Lessons Learned About Becoming Published
by Kathleen Shoop
1. One of the biggest lessons I learned about becoming a published
author was that the “quality” of a book doesn’t guarantee a book
deal—quality is not objective. I’m not talking about quality that
applies to unedited, unformatted work or books that boast a sloppy cover
where there is little attention to the writing at all. I’m talking
about people who think romance is frivolous and therefore the books are
junk or that historical fiction is too serious to enjoy with all that
realism, so those books stink. That type of sweeping critique is
troublesome to me. Yes, I know that professors and agents, editors and
even readers will brand one book as great and another as crap and many
times there is wide and deep agreement on such an assessment, but
really? I’ve read some “fabulous” books that I could barely get through.
Crap is subjective, talent, skill, viability in the market—it’s very
subjective. So, take this seriously, write the best book possible then
sell it.
2. I learned that writing the next book is an author’s best
marketing. Quality matters in the sense that you have to pay attention
to every single detail a big-time publisher would. You want a great
editor, a fabulous, insightful cover artist, a plan to get your work
noticed…but when readers begin to see you have a stable of fantastic
books, they tend to buy more and spread the word. Write, write, write.
It’s central, it’s the key to building a career.
3. With that said, my experience has shown me that I still need to do
other types of marketing (than writing the next book). If I don’t have
10 books out to start things rolling, in my opinion, I need to do
something to draw attention to my work. Others say no, just write and it
will take care of itself. But I needed some validation, I am insecure, I
needed readers in order for me to say, okay, this is worth, my mind, my
heart, my soul, my sanity every day. So, gently spread the word through
social networking, and save up some money for a stronger
sell—hard-working marketing plans. Groups like Fostering Success
require a miniscule fee to join and they teach you to market smartly.
BUT, I’ve also learned there are many experiences with this…some people
don’t market and sell beautifully!
4. I found out that every reader wants quality work—whatever that
means for him or her—at a good price, but most don’t give a damn who the
publisher is. It takes some time to make the shift from dreaming of a
traditional deal to going full force into self-publishing, but once you
realize it’s readers you want, you realize it’s the book that matters,
it’s getting it to readers that counts.
5. I’m sort of shocked to find I’m satisfied with indie/self-pubbing
instead of traditional publishing. Every bit of work I did up until I
started writing was accompanied by an institutional hallmark of
success…bachelors, masters, PhD…I get the whole validation by “the
system” type of thinking…I wanted that so bad! But, I’ve found that
being able to call all three of my books bestsellers, to have two of
them be multi-award winners, to know that readers do connect with my
writing—all of this has soothed my need to tether myself to a big
publisher. I’m not totally anti-traditional. I see the value in their
work, what they lend to writers. But, when the choice to toil away for
years and hope a publishing house sees my novel as its needle in the
haystack goes up against the choice to actually get my work in front of
readers, I’ll take the readers every time. That was a big lesson for me.
6. Even with all I learned in number 5 up there, I still, at times I
feel the old credibility issue creep in. I’m surprised there would be a
tiny part of me, a sliver that is affected by the fantasy related to
traditional publishing. It rears its head when a fellow writer dismisses
my success because it was done the “easy way.” But, I simply sit
quietly and reflect on what I’ve done and my goals, meditate a bit and
voila! I realize yet again, it’s the readers, dummy, that’s why I write.
7. I can’t believe the networks I’ve formed in the last nineteen
months. Being the type of person who keeps to myself in my physical
world, I am stunned at the extent to which I’ve found that I work
with/support/am supported by such an incredible, and selfless network of
writers, that people are so damn savvy and willing to share their
knowledge. If I reach out and reach back, there are people willing to
lend a hand up and many who need my help as well. It’s an exciting,
entrepreneurial time for publishing.
8. The flip-side of that is I’m equally surprised that some people
are heartless and will gladly, selfishly harm other writers just because
they can. I hate to even think of it. Moving on…
9. I’m irritated and pissed that I’ve had to learn that even I
(reserved girl who holes up in her house to write at the expense of real
social activities) can be so suddenly distracted by chores unrelated to
actual writing. I’ve learned that even
I have to actually work
at putting my ass back in the seat to write after NEVER having a
problem belting out word after word for years! There’s a lure to
marketing and networking—the results that come from it. None of that
matters if there’s no next book.
10. Publishing is AWESOME if you’re willing to be flexible, exposed,
and do all the things you dislike along with the things you love. I
think any writer will feel vulnerable to the hurt that comes with the
opinions of others no matter which publication path is chosen. And no,
we shouldn’t look at reviews…but when you’re indie, you have to monitor
your marketing and the sales rank is right there in the same cluster of
review numbers, your eyes will stray…and then, well, once you know
there’s a new review to read, you can’t quite stop yourself… You can’t
write if you don’t put your ego and sense of self at risk of the
opinions of others. But, as I’ve said above, all the negatives have
taught me about the business and myself. And truly, they pale in
comparison to the contentment I feel at being able to put my work into
the world. Flexibility, vulnerability, willingness, all play a role. I
think that’s what I’ve learned so far…
Genre – Women’s Fiction
Rating – PG15
About Love and Other Subjects:
For every woman who wonders if she chose the right career…
In Love and Other Subjects Carolyn
Jenkins strives for two things—to be the greatest teacher ever and to
find true love. She’s as skilled at both as an infant trying to eat with
a fork. Carolyn’s suburban upbringing and genuine compassion for people
who don’t fit effortlessly into society are no match for
weapon-wielding, struggling students, drug-using colleagues, and a
wicked principal.
Meanwhile, her budding relationship with a
mystery man is thwarted by his gaggle of eccentric sisters. Carolyn
depends on her friends to get her through the hard times, but with
poverty-stricken children at her feet and a wealthy man at her side, she
must define who she is. The reality of life after college can be
daunting, the road to full-fledged adulthood long and unscripted. Can
Carolyn take control and craft the life she’s always wanted?
Last week when I went to the market I saw a bag of pastel colored bunny shaped marshmallows. Without knowing what I was going to do with them I picked up a bag and threw them in my cart. I knew I'd figure it out when I got home.
12 mini White Chocolate Reese cups
5. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread out with a spoon. Take each of the colored chocolate and place spoonfuls of each on top of the white chocolate. Using a knife swirl the colored chocolate into the white chocolate to make a nice pattern.
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