This post is part of Alex Cavanaughs Insecure Writers Support Group. You can find further details and join up Here. But it does what it says on the tin!
This is a difficult post to write and one I have been mulling over for about a week. I always try to be honest on the blog – otherwise what’s the point in having a blog unless it’s a specific blog on gardening tips or just book reviews etc, but this isn’t. I like to show a more personal side. A bit of me.
But today, in showing that side, I get to show you the failure. And who likes to do that? It’s something that I’ve known and been dealing with for a while but I haven’t said anything. There’s a fear of being shunned by a group of people you want to be a part of, because you just can’t make it. There’s a fear of showing a further vulnerability.
Ok, so you get that this month, I’m in need of support not giving support right?! 😉
Shallow Waters, the novel that was out on submission failed to find a home. There was praise, but it still failed. It was the first in a series and I was some way through the second in the series and characters were reacting to events in the first, though there was a story that could stand on it’s own.
My contract with my agent has ended. I won’t go into details of which way around this worked or why. It’s not important. What is important is that it was professional and we even spoke via email this week. The point I’m saying is that I also don’t have an agent any more. I’m right back at the very beginning.
So, as you can imagine I’m in a bit of a weird place with my writing at at this moment and I’ve entered a bit of a writing flunk. I was still adding words to the current manuscript but only about 500 a day. Trying to write that second novel as though it was now a first book. My head and my heart were and are so confused. So I threw myself into reading more. Writers need to read. I thought I’d be inspired in the reading.
I have two idea’s for other series, but I’m stuck. I can’t seem to quite let go just yet of this one. The characters I’ve worked with for years, they’re there in my head still. How do I let them go and move on? Or do I keep persisting with this second novel and make it a first in a series?
Any wise words would be much appreciated.
Oh, my sweetie, so sorry to hear that! It must feel like back to Square One, so discouraging. But I would venture to say that this is probably just how it feels today (or this week or even this month), but if your characters still feel alive in your head, if you are still attached to them and can imagine working with them in a series, I would continue writing – the second book. Then perhaps return to the first if you can still bear the sight of it. I’ve often heard it said that you get a better insight into the first book after you’ve completed the second. You’ve had an agent, you’ve had encouraging comments, so there is clearly something of value there, so keep at it! (Once you’ve had chocolate, a rest, a cry and a cup of tea.) Keeping all my fingers crossed for you and sending lots of positive vibes your way!
Thank you so much Marina. It’s true that there are the positives in there, it’s just hard to see those isn’t it when you get here? I know I’ll get through this because I still have the desperate urge to write and I am still doing it and the idea’s are still flowing and I’m reading. All signs that I’m a writer and not going to stop. I just need to get some perspective and figure it out. I’m finding book two difficult because I’d had one idea in my head for it, it was supposed to be something else, but it is capable of morphing. You’re also right about that rest and cuppa. 🙂 The slight time out or cut back I’ve taken has been helping.
Thank you so much for your support x
I’m sorry to hear your news and it must be dispiriting. But the encouragement I can give you is that your writing is good enough to have attracted an agent and praise from others in the industry. It just isn’t a good enough ‘fit’ for what’s getting published at present. I’ll say that again: not a good enough fit. That doesn’t mean readers won’t enjoy it. Cling on to that and keep writing, even if it is just a few words a day. Soon you’ll be back to feeling excited as your stories take shape. And the way forward that’s right for you will become apparent.
Also, remember you have lots of friends to call on for support, many of whom have gone through variations of what’s happening to you.
Thank you Janet. I know you understand. I feel a bit like I’m in limbo at the minute. There is good to be kept a hold of. And I do have friends. At times I feel alone, but lately, I’ve been shown that I’m not. Thank you x
There is no right answer here, Rebecca, just options. The first is to move one. But at this stage I don’t think that is the right route for you – you sound still invested in your characters. The second is to undertake a major rewrite of the first novel, and start the submission process again. I personally wouldn’t go for that, but it could be a way forward. The third option is self-publishing. Get that first book out there and see how well it sells to your friends and social media network initially, and then to a widening audience as word gets out. If you have confidence in your writing, this could work well, and could lead to a traditional publishing model – especially with book 2 underway. Look at what’s happened to Mel Sherratt.
Another option is to put book one in a drawer, and rewrite book two so that it is standalone, or the first in the series. And by rewrite, I mean keep the references to book one, but make sure they can be read and understood without having had read book one. If it leaves the odd unanswered question, that is fine – if book two gets published and leads to a series, you now have a prequel sitting there ready to answer some of those questions.
