I’m at that point in my writing career where I’m tired of listening to the same old, tired crap. Lately, most of the advice is coming from people who don’t know me well. And, they don’t know anything about publishing, as it is today. I can tell by their questions, and more often, their suggestions, that they 1) aren’t writers 2) don’t read Publisher’s Weekly, Writers Digest, Poets & Writers, the SCBWI Bulletin, or any other industry-related material, 3) don’t interview industry people or authors (traditionally or self-published), and 4) don’t participate in indie-focused writing forums or other groups.
I decided that I should dispel a few publishing absolutes for those people.
You must have someone, other than a family member, edit your work.
… Unless that family member is, or has been, an editor by profession, or an old-school journalist. In this case, you’d be crazy not to add them to your writing team. And, it is a team. Just because you hire an editor to do it, doesn’t automatically mean they’ll do it with 100% accuracy. Have you ever read a traditionally published book and thought, “I would have edited that chunk out?” or, found an error? You also need to know how to edit your own work. You know how editors become stronger editors? By editing. It’s the same way that you can become a stronger writer. If you don’t know the type of edit your work needs, then you need to figure that out first.
Don’t ask your kids/parents/anyone remotely close to you to read your work, and give you their honest opinion.
… Unless your family members are brutally honest. How about that snarky teen-ager? Oh, yeah, they never give their honest opinion. Or, your mother? The point is, you need to trust your instincts. If you can have other people read your work, then do. But, don’t ignore family just because they’re family, especially if they’re part of your reading audience. Your objective is to create a great reading experience. You can do this by seeking feedback from a variety of sources. I don’t suggest giving your romance manuscript to someone who doesn’t read romance. Their feedback about the story might not be as useful as from someone who enjoys that genre. Outsiders aren’t guaranteed to give you an honest opinion. They might be more or less likely to, but that’s all. Regardless of who reads your work, you need to have a thick skin, and leave your ego at the door.
You must be in a good writing group.
… Unless you can’t find one. And, how exactly do you define good? The key here is finding other writers who are at a similar point, as you are, in your writing career. It also helps to work with writers in your genre. If you write children’s books, it’s more helpful to work with other children’s book writers. If finding a writing group isn’t working (I’m an example of this), then identify readers. I know several writers who use Wattpad for feedback on their WIPS. (All of these writers are self-published or hybrid authors.)
Writers need to build a platform.
Writers need to write. More books equals better odds at discovery, which builds the writer’s platform, portfolio, or whatever else you’d like to call it. You can certainly do both, but where should the majority of your energy be spent? Write the book. Blog about other stuff. There’s a lot of truth in having a writing schedule. I used to believe it was bullshit. So, I write an occasional blog post for my three sites, and share information, but I spend most of my time writing/editing/formatting my books. I write Monday-Friday (and sometimes Sat./Sun) from 8:30 a.m. until about noon.
A writer must have a presence on social media.
… Unless you suck at it. If that’s the case, choose some method that helps you engage with your audience. Social media outlets are an easy way to do this. If you really hate it, choose one method, and stick with it (blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, et al.)
You must be traditionally published to be considered a real writer.
… Unless you’re the entrepreneur type. Or, the type who doesn’t allow other people to define who you are. If you are one of those types, then traditional publishing might make you crazy.
How do you define real writer? To me, if you’re writing AND publishing, then you’re a real writer. If you’re writing AND querying, then you’re a real writer. If you’re writing BUT NEVER PUSHING THE SEND BUTTON, then you’re a real writer with a strong case of fear of failure/success. If you’re writing, you’re a real writer. You just might not be a paid writer, yet. A publishing contract isn’t the definition of either a good writer or a real writer. I can rattle off the titles of several well-known books that suck. Yes, I wrote that, and I mean it. The story is horrible and/or the writing is horrible, but the books were published by traditional publishers. Why? Money.
You make more money traditionally publishing.
Shhh. All you self-published writers, stop laughing. You stand to make more money if you 1) continue writing and publishing, and 2) have more control over your book rights. Many traditionally published authors will tell you that if they receive an advance, it’s smaller than it used to be. Publishers pay the upfront costs to create your book. They spend some money marketing your book for a short (3-6 months) period of time. The author gets money after the publisher re-coops their initial costs. Is this bad? No. If it works for you, keep sending out those query letters to agents. But, do it eyes wide open. The days of traditional publishers and agents as gate-keepers are behind us. Now, you have an amazing opportunity to have control over your entire writing career. You can self-pub, traditionally pub, or intentionally do both! How cool is that?
You can’t self-publish. If you do, then a traditional publisher won’t take your work seriously.
… Unless you’ve taken the time to write a great story, had it edited, made a great-looking cover, marketed it yourself, and your sales are strong and steady. All of these things are attractive to agents and publishers. If you can make a mark in the book world without their help, imagine what you could do with their help (at least, that’s what the agent/publisher is thinking. It’s about dollars. They want to make money from your future sales.) If it was all about the writing, then there are certain books that the Big 6 wouldn’t have EVER published.
Book stores won’t put self-published books on the shelf.
Some will. Some won’t. Find the ones who will. This also used to be true for libraries. Get ISBNs for your books. Make it easy for booksellers and librarians to find your books. Contact them personally. But, don’t put all of your energy into it. If all you want, is to see your book on a shelf, among a sea of other books, then add tourist offices and museums to your list. If there’s a local organization that promotes locally produced items, then your book(s) should be available through them. Remember, just because you might traditionally publish, doesn’t guarantee that your book will be either in a bookstore, or a library.
If you’re going to be a writer, then write. If you want to traditionally publish, then do it. If you want to self-publish, then do it. For the love of all things that are worth doing —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPkyPdubqDs
DO IT.