have to repeat myself, check out: Dear Aspiring Author.

And before I end this, let me say how fabulous late blooming writers are. It takes courage to choose a new journey when you thought you already knew what you wanted to do. I started writing at twelve. My mom started writing in her thirties, but stopped after having kids. Now in her late sixties she is back to writing and pushing for publication. I admire her and everyone like her.

Let’s raise a glass to late blooming writer’s everywhere!

QUESTIONS: If you have a job/career on top of writing, what do you do? If you weren’t a writer or pursing writing, what career would you want?

I would be pursing photography. 

See Also:

Dear Withdrawn Writer

Dear Time-Strapped Writer

Dear Un-inspired Writer

Dear Blocked Writer

Dear Degree-less Writer

Dear Young Writer

Dear Aspiring Author

Dear Confused Facebook Author

Dear Scrambling Writer

Dear Writer Not Writing

Dear Distracted Writer

Writer Dear PMSing Writer

Dear Goal Writer
Dear Debbie-Downer Writer

Author of Hurricane Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.

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Researching Small Presses

It's a brave new world in publishing. Traditional wisdom used to be that you must get an agent in order to land a publishing contract, but the e-book revolution has opened the door for independent authors and publishers to compete with the Big Six Publishers. Although there is nothing wrong with getting an agent and going the traditional route, that's no longer the only option for serious authors.

Who should submit directly to publishers?

Submitting directly to publishers may be a good choice for you if you have a quality product that beats to it's own drum. Smaller publishers are often more likely to take a risk on something new or different. Direct to publisher submissions are great for:

• Emerging genres like New Adult
• Genre blends or anything that is "hard to shelve"
• All things quirky, offbeat, and innovative
• Novels that appeal to niche markets
• LGBT & Multicultural
• Romance & erotica
• Anything of quality that never found a good agent match
• Anyone who has self-published or is considering self-publishing

Where to submit?

In my experience, the search for a publisher was more complicated than the search for an agent. The available databases are not as reliable or complete. Not all publishers accept unagented submissions. And not all publishers may be right for your work. This may change as direct to publisher submissions become more common. Here are some places to find publishers:

www.writersmarket.com

Sapphire Star Publishing

www.querytracker.net

Also, don't forget to try a good old-fashioned Google search. This is how I found my publisher, Curiosity Quills Press. I Googled "New Adult Publisher" and guess who I found? You may also try "publishers accepting unagented submissions" or a similar search to find lists created by other bloggers. Here are two such lists right here:

http://naalley.blogspot.com/p/publishing.html

http://sharonbayliss.blogspot.com/2012/04/list-of-publishers-seeking-submissions.html

How do I know if they are good?

Before you query and certainly before you sign, you should research potential publishers. 

First, make sure they're not scammers. You can make sure they're not rotten by looking for them on websites like this:

Crescent Moon Press

Better Business Bureau
Writer Beware Blog
Absolute Write Water Cooler
Publishers Marketplace
Predators and Editors

If they are a traditional royalty paying publisher (meaning they pay you and never the other way around) and they don't have bad press all over the web, then they're probably at least not a scam. But of course, this is your baby we're talking about. You need to make sure they're right for you. Here are more steps you can take:

• Google search. Simple but effective.
• Talk to one of their authors. Authors are just like you and me (in fact they are exactly like you and me) and most will be happy to answer your questions. If you don't feel comfortable approaching one, stalk their authors' blogs and Facebook pages to make sure they are happy campers.
• Use advanced search on Amazon to search by publisher. It's a simple way to see their whole catalog. Make sure you like their covers and that your book would fit in their catalog.

If you're offered a contract and don't have an agent, you'll probably be really happy but also completely freaking out. Here are more steps to handle your inevitable freak out:

• Repeat the steps above. :)
• Talk to your friends who have publishing contracts and compare terms (if they're comfortable with this)
• Have a lawyer review the contract.
• Read How To Be Your Own Literary Agent: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published  
• Take your time. A good publisher won't rush or pressure you.
• Ask questions. A good publisher will be happy to answer any questions you have. It also gives you a preview of how easy it is to work with them and get your questions answered.
• Follow your gut and do what feels right.

I've been through the process of signing with a publisher without an agent, so feel free to ask any questions in comments!

Five Things That Got Me to Today

Today, I’m going to take a little bit of a different approach with my week. I’ll do another prompt or something tomorrow, but right now I’ve got something else I’d like to discuss. If you’ve been following my posts over at World of the Scribe, you’ll know that I’ve been hitting many milestones. One of these is having sold my 40^th copy of my debut fantasy novel, Spell of Entrapment. I can’t believe the number has gotten that high already.

A lot of you out there are aspiring authors and writers in the making, possibly wondering how someone ever gets to selling 40 books in about 2 and a half months time. I’ll walk you through the five things that got me to where I am today.

#1. The Writing itself. I’d never have sold 40 books if I wasn’t already so passionate about the written word. Writing has been in my blood since the days of elementary school. It’s not something I can just turn my back on at a moment’s notice. I’m almost always constantly writing a story, or thinking of a story. I do whatever I can to make sure that I make the time for writing.

#2-Study The Craft. It’s not just enough to write. You have to study the ins and outs of the craft, both in the writing field and in the publishing field. There are so many tricks to the trade you’ll want to at least familiarize with. You don’t have to do everything people tell you to do, because then where would that leave you with the rest of your life? We’re each and every one of us busy people. Take only what you need.