In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.”
Good luck with whichever path you choose.
Thank you! Very interesting. I am thinking of self publishing as an option, but what I hadn’t considered at all was writing book two as I’d said, then using book one as a prequel. That’s a really interesting concept. Thank you 🙂
Hi Rebecca. I can so relate to how you’re feeling at the moment. I’m pretty experienced at failure myself, so not sure how helpful my advice will be. However, I’ll say it anyway. I wouldn’t give up on your characters or their stories just because they failed to be picked up by a publisher. It sounds to me as if your heart is still in what you’re writing, and your characters still have their story to be told. What matters is that you believe in them. Things are very tough in publishing at the moment, especially for debut authors, so I’d say have faith in what you’re writing and go for it, and keep going for it, and believe in yourself and your writing.
Thank you so much. It is difficult out there. I had some great feedback, but it just wasn’t close enough. I’m sorry you feel you have experienced failure yourself. It’s an awful word isn’t it? I know I’m a writer because I just can’t stop. It’s just figuring out where to put my limited energy. With some time it will all become clear I know. They say our minds work well when we give them the space to figure it out.
Thank you.
Hi Rebecca,
These are difficult times for the artist in you. I do know a little of what you are going through – my first novel attracted an agent, but he failed to place and we parted. It’s very difficult when writing is your passion. At the time it feels terrible and you wonder what the future holds. But I can only echo Marina’s comments. You’ve had great feedback on your novel and it attracted an agent. Many never even reach that stage. For my part, I really enjoyed it and I feel, like with many books, it’s just a case of finding the right editor – one day you will find the right home for it. In the meantime give Alfie a hug, yourself a treat and, when you feel ready, start a new project. But keep writing. It’s just a matter of time for you, I can feel it. Hugs x
Thank you Jane. You are always a great support and friend. I know with a little time I can work my way out of this funk I’m in and figure out what I’m doing. I just know I can’t stop writing. I can’t give up. I’m a writer now and I will keep writing. 🙂 xx
Like Marina says. Finish book #2 and think of the plus side: you get the chance to revisit book #1. There must be loads of writers out there who would love the chance to tweak their first book again after what they’ve learned from books #2 or #3.
Also not having an agent isn’t the end of the world. Being agentless doesn’t mean you stop writing. There’s plenty of time to find another agent, or (I know it’s hard but…) even do without one altogether.
Thanks Mel. And yes, I know you’re right about the agent. That’s not what got me in the writing funk, it was not knowing what to work on and what direction to take myself and why I continued to keep adding words, so I didn’t get out of the writing groove altogether. I’m pleased with the theme that is working it’s way through book two so far it would be a shame to abandon it. Thanks Mel.
Also, just to add, I see no reason why you shouldn’t progress with the second in the series. If it is written as a standalone novel and picked up by an editor, they may well come back and pick up your first one too.
Good point Jane. As DJ said earlier, it could work as a prequel or I could just rejig things… I don’t know. But I am liking book two to be honest.
Sorry to hear this, but don’t give up, ever! The book hasn’t failed to find a home, it just hasn’t found a home YET.
There are so many options. Smaller publishers are getting bigger, for example – at quite a few of them specialise in crime fiction. If you’re interested I can send you a couple of links that you may/may not have tried yet.
Self-publishing may also suit you – look at all the self-published blogger friends we share, and how successful they are. Again, as a genre author, you are in a much better place than some people to really market your work.
Stay happy, keep writing, and believe in yourself 🙂
Thanks Annalisa. 🙂
You are right, I know. I just felt as though I was tripped up and didn’t know when I got up, which direction was the right way. Do you still have my email? If you can send me the links I can have a look. Keeping my options open will help as I let my mind mull everything over.
Thank you for your support. It does mean a lot. x
Rebecca, how I do sympathise – I know exactly how it feels, having gone through the sheer euphoria of actually getting an agent, and the depths of hearing lots of lovely comments from publishers’ editors without actually getting a deal. One editor in particular did all she could for me, but her bosses said my book wasn’t commercial enough – the old, old story. My second book in the series got the same response, unsurprisingly. I know other people that this has happened to as well.
My agent suggested trying something different, and like you, I wasn’t at all sure I could leave my other characters behind. But it was much easier than I thought, and once I began thinking about it I became just as excited about them as I had with the others – yet the others still remain in my head, like old friends. I’ve almost finished this new book and within the next couple of months I’ll know whether it’s made any difference. But I’m still unknown, so I don’t suppose the result will be any different.
