Do you sometimes become frustrated by the whole process of writing and publishing a book? Sure you do. It’s frustrating when you get stumped or stopped while trying to flesh out your characters, write a particular scene or locate the information you want to include in your book. It’s frustrating when you can’t decide which publishing option to choose. You feel nothing but frustration when you put your heart and soul into promoting your book and sales continue to slip.
I feel your pain. And so do hundreds of other new and seasoned authors. You believe you are giving your all, yet the return on your efforts is so stinking minimal. You’ve done everything right—so where’s the reward?
I received an email from an author today who is frustrated because she can’t get her foot in the door of an agent, let alone a publisher. I’m sure that many of you can relate to this dilemma. As writers, we take great pride in our work. We produce the best darn story we can, the most amazing children’s book or the most important informational book and no one seems to care.
Ever feel this way? I’m sure that the fashion designer, hair stylist, artist (definitely the artist), landscaper, builder and jeweler all experience the same pain when their work is ignored or even rejected. When you put so much of yourself into a project, having it overlooked, disregarded or rejected hurts. It cuts deeply—replacing that sense of joy you experienced during creation with raw wounds.
Yet, as writers, we continually put ourselves out there in hopes of receiving something positive. And it is those positive comments and reactions that keep us going.
Are you frustrated with your writing/publishing project? If you are ready to work with a publisher or an agent, but you can’t get a foot in the door. I suggest backing off for a little while. Maybe your project isn’t quite ready to meet a publisher. Does it need professional editing? Contact me for a free evaluation and estimate. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about me and my work: http://www.patriciafry.com
Perhaps you haven’t spent enough time studying the publishing industry. You really don’t understand your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibility as a published author. Study my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.” http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html (It’s currently discounted.)
Way too many hopeful authors are so focused on publishing with the major publishers that they can’t see the vast opportunities before them. I have to tell you, not all books are major publisher material. But there are hundreds of publishers out there seeking good projects that will make them some money and they would rather work without agent representation. You really need to check them out.
Maybe you are trying to promote your book and things aren’t going well. Book promotion is very hard work. Not only is the competition fierce, but marketing is a whole other business that some people train hard to enter into. The average Joe and Molly are usually prepared for what it takes to successfully promote a book. To learn more about book promotion, how to devise a marketing plan and so much more, read my latest book, “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.”
http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html
If you want to connect with other authors—both beginner and seasoned—join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org
The one thing you should NOT do is keep doing what isn’t working for you. What should you do?
• Educate yourself.
• If you believe in your project, invest in it.
• View your book from a practical not emotional place.