Why We Shouldn't Minimize Our Wins
The publishing industry is full of hurdles, so each step in the process can be a challenge. Drafting is hardly the challenge; rather, it's the number of revisions that come after between beta reader or editor notes.
Regardless of our struggles, it's important to count our wins instead of minimizing them. When I spoke with my therapist today, I told her about my book deal. I hadn't realized how I came across when I said, "Well, it's through a small press." She told me she would not allow me to minimize my win and reminded me that it's a big win to get a 3-book deal regardless.
The publishing industry often feels like there are cliques and a club mentality. There is the "repped by..." club. Those who have agents can proudly flaunt that in their bio. I know what that's like because I was once there. There are the Big 5 book deals that are a whole other club. When switching agents or venturing out on your own through a small press, there's a sense that we're no longer a part of that elite clique. It can feel discouraging. There's a sense of isolation and rejection. This is especially true when transitioning between agents or no longer having one.
There was a time when I had an agent for 5 years, and despite our efforts, 4 of my books never got picked up by the major publishers. We parted ways amicably, without a book deal. It was a disheartening experience. But, I also gained invaluable lessons. I learned how to collaborate with an agent. I learned how to accept editorial feedback. I even honed my skills by providing editorial notes to agents at literary agencies. Walking away without a book deal and seeing the end of a 5-year relationship was tough, but it didn't break me.
I felt like I had failed and sunk into a deep depression, but I continued trying on my own. Then, just three months out on my own, I locked in a three-book deal through a small press all by myself. No, I was no longer in the "repped by" club. No, I was not in the "Big 5" club either. But I found a whole new community of indie/small press authors who embraced me, congratulated me, and celebrated my win.
When my therapist emphasized the significance of my 3-book deal, without the 'small press' qualifier, it was a revelation. Two of the books in the acquired series were supposed to "die on sub" until the editor at my publisher saw something great in my work. I hadn't even realized I was downplaying my achievement until my therapist pointed it out. It made me understand that we often undermine our own successes. We need to learn to celebrate our victories without adding the 'but...' A win is a win. We might not be part of certain cliques or clubs, and that's perfectly fine. We must carve our own path and discover our own community.
If you haven't heard this in a while, I'll tell you. You are good enough. Your stories are good enough. Be proud of your accomplishments, from finishing that first draft to revision rounds and our aspirations toward publication. When you put yourself out there, it can be the most naked feeling. But someone out there wants to read your book, and if you're feeling discouraged by the insurmountable levels of rejection. Never ever let it define you. Never ever let it stop you from reaching your goals. Never ever let industry clubs and cliques reduce your wins.
Celebrate your victories because you deserve it.
Regardless of our struggles, it's important to count our wins instead of minimizing them. When I spoke with my therapist today, I told her about my book deal. I hadn't realized how I came across when I said, "Well, it's through a small press." She told me she would not allow me to minimize my win and reminded me that it's a big win to get a 3-book deal regardless.
The publishing industry often feels like there are cliques and a club mentality. There is the "repped by..." club. Those who have agents can proudly flaunt that in their bio. I know what that's like because I was once there. There are the Big 5 book deals that are a whole other club. When switching agents or venturing out on your own through a small press, there's a sense that we're no longer a part of that elite clique. It can feel discouraging. There's a sense of isolation and rejection. This is especially true when transitioning between agents or no longer having one.
There was a time when I had an agent for 5 years, and despite our efforts, 4 of my books never got picked up by the major publishers. We parted ways amicably, without a book deal. It was a disheartening experience. But, I also gained invaluable lessons. I learned how to collaborate with an agent. I learned how to accept editorial feedback. I even honed my skills by providing editorial notes to agents at literary agencies. Walking away without a book deal and seeing the end of a 5-year relationship was tough, but it didn't break me.
I felt like I had failed and sunk into a deep depression, but I continued trying on my own. Then, just three months out on my own, I locked in a three-book deal through a small press all by myself. No, I was no longer in the "repped by" club. No, I was not in the "Big 5" club either. But I found a whole new community of indie/small press authors who embraced me, congratulated me, and celebrated my win.
When my therapist emphasized the significance of my 3-book deal, without the 'small press' qualifier, it was a revelation. Two of the books in the acquired series were supposed to "die on sub" until the editor at my publisher saw something great in my work. I hadn't even realized I was downplaying my achievement until my therapist pointed it out. It made me understand that we often undermine our own successes. We need to learn to celebrate our victories without adding the 'but...' A win is a win. We might not be part of certain cliques or clubs, and that's perfectly fine. We must carve our own path and discover our own community.
If you haven't heard this in a while, I'll tell you. You are good enough. Your stories are good enough. Be proud of your accomplishments, from finishing that first draft to revision rounds and our aspirations toward publication. When you put yourself out there, it can be the most naked feeling. But someone out there wants to read your book, and if you're feeling discouraged by the insurmountable levels of rejection. Never ever let it define you. Never ever let it stop you from reaching your goals. Never ever let industry clubs and cliques reduce your wins.
Celebrate your victories because you deserve it.
No comments have been added yet.