In the end with my first two books, after trying some independent publishers, I went for self-publishing with amazon – as the aim of most of us is to be published and this is a way of doing it. It is really good to see your book online, and although the sales are not exactly high, they do keep trickling along. There are success stories in self-publishing, and one of my writing friends has achieved precisely that. Her sales suddenly went from trickling along up to reaching the top 20 in her genre. Unfortunately for us, she has no idea how it happened. It wasn’t anything she did!
With your own writing, you know you are good enough because you had a agent and lots of nice comments from publishers. Hang on to that, and keep bashing your head against that brick wall. If you haven’t tried independent publishers, give it a go. Never give up! Good luck!
Thank you Dawn. I know I’m not a sole story, that many of us go through this many times. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this, because I know it hurts. Self publishing is something that is in my mind but at the minute nothing is clear, my mind is still wading through its options 🙂
Thank you for your support and know I’m sending so many positive vibes your way for your next submission!
Thanks for your support too, Rebecca. There’s always hope — as I expect you know, 12 publishers turned down J.K. Rowling, 36 turned down John Braine’s “Room at the Top,” and I read recently that John Grisham’s first book was turned down by 28 publishers! And I have no doubt there are many other such stories. Keep trying!
That’s it, isn’t it. You always hear these stories. I’m a writer, so I won’t stop. I can’t 🙂
Unlike most you have commented I’m not an author do all I can say in never give up or stop believing. I’m sure you will get there xx
Thank you Steph, I really appreciate your support, author or not x
Oh Rebecca… I do feel for you. Being a writer is to be insecure and I don’t think that ever leaves us, I think the two states are inherently linked! But you know that I loved Shallow Waters and I really believe that readers would love it too. I can only echo what others have said here in that the decision of what to do next can only come from your own gut instinct. But perhaps a new project with new characters could be the thing to breathe new life into your writing and bring a new enthusiasm for your craft. And perhaps some success at self-publishing could be useful in restoring your confidence in your work? You know where I am if you want to chat. I hope you work it out and if you mention giving up I’m going to come to your house and slap you! x
Sharon, I do think you’re right about the insecurity being a permanent state for a writer! But trust me, I won’t give up. I’m a fully signed up writer. I couldn’t stop if I wanted to 🙂 So no slapping please!
Self publishing is something I’m considering while working on the next thing. I’m still trying to order my thoughts though. Thank you for your support xx
Rebecca, if you love these characters and stories don’t abandon them. Is there somewhere else you could send them? As others have said, there’s always self-publishing. I know some people do really well and you have a good network of people to spread the word. Don’t give up on your hope, just change the parameters xx
Hi Linda, thank you for your support. There are some independent publishers and there is also self publishing. Both are options, as is just putting it away in a drawer and working on the next one. My mind is currently trying to figure all that out. It’s getting messy in there 😉 xx
I’m sorry!
Have you queried some publishers directly yet? There are so many out there that take submissions without agents. Trust me, I know!
Thanks Alex. I haven’t and it is something I’m considering. At the minute I’ve just started re-reading it to see what state it’s in. Then I may have some more idea of what I want to do. Or I may just keep reading! 🙂
Rebecca, I’m sorry to hear this. I believe every cloud has a silver lining and your first book will see a golden lining soon. As they say, there is a time and place for everything and there will be one for your book too. I have no doubt that it “will” be published. Wishing you luck.
Thank you Prashant. I am also a believer that things work out. It’s why I’m allowing my mind the time it needs to filter through its options as well. The right one is in there.
Don’t lose heart. Self-publish and still query out the book. Look at what I have achieved while doing just that. Believe me, I would rather hold my book this year than 2018 which is what one publisher quoted at the Festival of Romance. Don’t hold back because one or two folk are not interested … readers are waiting in larger numbers. SP is no longer frowned upon, The London Book Fair proved that this year, the indies took over and TLBF are moving to Olympia in 2015! The Alliance of Independent Authors is a great advocate for us all, and have achieved great things, (badge on my site will take you to theirs). Having a writing platform and readers already can only strengthen your query. Good luck and chin up x
Thanks Glynis. Self publishing is something I’m considering. I know it is a viable publishing option. I just need to figure out if my book is a viable book! I will check out that link on your blog as well. Thank you x
Do not doubt yourself, I am sure it is fine! x
Rebecca – I am very sorry to hear your news. It’s so disheartening! I can only tell you what has worked for me when I’ve been in a similar sort of situation. You are a writer. Your stories are good and deserve to be told. There are lots of other options you have, and even though you’re tired of it all at the moment, you’ll get that spark again. Then you can explore what else is out there. This whole thing isn’t about you, your book or your skill. Keep working on your writing while you store up your energy.
