Publishing: Not a Goal

Describing the last five years of my life is not easy. Five years ago I completed my first novel. Five years ago I assumed after a few diligent months of toiling, I’d land a literary agent and then go on to publish said first book. Five years ago, I wasn’t that good of a writer.


In the last five years I’ve written four and a half additional books (not to mention, edited and rewritten a few of those a ridiculous amount of times). I’ve been rejected countless times. I’ve attended writing conferences, read various books on writing, helped launch a non-profit focused on promoting teen literacy, supported brilliant authors, read hundreds of books, co-founded one of the largest writing conferences for teens in the nation, obtained a literary agent, went through two rounds of submissions without a bite . . . and until a few weeks ago, had never been offered a contract for publication.


I hope that list does not discourage those of you with publishing aspirations. No doubt, you have much better skill and luck on your side than I did entering this crazy business. My intention is to provide a bit of context to the real reason for this post:


I’ve finally accepted a contract with a national publisher!


It would be extremely difficult to make enough money to justify the hours dedicated to this dream of mine. But that was never the goal for me . . . and to be honest, neither was publishing.


I know, I know. You’re shaking your fists and calling “bull” at my statement. Let me assure you, I did have dreams of being published. I’ve operated with that one hope in mind for the past five years. But it was never the goal.


In my opinion,  you can’t set a realistic goal based on the whims and preferences of others.


That isn’t to say I didn’t have goals! My goals were very specific and ALWAYS within my control. (I.E. “I will write 20,000 words this month,” or, “I will send out fifty queries this month,” etc)


In publishing and in life there are too many variables that we simply can’t control. When we pine and only focus on such aspirations, we will always find disappointment. Always. But I knew, through this whole crazy whirlwind of trying to get published, that I would never fail unless I chose to stop pushing myself. To stop taking one step ahead.


I’m so SO excited to begin this new chapter of my writing journey as a published author. DREAM. COME. TRUE.


But my goals as a writer are ever changing.


Thanks to all of the wonderful friends, mentors, and cheerleaders in my life. I am truly blessed!


 


 

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Published on April 21, 2014 16:13
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