So You’ve Written a Book. Now What?
I recently received an email from Iris, a fifteen old writer, asking me a few questions about publication and writing. Here are a couple of her questions:
“I am fifteen years old and want to be an author someday. I have already finished my first book but I have a few questions. Was your first book rejected by publishers, and if so, how did you deal with it? I read a lot about books being rejected, and I wondered how authors dealt with it. Also, how do you decide which publisher to go to? I’m pretty lost when it comes to those sorts of things.”
First of all, congrats on finishing a book! That’s a HUGE feat. I’ve met many aspiring writers who never get beyond talking about their book ideas. I’ve met others who might start writing but get stuck or can’t find the motivation to stick with it. So completing book number one is an awesome start!
The next logical question is: Now that I’ve written a book, what do I do next?
Some people might encourage you to pursue publication with that first novel, may even direct you to self-publish.
But I’m not one of those people. I believe that before pursuing publication (whether traditional or indie), a new writer should write at LEAST a second book (if not a third). While writing those next couple of manuscripts, enroll in online writing classes, listen to writing podcasts, read writing how-to books, and/or devour blog posts/articles that teach writing skills. And while learning, put it all into practice in your WIP (work-in-progress).
In the meantime, put your first book to bed. Let it rest. Focus on the new projects and in growing as a writer. Then after completing the second (and possibly third) book, go back and revisit the first book with fresh eyes. Will you find that it needs a lot of work? Oh yeah. Should you scrap it completely? It depends on how much work you’re willing to do in order to rewrite it.
The first book is never wasted material. Even if it’s not publishable, it’s a stepping stone in the education of becoming a skilled writer. Most published authors have a file with early manuscripts that never saw the light of day. But those books were important (essential) in developing writing skills.
I wrote five books before seeking publication with the fifth. The book was rejected and never published. Was I disappointed? Oh, for sure. But I loved story-telling enough to keep persevering—always learning, growing, and writing.
With my sixth book, I sensed I was reaching a point where my writing level was finally maturing. Even then, I sought out critique partners, paid for an edit, and entered writing contests for feedback.
After receiving positive feedback, I began to seek a literary agent who could help me find a publisher. That process was difficult and time-consuming, but necessary, since most traditional publishers don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts (and work primarily through agents).
I faced more rejections from agents. But I persevered again. And kept writing. By the time an agent offered me representation, I’d completed another book, had additional story ideas simmering, and was at a point where I was truly ready for a writing career.
Getting an agent isn’t always a guarantee of publication, but it’s definitely a step closer since they can often open closed doors and get publishing deals you can’t get on your own. And if traditional publication doesn’t work out (or isn’t something you want to pursue), then you can move into the self-publishing process with more confidence, knowing you’ve put in the work to get your books ready for readers.
After over thirty published books, I can honestly say that perseverance truly is the key. Writers need a healthy dose of perseverance to climb the mountain to publication. And once published, you’ll need more perseverance to start the uphill climb of building a writing career (which is a whole other post for a whole other day!).
How about YOU? What advice would you give to someone who’s just finished writing a first book?