#3- Understand Your Limits. This builds more on what #2 has established. There are only so many hours in a day. We have to be ready to deal with the limits time and life impose upon us. Why, I have far fewer hours in the day than I used to, mainly because I have a day job and family responsibilities. That’s why whenever I do get a moment, I take full advantage of it. I won’t get to write all the stories I want to write, but I’ll make sure to write as many as I can, and enjoy the ride from there.

#4-Moral Support. Our friends and families may support our writing endeavors to an extent. Yet as we writers have our own set of limitations, so do our loved ones. They may be on board with our writing, but they may not understand our passion, or why we just can’t give it up. Then again, maybe they think we could be doing something better with our time, something like household chores or taking on a second or even a third job. We need our moral support to keep us going. For that, we’ll have to turn to other writing friends.

#5-Perseverance. Lastly, I never gave up, even in spite of all the adversity. I kept going until I reached that 40^th sale. And I’ll keep going until my dying breath. That’s how committed I am to writing, and that’s what it has taken to get me to these sales. May all of you out there realize your publishing dreams, too.

Some Exciting News

Marcy asked me to share my good news with you today. I'm excited to announce that this week I signed a contract with WiDo Publishing for my first novel Sendek: The Magic Wakes. It will come out in their 2013 line-up!

The dream has been years in the making and I almost decided it wouldn't happen. Perhaps you have reached the same point in your writing career? You love it but are losing hope that you will ever see your name on a book cover unless you self-publish.

Don't Give Up!

Dig deep and ask yourself what your dream really is. When I looked in my heart I realized that more than anything I just wanted to share my story with the world. It's not about fame or fortune. For me it's about providing entertainment, escape from our every day lives, and just bringing a smile to someone who needs a break from reality.

But I didn't want to do it on my own. That thought paralyzed me. 

So, I started researching smaller publishers until I found a few that I felt good about. I actually received two offers! In the end I chose WiDo because I already knew a couple of authors that have published with them and they only had good things to say about them.

After signing the contract I waited to feel let down for giving up the agent and Big 6 dream. But you know what? It never came. In fact, I've grown more and more excited each day. This really IS the right choice for me.

That's what I want you to find out for you. What will be the best choice for you and your story? It will be slightly different for all of us, so don't be afraid. Don't compare your journey with someone else. Find your path and enjoy every step!

What am I the most excited about? 

• Having a team of people help me make Sendek the best story it can be and help me spread the word about it. 
• People will finally get to read the whole story. I hope they like it as much as I do.
• I'm going to get to hold MY book in my hands with MY name on it!
• I can't wait to see the cover for it.

While I'm waiting to start the editing process, I'm working on a website and a facebook page to share information as I receive it.

What kind of things you like to see on these types of media? Please share in the comments so I can make it as user friendly as possible.

Oh, and please go vote in my science vs. magic poll on the facebook page. Pretty please? 

What do you really want? A look at Publishing options.

That's the question of the day, week, year isn't it? What do you REALLY want when it comes to your writing career. Sometimes its hard to know.

For instance, do I write because I must to stay sane? Yes.
Do I want to see my name on the cover of a book? Yes.
Does that book have to be published by one of the big publishers? I dunno?

The last question is where the soul searching begins. The publishing industry has changed a lot over the last few years. It's going to keep changing. This means self publishing, e-publishing, small to mid sized publishing is all good now. It's a valid way to get your work out there and into the hands of readers. But is the outcome the same?

There's still a lot that I need to learn about these options, but the one thing I know for sure is that if you put the work into the editing and marketing any of these options can bring success.

So what is the level of success you want? What will be enough?

Indie Publishing (or self publishing)--There are so many ways that you can do this now days. Indie Publishing gives you complete control over the publishing process. You foot the whole bill so you choose the cover, the book size, formatting, fonts, how many books to print, or if you want just e-pub, where/how you market. The only down side to this is you still need to pay an editor to go over your book. You need to make sure you are putting out the best product you can.

• Don't self publish simply because you don't want to go through rounds of revisions with editors or because you can't handle rejection.
• Do self publish if you have polished your novel until it shines but it isn't quite right for the mass market. There's a market for every book, but sometimes great writing is turned down simply because agents and publishers aren't sure they can sell it.

Small to Mid-sized Publishers--Here you get the advantage of having professional editors and others round out your Team to put out a quality product. They help with all the formatting issues, have artist to provide covers and help you come up with a marketing plan. The great thing is since they are smaller than the biggies, there is a family feel. You get more attention.

This idea is looking better and better all the time. You don't need an agent, you still play a big part in the process but aren't solely responsible for everything. That sounds good to me.

• Don't go this route first if you really want to be the next JK Rowling or Stephanie Meyer.
• Do go this route if you've gone through a hundred agents with no luck.
• Do go this route if your novel appeals to a certain niche group of readers. Just make sure you do your research and find the right niche publisher.

The Biggies (New York Publisher, the ones we all recognize...)--Generally need an agent to go this route. You still have to play a big part in marketing yourself and your novel. You lose a lot of say in the process, but that doesn't mean you will be unhappy about the choices made (I'm thinking book covers and such).

The biggest problem with this route is it is so impersonal. Do we even have an idea of how many people are writing books now? Agents are wading through hundreds of queries a day and so its hard to catch their eye. After you get the agent you have more waiting as they try and sell your book to a publisher.

• Don't go this route if you are faint of heart. There is a lot of rejection involved.
• Do go this route if you are patient and can take being told no.
• Do go this route if you feel this is what will validate you and your writing.

Whatever it is that you want right now, work hard for it. And don't be afraid to give something a year or two before re-evaluating your goals.

Which brings me to my question for you.


What is it that you want to accomplish over the next year and how can Unicorn Bell help you reach that goal?

Please be specific so we can serve you better.