The Publishing Process is Different for Everyone
It takes years to get published. Some people are lucky and move ahead right when they start trying but for others (most) it is a long and grueling process. In many ways, there are tips and tricks to the publishing process that can help each individual, but as we’re all different, what we need will be different too. Knowledge and understanding is very important to get ahead in the publishing world.
Recently, I attended BEA (Book Expo America) for the first time. I think when I first stepped inside, despite my having been to other expos and conventions, I must have stood still for at least fifteen seconds, blinking. I was reminded about all of the stories I hear from potential authors who dream of being published (and even my own story!) and how when we are at the post office sending a manuscript out or sending one digitally that it seems so small from our end. We wonder why it is taking so long for someone to recognize our hidden talents that are just waiting to be tapped.
Then I gaze around in amazement at the sheer number of people in the publishing industry and I have a single thought - Oh, THAT'S why.
During BEA, the topic of how to get published was brought up to me. Now I'm stubborn - just ask my fiancé. Part of me likes to think that I managed to get published out of sheer will and determination. I mean, after all, I was one of those people who sent endless queries out - one of the many hopefuls. I tried idea after idea, often failing, until I found that one idea that worked. Thomas Edison himself once said "I haven't failed, I've found 10,000 ways that don't work". He also said "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration".
As writers, we have tons of inspiration. As authors, we need ninety-nine percent more perspiration than we did solely with our inspiration. I am the first to admit the publishing process is different for everyone. It is a difficult world to enter - and often, a very cold one. We receive rejections (often those heart-wrenching standard forms) and we question ourselves. The industry, our families, friends, co-workers, and many others all question us.
Are there tips and tricks to the publishing process we can try? Definitely. Will they work for each person? Probably not. But as I finish this latest post, I would like to leave all of you with one final Thomas Edison quote:
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
Never give up!!
I didn't give up!
ReplyDeleteThx... nice post.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's writing process and journey to getting published is going to be different, like you say. So, the best we call all do is share information and talk about the things that work for us and hope that we can gain new insights from one another that might work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pep talk. I've been slogging through the query game for months now, and I'm getting nowhere. Needed a little encouragement. ^_^
ReplyDelete-LupLun
Lupines and Lunatics
This is great encouragement for anyone, no matter what dreams or goals they actively pursue. I also dream of being a published author one day, but no matter what you do, the key to success is to never give up.
ReplyDelete