Miranda Shisler
I could go on forever on this topic. Here are the three things that come first to mind:
1. Don't be in a hurry. Expect the process to take years. Don't force yourself into the spotlight. We have great resources these days that do not require that magical relationship with an agent or publisher, BUT it is being seriously misused, which makes it hard for the ones who ARE ready. Nothing should be presented to readers for sale until it has been rewritten a few times, edited countless times, and has been meticulously edited by someone who does it professionally. It's also a very good idea to let at least 10 other people read your first books for sale before they are published, to get feedback and find your audience and genre.
2. Don't let the publishing world discourage you. Yes, it's a harsh fact of life for writers who are artists, who are by nature extremely sensitive. There will be negativity and rejection, but only let it make you try harder, learn more, and keep going. There's no time for wallowing when we artists have an important job to do in this world. And our job doesn't have a lot to do with how much money we make or how many people we can convince to buy our book.
3. Don't be scared of being your own publisher WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. When you have learned enough about the process to present a book that is equal in quality to a traditionally published book, then by all means, figure out the process of doing it yourself if you find your goals are at odds with agents and publishers. I decided to Indie publish when I figured out it wasn't my quality of writing that was bad, it was my goal to inspire spiritually and reach a select group of readers that didn't jive with the agent's desire to make money.
1. Don't be in a hurry. Expect the process to take years. Don't force yourself into the spotlight. We have great resources these days that do not require that magical relationship with an agent or publisher, BUT it is being seriously misused, which makes it hard for the ones who ARE ready. Nothing should be presented to readers for sale until it has been rewritten a few times, edited countless times, and has been meticulously edited by someone who does it professionally. It's also a very good idea to let at least 10 other people read your first books for sale before they are published, to get feedback and find your audience and genre.
2. Don't let the publishing world discourage you. Yes, it's a harsh fact of life for writers who are artists, who are by nature extremely sensitive. There will be negativity and rejection, but only let it make you try harder, learn more, and keep going. There's no time for wallowing when we artists have an important job to do in this world. And our job doesn't have a lot to do with how much money we make or how many people we can convince to buy our book.
3. Don't be scared of being your own publisher WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. When you have learned enough about the process to present a book that is equal in quality to a traditionally published book, then by all means, figure out the process of doing it yourself if you find your goals are at odds with agents and publishers. I decided to Indie publish when I figured out it wasn't my quality of writing that was bad, it was my goal to inspire spiritually and reach a select group of readers that didn't jive with the agent's desire to make money.
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