Thanks Margot. At the minute I’m just letting my mind try and figure out where it wants to go and then hopefully that spark will return fully. I do know that I am a writer though. I can’t stop writing. I have stories inside me and I want to keep writing. The sign of a writer right? It’ll work out eventually.
Hi Rebecca
A lot of people don’t realise what is involved in being a writer. They understand writing, sure. It’s just putting words together into sentences that make sense. Everyone has a book in them, right? All you have to do is write the thing.
But it’s not like that, especially if you’re a fiction writer. You invest time in your story and your characters – a load of time. Look at the ‘success rate’ of NaNoWriMo – something like 14%? With all that support and “ra-ra”, 5 times as many ‘fail’ as ‘win’.
So the point is, if you’re a writer, and you are, you can’t stop writing. Just because your aims of being a traditionally-published author have taken a bit of a knock, you must not give up. You have invested far too much in these characters to be able to just stop. There are plenty of publishers out there, one of whom might be waiting for just your type of manuscript.
Thank you Gerald. So many times I’ve heard people say they want to write a book or they could write a book. But you’re right, it’s words. they don’t even start.
I can’t stop. I will keep on writing, no matter what it is I finally decide to focus all my energy into properly. At the minute my mind is in writer mode of the mental kind – mulling things through and letting them work out. 🙂
Thank you for your words of encouragement!
500 words per day is 500 words more than nothing; plus, ll your new situation means is you haven’t found the right agent/editor/manuscript combination yet. That’s how I view my own circumstances, since I parted company with my agent last year (amicably, like yourself). I keep on writing and you will too. Some days you will write 500 words then maybe a week later lots more, who knows? Much luck x
Thank you Cath. We can both keep on writing because we’re writers and we don’t have any choice in the matter. And you’re right, I am still adding words to that manuscript. It’ll add up and I’ll see that one day and the daily word count will also start to creep up.
Wishing us both luck in that tricky combination x
I’m sorry you’re having such a dispiriting time. Be kind to yourself, rest and re-group. It sounds as if you’ve had very encouraging feedback on your writing, so don’t give up! So many published authors have had years of rejection and disappointment, but have battled through. I’m sure that you will find the right combination of agent and publisher, or will forge ahead as an indie. Good luck in whatever path you take.
Thank you Charlotte. I know it’s a path trodden by many. I’ll find my way through it I’m sure of that because it’s what I desperately want to do. x
Oh Rebecca, you have my sympathies today. My only advice is to consider putting that series aside for a bit and work on a different project. You might find that you gain some perspective on it and can return to it with new enthusiasm. Finding a publishing home can be exhausting. You might just need some time to rest and regroup.
Thank you Elizabeth. This whole process is exhausting isn’t it. But it is something I’m determined to do in some way, shape or form, so I know I’ll get there. Thank you x
you write for you and your enjoyment and satisfaction, to release that side of you fighting to get out. So what if you haven’t found a publisher, yet.
You have started and finished where people, like myself, are far from. No one is an overnight success. Keep the faith in you and your talent and you will get to your goal. Any journey worth taking has a difficult and challenging path. The trick is to make sure you choose the paths direction. X
Thanks Ian. Sometimes that path is Bloody difficult and challenging 🙂 You know that is complicated by other matters though. I’m a writer and I can’t help but keep writing, so keep writing I will. As will you x
Rebecca don’t give up – I speak from my work experience – film/tv – sometimes with a feature film the best place to start filming is a few chapters/scenes in – because by them the characters (on paper) are comfortable with themselves ( and so then are the actors in their roles – hopefully), you can then shoot the beginning scenes later (does that makes sense?) So what I am clumsily trying to is say is keep going with book 2 – your characters and style is settled in the 2nd book, you know them and where they are headed, it will be so much easier now all the introductions are out of the way( bk1) …you can always go back to book 1 at some stage and re work if necessary. And even with a successful award winning film it is hard to find a buyer- the market wants a very narrow and specific product and no matter how good your “product” is it may not be deemed “commercial” enough to be picked up…but don’t give up… the right editor/publisher/agent is out there somewhere.
Thank you carol. It did make sense. And you’re right about the characters being settled because only the other day I found one of the characters saying something I know he should have been saying, or that type of thing anyway, in the first book. Who he was, was coming out more.
