So you want to be a writer…?

“Andy Dufresne, the man who crawled through 500 yards of shit and came out clean the other end.” – Ellis Boy “Red” Redding

So if you want to write a book there are a few things to remember, including crawling through the mires of rejection letters, lack of faith from others and more dangerously; self – doubt.

I’m not trying to put you off (promise) remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for those that can withstand the stenches that will drift beneath your nose from time to time, some more often than others. Now, I’m going to sit down and share some of the knowledge I have gained from my time upon the writing scene. Granted, not been around too long (a few years) but I’ve around long enough to make some keen observations that I hope you can take something from. Let’s assume you have your idea, you’ve began to put pen to paper…but you feel a little lost…you may have family and friends that doubt you. Fine. Because, the one thing you will need more than anything is a tough hide and I mean damn near impenetrable. You will also need a ‘fuck you’ attitude.  That sounds harsh doesn’t it? At the end of the day, you may only live once. It’s your dream, and if you don’t pursue it, you may regret it later. Many will try to put a wet blanket over the burning passion of your dreams but there are writers out there who will help you but remember from time to time that they may need your help, so help each other! Here is an excellent group for just the thing; http://www.facebook.com/groups/BooksUntamed

Now onto publishers…which way do you want to express your ideas? Do you want to self-publish? Go through a small publisher or go for one of the bigger houses? Now each of these has major pros and cons…too many to go into detail here but we can touch upon them.

Self-publishing : some love the thrill of going it alone, having a hand in every step of the process. Rewarding but very, very hard work.

Small publisher:  Often owned/ran by a writer and reaching a wide audience can be difficult. On the plus side, they are more interested in you as a person/writer and do not treat you as a cash cow. However, word of warning: There is a small minority, that are slick conmen and very unethical. Watch out for the ones that are always saying you are the greatest writer that ever lived and that are too eager to accept your work.

The large publisher: Hard to get into, require an agent a great deal of the time (which can be difficult in itself.) they also work to formulas that they look for in novels I.E. certain criteria that the book must meet, be it a budding romance in a horror tale and so forth.

On the plus side, you get into these guys. You get an advance (something you don’t get with a small publisher) and very decent exposure.

Then finally, it comes to you and here is some tough love that you need to take on board as a writer (and some seasoned ones could benefit from this)

DROP THE EGO!

Unless you are Stephen King or James Patterson, you have no right to tell a publisher what’s what. All publishers (so I hear, I could be wrong) have a blacklist of writers that no one will deal with. On the flip side of this, publishers worth their salt will treat you with respect but there are others, which will treat their writers like crap with the mantra; there’s always more where they come from…watch out for them, choose wisely.

After all, one cannot live without the other…

Also, don’t be a needy writer bugging them every ten minutes about your baby. Don’t worry it’s in safe hands and a publisher does not have any desire to babysit you (honestly would you want to when you are so incredibly busy?)

Do you want to be a writer still? Yes. Good.  If you ever want more advice or just need to reach those from all walks of the publishing industry just drop me a line at; https://www.facebook.com/R.D.TEUN

When I think back to when I wanted to be a writer to where I am now I think of this every time…

  “I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more grey.”  - Ellis Boy “Red” Redding

Don’t be confined to a cage, spread the wings of your expression and be free. You can do it, I believe in you. I hope you have enjoyed this post and I hope to see you again.