The Hardest Lesson I Learned About Publishing: Never Give Up on Your Stories
When I first signed with a literary agent, I thought I’d finally made it. Isn’t that the dream? Landing representation, having someone in your corner to champion your work, and imagining your stories on bookstore shelves. But my reality turned out to be very different. I spent five years with an agent who couldn’t sell my books, and those years felt like they were stolen from me—years of my writing, my career, and my confidence.
With every failed submission, my excitement faded and was replaced by self-doubt. I started questioning everything: Was I good enough? Were my books good enough? Was I wasting my time chasing an impossible dream? For five years, my books sat in limbo, and I wondered if they’d ever see the light of day.
The Turning Point
When my agent and I parted ways, I was at a crossroads. Part of me wanted to quit. If an agent couldn’t sell my books, what chance did I have on my own? But another part of me refused to let go. My stories weren’t just words on a page—they were pieces of me, and I wasn’t ready to abandon them.
So, I took a leap of faith. Without representation, I started submitting directly to small presses. It was daunting and often disheartening to go through the process alone, but eventually, my persistence paid off. Both of my books found a home. A publisher believed in them—and in me.
The Benefits of a Small Press
Publishing through a small press was a completely different experience from the one I’d imagined when I first set out on this journey. While small presses don’t have the massive marketing budgets or widespread name recognition of larger publishers, they offer unique benefits that made all the difference.
One of the most significant advantages of working with a small press is the individualized attention. Unlike with larger publishers, where authors can sometimes feel like just another cog in the machine, small presses have a family vibe. The team is smaller, more personal, and deeply invested in your book’s success. I wasn’t just another title in their catalog—I was a priority.
This personalized approach extended to every stage of the process, from edits to cover design to marketing strategies. My input was valued, and I felt like a true partner in bringing my book to life. This kind of collaboration gave me a level of creative control that I might not have had with a bigger publisher.
Small presses are also more willing to take risks on unique stories and voices that might not fit the traditional mold. That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for because it gave my books a chance to shine when they might have otherwise been overlooked.
Why I’m Grateful I Didn’t Give Up
Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t give up on my stories. The hardest lesson I learned about publishing is that persistence is everything. The traditional path isn’t the only path, and sometimes the unconventional route leads to the most rewarding experiences.
Publishing through a small press reminded me that the size of the publisher doesn’t define the value of your work. What matters is finding the right home for your stories—a place where your voice is heard, your input is valued, and your books are nurtured.
My Advice to Fellow Authors
For anyone struggling to find their way in publishing, here’s my advice: believe in your stories, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Keep submitting. Keep writing. You never know where your words might take you.
With every failed submission, my excitement faded and was replaced by self-doubt. I started questioning everything: Was I good enough? Were my books good enough? Was I wasting my time chasing an impossible dream? For five years, my books sat in limbo, and I wondered if they’d ever see the light of day.
The Turning Point
When my agent and I parted ways, I was at a crossroads. Part of me wanted to quit. If an agent couldn’t sell my books, what chance did I have on my own? But another part of me refused to let go. My stories weren’t just words on a page—they were pieces of me, and I wasn’t ready to abandon them.
So, I took a leap of faith. Without representation, I started submitting directly to small presses. It was daunting and often disheartening to go through the process alone, but eventually, my persistence paid off. Both of my books found a home. A publisher believed in them—and in me.
The Benefits of a Small Press
Publishing through a small press was a completely different experience from the one I’d imagined when I first set out on this journey. While small presses don’t have the massive marketing budgets or widespread name recognition of larger publishers, they offer unique benefits that made all the difference.
One of the most significant advantages of working with a small press is the individualized attention. Unlike with larger publishers, where authors can sometimes feel like just another cog in the machine, small presses have a family vibe. The team is smaller, more personal, and deeply invested in your book’s success. I wasn’t just another title in their catalog—I was a priority.
This personalized approach extended to every stage of the process, from edits to cover design to marketing strategies. My input was valued, and I felt like a true partner in bringing my book to life. This kind of collaboration gave me a level of creative control that I might not have had with a bigger publisher.
Small presses are also more willing to take risks on unique stories and voices that might not fit the traditional mold. That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for because it gave my books a chance to shine when they might have otherwise been overlooked.
Why I’m Grateful I Didn’t Give Up
Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t give up on my stories. The hardest lesson I learned about publishing is that persistence is everything. The traditional path isn’t the only path, and sometimes the unconventional route leads to the most rewarding experiences.
Publishing through a small press reminded me that the size of the publisher doesn’t define the value of your work. What matters is finding the right home for your stories—a place where your voice is heard, your input is valued, and your books are nurtured.
My Advice to Fellow Authors
For anyone struggling to find their way in publishing, here’s my advice: believe in your stories, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Keep submitting. Keep writing. You never know where your words might take you.
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