Thank you for your support. I appreciate it.
I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve gone through with your book. I haven’t been there, but I know that when I hit a writing setback, it’s really hard for me to write. A lot of what makes it possible for me to finish a rough draft is confidence. Honestly, although I haven’t gone through what you’re going through, I’m struggling with the same thing now. I’m having a hard time drafting right now because I’m so discouraged.
You might need to be patient with yourself. Your excitement and confidence will come back, but it might take some time. Be gentle with yourself, and do whatever will fill your soul.
Remember, this will be part of your story of how I got published someday–an inspiration to others of how you preserved. Hang in there!
Thank you Jennie, you’re so right about this being part of my story one day! What a great way to look at it. I’m sorry you’re struggling with confidence at the minute as well. Us writers seem doomed to be insecure creatures. Maybe take a break, work on something else for a while?
I’m sorry clicking on your name doesn’t take me to your website. leave me a link if you come back please.
I can only imagine what you’re going through, but there is no way around it. You’ll have to process what happened, plow through it, and learn to accept it. I hope there were lessons learned, because there is always value in that.
Remember its not falling down that matters, its getting up and trying again that says who you are.
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
You’re right Anna, and I am in the process of getting back up. I’m a writer and I can’t stop writing 🙂
I actually sold the first series I wrote after I contracted my second series. Maybe the timing just isn’t right. If the book received some praise, I would investigate for another home. Perhaps a small publisher, some of whom are very successful.
Thank you Susan. It’s interesting how things work isn’t it? I’m glad things worked out for you. I shall keep on writing because I can’t help it and yes, I’m considering a small publisher.
I am the queen of collecting rejections! It’s not fun and it can make one want to give up…all that hard work and for what? Yes, that is the question: for what? Fame? Money? Recognition? Validation?
Why continue to write? What is your answer, Rebecca, deep in your heart? Then follow that thread. There will be obstacles, of course there will be. Maybe you can send out your writing out of the country. Enter your manuscript into a contest. There are some great ones out there. And, most important, keep believing in yourself. And then the “for what” becomes “so what”…there are other publishers, other agents, other books to write…:)
They say you’re not a writer until you’ve collected rejections don’t they 🙂 And I can’t stop writing either. I want to keep writing because I have lots of stories in my head and I’d love some people to read them and find enjoyment in them. It’s that simple. Thank you Carol.
It’s a very altruistic reason and I am certain there are many people who will love to read your writing for you are someone, I’ve noticed through your blog, who isn’t afraid to express your unique personality. And that’s what makes writing interesting and not just a carbon copy of “how to write” or “what to write about” or “playing it safe.”
All the best in getting back on the horse, if you haven’t already. 🙂
Thank you Carol. That’s really lovely to say and really lovely to hear. I am on that horse. At a slow walk, but I’m there! 🙂
What first comes to mind, Rebecca, is this: Your ability as a writer is not tied to the precocious decisions of an agent. It is dependent upon you–your hard work, your devotion. If being agented gave her that control–not healthy.
Having said that, I am sorry to hear that’s happened. On the list of stressful life events, it probably ranks up with ‘divorced’ and ‘found a new job’. I will be looking forward to hearing how it all works out.
Thank you Jacqui. Being a writer we do seem to be very insecure creatures don’t we so it did all feel very stressful. But I can’t give up the writing and I’m still working and my mind is still ticking over. It’s not the last anyone has heard from me. 🙂
I am so sorry to hear this, I can relate to the disappoint and pain you feel right now. I have experienced a similar situation. I started working on something else but continued to sub my previous work to a few publishers who accept direct submissions. Maybe this is an option for you to look at. I still believe 100% in my original series and the concept did attract an agent once so I won’t give up on it. I just work on other things too. Don’t give up, I wish you lots of luck.
Suzanne IWSG co-host this month.
Thank you Suzanne. It is something I’m thinking about, the small publishers who accept direct submissions as is starting the new series. As writers we have so many things going through our heads anyway don’t we! Thank you.
Keeping my fingers crossed for your own current submissions.
That sucks Rebecca. I assume you’ve considered self publishing? I wish I had some advice for you but I’m actually stuck at the moment too. Some personal issues and other busyness has robbed me of my drive to continue with the manuscript for novel number 5. I’ve written eleven chapters but I don’t know if I can finish it, and even if I do finish, I’m not sure I can publish it. I am trusting that what I believe is a gift and a calling from God to be a novelist will eventually, in good time, at the right time, lead me back to the manuscript. I won’t tell you not to be discouraged because of course you are. I think you know what to do next. Don’t force the decision. Let it come to you.
