You finally step outside your comfort zone and attend a writers’ group meeting or writers’ conference. You listen intently while the speaker explains aspects of the publishing industry and how to navigate it. The speaker hands out brochures, business cards—maybe a list of resources or an article or tip sheet. He or she takes time to answer audience questions, and then the speaker invites you to visit her website and even to email her if you have additional questions.
You have been given a great opportunity to connect in a personal way with someone whose presentation you found enlightening and informative—who has material and experience and is willing to share it. You’re excited at the prospect. You’re eager to learn more—to have your burning questions answered—to gain a greater understanding of the publishing industry. But you don’t follow through. Why?
You don’t want to bother the speaker? You don’t think your question is worth asking? Or is it that you would rather not know the answers because you suspect it will mean an uncomfortable walk along the learning curve or it will necessitate stretching on your part?
If you’re one of the many authors who hope to find an easy entrance into the world of publishing—one that does not require you to step outside of your comfort zone—you might as well quit now. If you’re not going to read the recommended books, follow up on the suggested resources or take the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way with someone who might be able to help in your publishing journey, you may become one of the seventy-six percent of authors who fail.
I know what you must do in order to succeed in the fiercely competitive publishing field. And I know that the seventy-six percent of authors who fail either do not know what it takes or they choose not to accept the truth. There are still authors who so believe in their projects that they expect success without the effort. They think that all they need to do is launch their books and the public will do the rest. If they make the book available, people will buy it. These authors go from point A to point Z with nothing but faith.
I have absolutely nothing against faith. I have it, too. But when it comes to a serious and, sometimes, costly business such as publishing, I advise bringing in oodles of knowledge, understanding and proactive measures.
I am probably preaching to the choir here. The author in this scenario would probably not be reading this blog, unless it is to find a way to revive a failing book. And in that case, I have a great resource. Order my ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit. This ebook is designed to help you to heal your publishing mistakes and breathe new life into your book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com