Valerie Miller
Don't wait!
The entire writing process can take a long time, especially if you are trying to go the traditional route with a publisher. You could seriously be waiting a year or more once you have finished your book. Again, the wait time will depend on which route you choose to go.
I have heard comments from some, that just going through an editor alone can take several months (depends on the editor). You can hire an editor to help polish your book, but this is not a necessary step. As far as agents go, you could get lucky right off the bat and find one right away... or you could end up with several rejections and continue looking for the right one. Agents too can take a few months if they ask you for the full manuscript. Editors and Agents are wonderful multi-taskers, but they typically have multiple books at a time that they are working with...so remember to be patient when working with them.
The sooner you start writing, the sooner you will have books to your name! Depending on your dreams and goals, will help you know which route is right for you. Just remember that with most all things in life, practice makes perfect! Some people may want to self publish first, and then go the traditional route later.
With how many writers there are in the world today, I am so thankful that we all have the opportunity to self publish through different outlets. This allows the writer to feel accomplished and know that they are living their dream! It is an amazing feeling to be able to hold your own book in your hands and be able to say, "I did it!" LOL, then you can turn right around and start working on the next.
The entire writing process can take a long time, especially if you are trying to go the traditional route with a publisher. You could seriously be waiting a year or more once you have finished your book. Again, the wait time will depend on which route you choose to go.
I have heard comments from some, that just going through an editor alone can take several months (depends on the editor). You can hire an editor to help polish your book, but this is not a necessary step. As far as agents go, you could get lucky right off the bat and find one right away... or you could end up with several rejections and continue looking for the right one. Agents too can take a few months if they ask you for the full manuscript. Editors and Agents are wonderful multi-taskers, but they typically have multiple books at a time that they are working with...so remember to be patient when working with them.
The sooner you start writing, the sooner you will have books to your name! Depending on your dreams and goals, will help you know which route is right for you. Just remember that with most all things in life, practice makes perfect! Some people may want to self publish first, and then go the traditional route later.
With how many writers there are in the world today, I am so thankful that we all have the opportunity to self publish through different outlets. This allows the writer to feel accomplished and know that they are living their dream! It is an amazing feeling to be able to hold your own book in your hands and be able to say, "I did it!" LOL, then you can turn right around and start working on the next.
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more