Thank you. Self publishing is something I’m considering at the minute. It’s so difficult making these decisions though. I’m assessing the initial manuscript again with fresh eyes at the minute.
We do go through all these different stages in our lives that can interfere with our drive to create can’t we. I hope yours returns to you soon. I know how much joy it brings when all is going smoothly.
I’m so sorry to read this, Rebecca. I was going to say the same thing Alex did – maybe submit to publishers that don’t require agents?
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you don’t let this discourage you from continuing to pursue your goals. I know your writing will find the home it is meant to have. Take care!
Thank you Julie. Writing is one of those things that we couldn’t give up even if we wanted to 🙂
Rebecca, I had no idea. I do feel for you. Don’t give up – put the story aside and move on and come back to it later with fresh eyes and attitude. I am still piddling around writing my novel series which is taking me years. OK I have had some stories taken by publishers but I am still trying. My experience in the world of book publishing is limited and I have kept myself out of a lot of what is deemed ‘necessary’ to know. My reason being that with my experience in the world of music production and management and music publishing I learned very early on that if you are not careful you end up jumping this way and that in order to obtain an ear, or the voice of a champion only to have all the hopes, dreams and promises come to nothing. I can only speak from many years of experience in ‘shopping’ on behalf of my acts. Some we made successful, others disappeared never to be heard of again. A young artist you find has talent and can really write songs/perform and has all the bits that go to make a star. You nurture this individual talent, allowing their own voice to shine through. Recording to suit their style (genre) and with an individual edge – something new perhaps – and when the product is as ready as it can be the rounds of the record companies begins. They come to the gigs, they love the band, they love the demos (first draft if you like), then it starts; perhaps this could be done this way…may be you should ditch the singer for XYZ who we love and would fit better…we think that the songs are too cutting edge/not cutting edge enough…blah blah blah. You get my drift. So, you end up with almost a new band, with new material recorded the way the label says they want it in order to sign the act….your record is then put before the company with your artist having done everything they were told….and then: then, the guy making the decisions leaves, or the company policy changes over night, or it isn’t quite what they wanted and in any case whatever it was they saw in the artist has, well, gone…(whose fault you ask)…so having jumped through the hoops and done it all they still say no. What I learned is that you stick to your guns. Innovators would never see the light of day if the ‘experts’ had it all their own way all the time. Having pitched to every label (publisher) going you can: change beyond all belief – a totally new act/writer, risking being turned down anyway. You can go for the off the wall and seek the Indie labels (publishers); they take risks. Perhaps you form your own label and do it yourself…..but whatever you do, be yourself. The book is good apparently, so don’t get hung up on it. Put it aside and come back to it with fresh eyes or not at all (grown out of it at some point?) but be yourself, speak with your own voice, not someone else’s idea of who or what you are. My acts stayed true to themselves and soon enough they got signed. Those who didn’t well, I have no idea where they are today. Fads change and fashions move on…you cannot keep chasing after them, jumping through hoops. Innovate or do what you do (mainstream perhaps) and someone will want you. Keep changing to suit the trends and you will always be way behind. As I say I know music – book publishing is still new to me but the more I read and see the more I know I think I want to remain reasonably ignorant of the politics and trends. Believe in yourself and you will be your own best sales person, then, someone else will believe in you too. Sorry this is so long. I know nofink really. LOL. Good luck whatever you do.
Thank you Jane. I really appreciate that you took so much time with this post. It’s a fine line we tread isn’t it in the publishing world about what we need to know and knowing too much, but your advice is spot on about believing in ourselves and doing what is right for us. It’s the way forward and we can only keep trying, no matter the way we go with it. Thank you.
I am sorry it was so long and possibly rambling. I get het up and type like a demon about some things. But the passion is there – believe in yourself and be true to yourself – and I think you will win in the end. Cannot wait to read it. Wishing you all you wish yourself….and more 🙂 My pleasure. 🙂
It wasn’t rambly at all. Thank you for your kind words. x
I do hope you carry on…let me know how things go 🙂 My pleasure to chat with you. 🙂
You might want to check back on Monday 😉
I am out on Monday -dreaded physio and family stuff but I shall pop back on Tuesday. 🙂
I hope physio goes well x
Thanks. 🙂
Hi, I’m a bit late to this but I wonder if you’ve read Ralph Keyes: The Writer’s Book of Hope? It’s excellent and might help a bit!
I haven’t, but thank you Vicky, I’ll look it up.