Advice from an Unsuccessful Author
An idea for a story resided and evolved inside my head for years. However, too many other aspects of my life left no time to seriously pursue it.
By 2005, my priorities had changed dramatically. My four children were now self-sufficient, independent adults, I was now a widower, and into my fourth year of retirement. After five years adjusting to my new lifestyle, I decided to focus the vast majority of my time upon finally doing something about my long dormant idea.
After a year of writing, rewriting, and polishing, I submitted query letters to several publishers until one offered me a contract. Unfortunately, the manuscript which I had believed to be polished and ready for publishing turned out to be neither. Fortunately, a copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist patiently helped me to make it ready.
The book was finally released in four formats on August 9, 2011. It remained commercially available until December 31, 2016 when the publisher was forced to declare bankruptcy; probably due to having signed too many authors like myself.
During the five years and four months of its availability, the book sold a total of only 1,029 units (485 paperback - 480 e-book - 36 audio on CD - 28 audio download). Royalties paid to me totaled $2,358.34. My one and only novel was a commercial failure.
During 72 years of life, I have learned that we sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. The important thing is to at least try. Fortunately, I have experienced success many more times than failure: A financially rewarding 33-year management career, 35 1/2 year wonderful marriage, 5 beautiful children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom never cease to make me proud.
If you happen to be a novice writer, remember this: Very few authors will ever become commercially successful within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. However, if you do not, just remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded during your lifetime.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill
By 2005, my priorities had changed dramatically. My four children were now self-sufficient, independent adults, I was now a widower, and into my fourth year of retirement. After five years adjusting to my new lifestyle, I decided to focus the vast majority of my time upon finally doing something about my long dormant idea.
After a year of writing, rewriting, and polishing, I submitted query letters to several publishers until one offered me a contract. Unfortunately, the manuscript which I had believed to be polished and ready for publishing turned out to be neither. Fortunately, a copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist patiently helped me to make it ready.
The book was finally released in four formats on August 9, 2011. It remained commercially available until December 31, 2016 when the publisher was forced to declare bankruptcy; probably due to having signed too many authors like myself.
During the five years and four months of its availability, the book sold a total of only 1,029 units (485 paperback - 480 e-book - 36 audio on CD - 28 audio download). Royalties paid to me totaled $2,358.34. My one and only novel was a commercial failure.
During 72 years of life, I have learned that we sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. The important thing is to at least try. Fortunately, I have experienced success many more times than failure: A financially rewarding 33-year management career, 35 1/2 year wonderful marriage, 5 beautiful children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom never cease to make me proud.
If you happen to be a novice writer, remember this: Very few authors will ever become commercially successful within this extremely competitive field. That said; some have. There is no reason why you might not eventually become one of them. However, if you do not, just remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded during your lifetime.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill
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Christine wrote: "Interesting comments. I find so many current authors tie their ego/identity to their writing and failure means devastation. You are correct in saying their are far more unsuccessful authors. It is ..."Christine,
Thank you for taking the time to read the post and share your comments on the subject. I have always enjoyed, and often learn something, from the ideas and critiques expressed by you during the many years you have loyally followed the blog.
I am very glad you, an accomplished author yourself, thinks so highly of my one and only novel. Numbering you as one of the 1,029 who purchased a copy has always held a special meaning for me. The 4-book anthology Childhood Fears, of which your novella is one, still resides on the bookshelf in my den.
I look forward to the day when I can boast to my acquaintances that I knew Christine Hayton before she became a best-selling author.
Jim
A very wise man told me success with my writing will only come when I match the right story, to the right person, on the right day.
For the record, your book was excellent. It still resonates with me and I have often recommended it to my friends. You need to realize it may not have been a financial success, but it was a very impressive work.